Best Indie Albums of 2009

NOT COMPLETE and VERY SCATTERED... Please bare with us, fellas and gals, as we switch over the blog to its site. Pacifism Rhythm will be the new title of the blog, and hope to see some familiars over there when the switch happens! The first week of April is the expected timetable.

Please excuse the missing links and broken HTML here! Much obliged!

Grading Scale
95-100 = Amazing, albums to be worshiped.
90-94 = Brilliant, stellar.
85-89 = Very good.
80-84 = Better than most.
70-79 = Lacking, but worth a gander.
- 69 = Eh.

* This list is limited to LPs and Compilations, but I'm thinking of throwing together a love list of EPs in the near future.

Last Updated on: December 23rd, 2009

To add shortly:

- The Avett Brothers, I and Love and You
- Morrisey, Years of Refusal
- Fever Ray, Self-Titled
- The Derek Trucks Band, Already Free
- Patrick Watson, Wooden Arms
- And Many More.

#90
Duncan Sheik
Whisper House


















Duncan Sheik.... brings back memories. :) Not hearing all that much of his work since the days of Barely Breathing, I was not overly impressed with Whisper House. He seemed to be trying a bit too hard to be someone he's not, although a handful of songs were rather decent. 73/100

Genre: Alt-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "I Don't Believe in You," "It's Better to Be Dead," "Take a Bow"

#89
Howling Bells
Radio Wars



















I enjoyed Radio Wars. Nothing great, but not bad at all either. Slides a little towards Pop than I typically enjoy, but it is an unique sound. Decent album. 74/100

Genre: Indie-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Treasure Hunt," "Golden Web," It Ain't You"

#88
Bat for Lashes
Two Suns



















Two Suns seemed to be lacking something. I'm uncertain if I really like it or not... some tracks and times when I listen to it, it pops, other times I go through songs not really paying much attention. 76/100

Genre: Indie; Alt-Pop

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#87
Jason Lytle
Yours Truly, the Commuter


Nothing spectacular, but a nice listen. Kind of gave me a Elliott Smith feel... I enjoyed it and definitely will have a few more listens through the album. My girlfriend saw him opening up for Neko Case and really liked his music, so I gave the album some more listens over the last month. I appreciate it a little more with some further attention. 77/100

Genre: Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "This Song Is the Mute Button," "Brand New Sun," "Ghost of My Old Dog," "It's the Weekend."

#86
Mirah
(A)spera



















I dug it. Typical Mirah fashion, nice blend of Indie-Rock and melodic Pop. 78/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Indie-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Generosity," "Education," "Country of the Future"

#85
Dananananaykroyd
Hey Everyone


Not my cup-o-tea, but there definitely is talent here. If you're into heavier shit, give them a listen. But may I say... fuck Woopi, I'll take Scotland for the win! 78/100

Genre: Posi-Core; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#84
Swan Lake
Enemy Mine


I wasn't blown away or anything, but overall I found myself liking a few tracks. I'll definitely give it a few more listens. Not Spencer Krug's best of endeavors. 78/100

Genre: Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Heartswarm," "A Hand at Dusk," "Warlock Psychologist"

#83
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Self-Titled



An 80s-esque Synth-Pop style with a current Indie feel. A pretty damn good album. 79/100

Genre: Indie-Pop; Shoegaze; Synth-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "A Teenager in Love," "Young Adult Fiction," "The Tenure Itch," "Stay Alive"

#82
Eels
Hombre Lobo


I don't know... I am a mild Eels fan, but this album didn't do much for me. I will have to revisit later, but as an initial review I can't say much more than decent. 79/100

Genre: Indie-Alternative; Rock

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#81
Dan Deacon
Bromst



















Deacon is a pretty good Electronica music maker. I really dig the background vocals on this album. A definite worth the looksie of any Electronica fan. 79/100

Genre: Electronica; Psychedelic-Rock

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#80
Elvis Costello
Secret, Profane and Sugarcane


VERY Folky for Costello, but it suits him well. I really enjoyed this album and side to him. Without a doubt, one of the very best music-makers of our time. 80/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Folk-Rock; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Sulfur to Sugarcane," "I Felt the Chill Before the Winter Came," "My All Time Doll"

#79
Art Brut
Art Brut vs. Satan



















A pretty fucking funny and fun album. I dug it. Not for everyone, not for anytime, but definitely has its place in today's music. What can I say, I really like English music. :) 80/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Punk-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake," "What a Rush"

#78
Laura Gibson
Beasts of Seasons


I am a a sucker for female folk, so just be warned... I may be rating this album a bit higher based on that alone. But, regardless, Gibson put together some great, delicate vocals and tunes. 80/100

Genre: Folk; Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Spirited," "Where Have All Your Good Words Gone?," "Come by Storm"

#77
Jenny Wilson
Hardships!



