Jeremy's Top Albums of 2009

Click on any of the album covers to take a listen or purchase through the Amazon MP3 store:




Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix

The rest of my picks below are in no particular order but this album deserved a #1 ranking. It can simply be described as familiar meets fuzz synth meets sleepy French dude. The lyrics are a bit schizo like on the opener “Lisztomania” ("So sentimental; not sentimental, no!/ Romantic; not disgusting yet") but it is an essential pop album and a good listen all the way through.



Brand New Eyes by Paramore

Certain office mates would not soon forgive me if I left this album off of the list (those will remain nameless) however, this is a great album and I’m always willing to support a good chick fronted band from Nashville. We missed the show at the Ryman but were able to catch them in San Fran. Haley can wail and this album is a great progression from Riot!



It's Blitz by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

We continue down the path of female vocals with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If there were any doubts that the YYY’s could return with a relevant album, they are now gone. All indie “hipster” keyboard players should take notes. “It’s Blitz” shows just how much this trio has grown and is a great balance of emotion and artsy.



The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z

I'm not sure how many times Jay-Z will retire this year but do know this post-retirement comeback (his 11th album) will not disappoint. It is the third and final entry in his Blueprint series and usually makes Friday rotation in my office (the edited version of course).




I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers

Some would argue this is a sell out album. Those arguing would be previous Avett fans who have all 5 of their previous albums. That said, A major label. A stylist. A Malibu Hills recording studio. A mystical producer (Rick Rubin) and bam... you have a record people care about. The first single, “I And Love And You” is amazing! Check it out.



My One And Only Thrill by Melody Gardot

I found myself growing tired of always going back to Plans by Death Cab on rainy days so decided to replace rotation with these tunes. This album displays slow tempos, elegant vocals, and great arrangements. Do not listen to this if you need a pick-me-up.




The Outsiders by NEEDTOBREATHE

This band has perfected their songwriting over 3 albums and remained true to their roots. Some call them the Christian Kings of Leon but being a fan of both, KOL’s songs just don’t hold up anymore. I am a bit bias on this one, so you should take a listen for yourself and decide. Favorite tracks: All of them!



Love Save The Empty by Erin McCarley

This one might be disqualified because it actually released digitally in Dec 2008. The physical version was released on Jan 6th 2009 so I’m going to include it. There seems to be a theme this year with either female vocals, the fact that these bands are from Nashville, or they start with a P. In this case, 2 of the 3 apply. I love this album!




Absence by Paper Route

After a 2 year break from their last EP, Paper Route is back with a full length debut on Motown Records (I’m not sure how I feel about Motown putting out synth pop but...) three of the guys from Paper Route were in a previous band, which I also loved, called For All The Drifters. These guys are a great live act and toured a majority of 2009 with Paramore. Check out “Enemy Among Us”, “Wish”, and “Gutter”.