Best Albums of 2009

1. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix


I discovered this band a few years ago off a compilation CD I bought in Spain. The song then was "If I Ever Feel Better," little did I realize that a few years later, they would become a Grammy nominated band here stateside. I love this album, with songs like "1901" "Lizstomania" and "Armistice" this album would have to be my favorite of the year.

2. La Roux - La Roux


If Phoenix wasn't so awesome, La Roux would have easily won this contest. I first heard this while at the club on Indie night, it got stuck in my head and didn't know what it was called. A few weeks later I heard it again at XXI in the mall and my friend knew what it was. I went home and heard the album all the way through and fell in love. Some of my favorites include "Bulletproof", "In It For the Kill" and "Quicksand."

3. Passion Pit - Manners
I first heard this band when the DJ at the Wave played it in a set, at the time, I didn't know much about the band. A few weeks later a friend added this whole album to my iPod and I loved it. There are plenty of great dance tunes on this one. My favorites include "Sleepyhead", "Little Secrets" and "Make Light".

4. Wilco - Wilco
I have to thank my dear friend Katrina for introducing me to Wilco. They are a fantastic band to listen to when you're cleaning, driving, or doing work. They help pass the time, plus, who can deny how great the voice of lead singer Jeff Tweedy. Fav's include "Wilco," "Bull Black Nova" and "You Never Know."

5. Peaches - I Feel Cream
If you love to dance, then you probably already know Peaches. This is probably the least vulgar of all of her albums, and my personal favorite. You can dance to every song on this album, there are a large variety of great beats and rhythms on this one, a must listen. Fav's include "Talk to Me", "Trick or Treat," and "Mud".

6. Röyksopp - Junior
Credit for introducing me to this album goes to my best friend Justin. He essentially brought this album back from Germany with him. These Norwegian boys really know how to toss together some great beats. You probably can't dance to all the songs on this album, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this album is great. My fav's include "The Girl and the Robot," "Happy Up Here" and "You Don't Have a Clue."

7. Miike Snow - Miike Snow
Bill Trina gets credit for this album. I only got introduced to Miike Snow towards the end of the year, but quickly became attached. There are plenty of dancy grooves and more slower R&B sounding stuff here. I love "Plastic Jungle," "In Search of Main" and "Animal".

8. Matt & Kim - Grand
This fantastic duo from New York has really produced a good number with this one. These songs are really catchy and it totally deserves a spot in the top ten. "Lessoned Learned" "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare" and "Daylight" are the best.

9. Calvin Harris - Ready for the Weekend
This Scottish hottie really produced a great album with "Ready for the Weekend". Although this is pretty mainstream electronica if you live in Europe, hardly anyone here in the States has heard of Calvin Harris, but they should. Gotta love these tracks "Ready for the Weekend," "You Used to Hold Me" and "Flashback".

10. Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster
No matter how much you hate her, you got to admit, her songs sure are catchy, and everywhere. I wanted to not include this, but I still haven't learned to hate songs like "Bad Romance," "Telephone," and my namesake "Alejandro". If you're going to a mainstream club where Flo-Rida and T-Pain dominate, this is a Godsent.