A really cool mix of Indie-Pop and Soul, Hardships! is an album I'd definitely recommend to a vast array of listeners. 80/100

Genre: Indie-Pop; Soul

Favorite Tracks: "Anchor Made of Sand," "String of Grass"

#76
Great Lake Swimmers
Lost Channels


In the Indie-Folk vein of the Red House Painters, I like GLS quite a bit. Lost Channels is definitely a must for Folk fans of all sorts. 81/100

Genre: Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Pulling on a Line," "The Chorus in the Underground," "Rivers Edge"

#75
St. Vincent
Actor


Hearing she came from Sufjan Steven's band, I was not expecting such a pop sound, but I definitely was pleasantly surprised. I dug the album substantially. 82/100

Genre: Indie-Pop; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Laughing with a Mouth of Blood," "Just the Same but Brand New," "Actor out of Work"

#74
The Horrors
Primary Colours


I will most definitely have to revisit this album a few times... it was one of those listens that you're not sure if it was borderline brilliant or not. Its vast array of sounds was pleasing, to say the least. 82/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Noise-Pop

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#73
The Antlers
Hospice


A decent blend of Ambient and Indie-Rock styles, Hospice was surprisingly better than I had thought it would be. 82/100

Genre: Ambient-Rock; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Kettering," "Two," "Bear," "Thirteen," "Epilogue"

#77
Metric
Fantasies


Metric has a really nice sound that blends Electronica with straight Indie-Rock. And on some songs, they sound like a rock version of Santigold. Very cool. 82/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Electronica

Favorite Tracks: "Help I've Alive," "Satellite Mind," "Front Row," "Stadium Love"

#76
Akron/Family
Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free


I enjoyed the upbeat Folk/Jamband sound of the album quite a bit. The track River really haunted me and made me think a lot on its lyrics and how oddly well they went with the toe-tapping tempo. 82/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Experimental-Rock; Psychedelic-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "River," "Creatures," "Set 'Em Free Pt. 1," "Many Ghosts"

#75
Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
Break Up



I didn't really know what this would be like- I can do Pete Yorn occasionally, have actually seen him twice, but am not a big fan in all honesty. I haven't kept up with his material in many, many moons, and haven't heard much of Scarlett's music/singing. But with Zooey Deschanel kicking complete fucking ass, I figured, "Eh, what the hell... give it a chance." Glad I did. A little too poppy for me, but I really enjoyed the entire album, and loved a few songs in particular. 82/100

Genre: Psychedelic-Folk; Indie-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Clean," "Search Your Heart," "Blackie's Dead," "I don't Know What to Do," "Relator"

#74
Riceboy Sleeps
(Jonsi & Alex/ Self-Titled)


From Sigur Ros frontman, Jonsi Birgisson, and his boyfriend Alex Somers, comes a much more subdued, light ambient album. I like it, but it is very soothing, almost too soothing. The subtleties of the songs make each track for me, though, and I suggest you listen to it attentively at first before letting it ride as background music. 83/100

Genre: Ambient; Post-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Stokksyri," "Indian Summer"

#73
Brakes
Touchdown



I love the span of styles that this Brighton-based band touches on (no pun intended). 83/100

Genre: Alt-Indie; Indie-Rock; Post-Punk Revival

Favorite Tracks: "Eternal Return," "Oh! Forever," "Two Shocks," "Worry about It Later"

#72
Isis
Wavering Radiant



















I love the Post-Rock/Post-Metal end of Isis, and the Avant Garde Metal sound, but could do with more singing vocals and less of the screaming ones. But still a really talented group and a solid album. 83/100

Genre: Post-Metal; Avant Garde Metal; Post-Rock

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#71
Cursive
Mama, I'm Swollen


I have known of Cursive and some of their material, but haven't gotten too deep into any of their previous albums until this one. Very glad I did. I will have to go back at peruse through their vault of goodies. 83/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Post-Hardcore; Emo

Favorite Tracks: "Donkeys," "We're Going to Hell," "From the Hips"

#70
Mastodon
Crack the Skye


I'm not a huge Metal fan, but Progressive Metal is another story. Mastodon has been getting an uber amount of exposure this year... some rightfully so, some a little too much hype, IMO. 83/100

Genre: Progressive Metal; Doom Metal; Sludge Metal

Favorite Tracks: "The Czar," "Crack the Skye," "Oblivion," "The Last Baron"

#69
Ben Harper and Relentless7
White Lies for Dark Times



















Leaving the Innocent Criminals, again, I was like what? But I have to say, the sound that Harper and Relentless7 put out is damn good. Ben's done enough to keep my attention throughout the years, and I am still a Harper fan, no doubt. He keeps doing new shit, keeps reinventing his sound. 83/100

Genre: Alt-Rock; Indie-Blues

Favorite Tracks: "Up to You Now," "Lay There and Hate Me," "Skin Thin"

#68
Volcano Choir
Unmap


I expected a little bit more from a Justin Vernon side project, but nonetheless, I really enjoyed it. An interesting blend of Ambient and Indie-Rock and Folk that one expects of Vernon and Bon Iver. 83/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Ambient; Folk-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Still," "Island, IS," "Husks and Shells," "And Gather"

#67
White Rabbits
It's Frightening


Initially I thought their sound reminiscent of a few bands that I couldn't quite figure out who, but I really got into the album and pegged a few down 20/20 hindsight. I would say they're a little Franz Ferdinand, a little Kaiser Chiefs, a little Cold War Kids. Some great tracks, and a solid flow throughout the entire album, although I did kind of trail off with it towards the very end. 84/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Post-Punk Revival

Favorite Tracks: "They Done Wrong/We Done Wrong," "Percussion Gun," "Lionesse," "Midnight and I"

#66
Built to Spill
There Is No Enemy


Through a very long and distinguished career in the world of Indie music, Built to Spill put out something pretty damn good for this late in their career. 84/100

Genre: Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#65
... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
The Century of Self


Rather shocked at how much I really got into this shit- I loved the cynical, yet historical lyrics to a lot of the tracks regarding Christianity and its Pagan predecessors. The heavy and subtle instrumentation actually impressed me quite a bit... I will definitely revisit older Trail of Dead albums. Initially, I thought it was a little too Emo for my liking, but I got sucked into it by track 3. I was painting a room and had this on... perfect place and time for it I suppose. 84/100

Genre: Art-Rock; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Isis Unveiled," "Halcyon Days," "Ascending"

#64
AC Newman
Get Guilty



















Newman is one of two of the solo albums from The New Pornographers to make my list in 09. Where Neko Case diverged from the typical New Pornographers sound to a more Alt-Country style, Newman went more Indie and Pop. 84/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Power-Pop

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#63
Zu
Carboniferous



















Fucking crazy good. Way off of my typical listen, this album came as a HUGE surprise. I heard of the Rome based trio via a music blog I frequent, so I gave it a try. Its chaotic sound, at first, begins to form a pattern and intrigues, then sucks in the listener. Insanely good. 84/100

Genre: Math-Rock; Noise-Jazz

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#62
M. Ward
Hold Time



















The only real exposure I had to M. Ward before this album was a few singles and what he did on Jenny Lewis' Acid Tongue album last year and his She & Him album with Zooey D. Fucking love this album. I've only ran through it four times, so I only expect to dig it more and more in the future. 84/100

Genre: Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#61
Heartless Bastards
The Mountain


Solid through and through, but I would've loved to have head more of a variety after the first few tracks. Regardless, very good instrumentation and vocal work. 84/100

Genre: Blues-Rock; Garage-Rock; Indie-Folk-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "The Mountain," "Hold Your Head High," "Sway," "Had to Go," "Out at Sea"

#60
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Why There Are Mountains



















I really love this shit. A coarse blend of Indie-Rock and borderline Emo. I can see a big future for Cymbals Eat Guitars, fo sho. Would love to see them live. 84/100

Genre: Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Indiana," "And the Hazy Sea"

#59
Au Revoir Simone
Still Night, Still Light


Not your typical all-female, or even female led, Electronica group.... that is meant to be said as least sexist as possible. lol. But a surprising, unique sound to the beats, backed with some great vocals and lyrical ideas. 84/100

Genre: Electronica; Indie-Pop; Synth-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Only You Can Make You Happy," "Shadows," "All or Nothing"

#58
Woods
Songs of Shame


Solid Indie-Folk, with a nice sound all to their own. I enjoyed the album in its entirety. 84/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Freak-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Echo Lake," "September with Pete," "Rain On"

#57
Andrew Bird
Noble Beast


I only got into Andrew Bird over the last couple years, so I had a lot of his material to listen to, which has been all great. Noble Beast was the first album of 09 that I was really looking forward to hearing. Typical Bird material- stellar. 84/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Baroque-Pop

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#56
Wilco
Wilco (The Album)


I'm not a die hard Wilco follower, but do enjoy them from time to time. There were quite a few songs on this album that I caught myself saying "wow" to, and overall I thought it was a pretty damn good endeavor. 84/100

Genre: Alt-Folk; Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "I'll Fight," "One Wing," "Everlasting," "Country Disappeared"

#55
Throw Me the Statue
Creaturesque


This Seattle based group is quietly making a name for themselves on the Indie scene. I found myself really enjoying a number of the tracks on this album, and am excited to get more acquainted with it. 85/100

Genre: Indie-Pop; Indie-Rock; Lo-Fi

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#54
Dirty Projectors
Bitte Orca


I haven't heard all that much of the arsenal of albums that rests under Dirty Projectors' collective belt, but everything I have heard, I have dug substantially. Very impressed with the variety of styles on this album. 85/100

Genre: Experimental-Rock; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Stillness Is the Move," "No Intention," "Useful Chamber," "Fluorescent"

#53
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band
Outer South



















Not the biggest Bright Eyes fan, but I have to say I like Oberst as his own a considerable amount more, and really like him with Mystic Valley Band. Great upbeat album with the nice slowness of Folk mixed in. 85/100

Genre: Folk-Rock; Americana

Favorite Tracks: "Spoiled," "Worldwide," "I Got the Reason"

#52
The Swell Season
Strict Joy



















Not far off from what one would expect from their debut and since the movie Once, but I have to admit... I was shocked Glen and Markaveta retained together professionally after their breakup. Very glad that they did. 86/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Acoustic-Alternative

Favorite Tracks: "The Rain," "In These Arms," "I Have Loved You Wrong," "ITM," "The Verb"

#51
Megafaun
Gather, Form & Fly


The leftover boys of Bon Iver put together something special on their second release since the splitting of DeYarmond Edison (which is Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon's middle names). A nice oddity of a folk album, with a lot to offer the Indie and Folk fan. 86/100

Genre: Freak-Folk; Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Gather, Form & Fly," "The Longest Day"

#50
Wild Beast
Two Dancers


This English 1/2 Post-Rock, 1/2 Indie-Pop band unites a really different sound- one I'm quite fond of and would suggest to a vast array of listeners. With a dream-like, almost hypnagogic quality to its music, this album utilizes a nice blend of vocal work and contributors. Shockingly, a non-annoying falsetto accompanies many of the tracks. Somewhere between the early 80s English Post-Punk and today's Indie-Pop. 86/100

Genre: Indie-Pop; Post-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Hooting & Howling," "All the King's Men," "The Fun Powder Plot," "This is Our Lot," "Empty Nest," "We Still Got the Taste Dancin' on Our Tongues"

#49
Bowerbirds
Upper Air


A great mix of Indie-Rock and Folk, I am really big on this album. All around, very entertaining- from its instrumentation, song writing, vocals, lyrics. Very, very, very good music-making. 87/100

Genre: Nu-Folk; Indie-Rock; Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Beneath Your Trees," "Silver Clouds," "Northern Lights"

#48
Matt & Kim
Grand



For me, the style is right up my alley, but with trying to push that aside and be somewhat objective- damn good Sophomore release. The best music in the world is being made in Brooklyn (followed by Austin), in my opinion, and Matt & Kim are a huge part of that scene. 87/100

Genre: Indie-Pop

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#47
Fanfarlo
Reservoir


A friend of mine proclaimed this album, upon its release, to be the best album of the year and assured me that I would agree. So it has a lot to live up to... I really enjoyed it, and when I finally get over that comparison, this will likely slide down significantly. I am a large fan of the British Indie scene, particularly the Pop scene, and with a Swede leading this band... double win. 87/100

Genre: Indie-Pop; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#46
Kid Koala
The Slew - 100%


W.T.F. Fantastic blend of turntable Hip-Hop and heavily produced Rock. This is a rare DJ album that you can put in and relax to, tap your toes to, get down to, and be wowed by. I tip my hat to Eric San and his 4 1/2 year endeavor- WOW. 87/100

Genre: Hip-Rock; Turntablism

Favorite Tracks: "Wrong Side of the Tracks," "Southeast Soliloquay," "It's All Over," "You Turn Me Cold," "Shackled Soul"

#45
Deastro
Moondagger


New age Pink Floyd-ish... but from one dude. WTF? Seriously? Randolph Chabot Jr. has just elevated the Electronica solo gig scene to another level. 87/100

Genre: Electronica; Indie-Rock; Psychedelic-Experimental

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#45
Ben Kweller
Changing Horses


Over the years, Kweller has remained constant in my array of listening, and with Changing Horses I find my favorite of his albums. 87/100

Genre: Alt-Country; Indie-Rock; Folk-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Old Hat," "On Her Own," "Homeward Bound," "Wanting Her Again," "Sawdust Man"

#44
Freelance Whales
Weathervanes


Not getting much exposure, I stumbled across this album by way of their touring with Fanfarlo. And to be honest, I dig them a tad bit more. 88/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Experimental-Folk: Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Broken Horse," "Generator ^ Second Floor," "Starring," "Hannah," "The Great Estates," "Ghosting"

#43
K'Naan
Troubadour


Just a feel good dude, a mad and crazy story of a life... and the guy can make music. After hearing a few tracks here and there, then seeing him perform on Austin City Limits with Mos Def, I became an instant supporter. The man grew up in Mogadishu, during its civil war years, currently is in Ontario, but spent time in the States. Just a man of the world. 88/100

Genre: Indie-Hip-Hop; World Music

Favorite Tracks: "Take a Minute," "Wavin' Flag," "If Rap Gets Jealous," "America," "Dreamer"

#42
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
It's Blitz!



Much better than their previous works, also much different. I love Karen O in this platform much better than in the Alt-Rock sound. I'm sure old fans will enjoy it, and they'll garner new fans from it, as well. 88/100

Genre: Dream-Pop; Indie-Rock; Electronica; Indie-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Heads Will Follow," "Runaway," "Dull Life," "Skeletons," "Hysteric"

#41
Phoenix
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix


I really got into this shit, and highly recommend it to fans of pretty much any Indie genre. 88/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Dance-Punk

Favorite Tracks: "Rome," Armistice," "1901," "Countdown," "Love Like a Sunset, Pts. 1 & 2"

#40
Magnolia Electric Co.
Josephine


Jason Molina's assumed band name, Magnolia Electric Co. is a must visit for any lover of Folk music. His haunting, yet delicate, voice was showcased nicely on this album, along with a plethora of subtleties within the instrumentation, made for a great, mellow listen. 88/100

Genre: Folk-Rock; Indie-Rock; Alt-Country; Lo-Fi

Favorite Tracks: "Map of the Falling Sky," "Whip-poor-will," "Shiloh," "O! Grace"

#39
Blakroc
Self-Titled


As if The Black Keys' 08 album wasn't enough to keep a fan happy, or Dan Auerbach's solo debut this year, but the boys had to go ahead and branch out even further. With The Black Keys laying down the musical foundation, they collaborate with the likes of Rap and R&B artists: Mos Def, RZA, Raekwon, Q-Tip, Jim Jones, ODB, Ludacris, Billy Danze, NOE, Pharoahe Monch, Nicole Wray. For good Hip-Hop lovers, Indie-Rock lovers, Indie-Rap lovers a must. 88/100

Genre: Rap-Rock; Indie-Hip-Hop; Alt-Hip-Hop

Favorite Tracks: "On the Vista (featuring Mos Def)," "Stay Off the Fuckin’ Flowers (featuring Raekwon)," "Hope You’re Happy (featuring Billy Danze of M.O.P., Q-Tip & Nicole Wray)," "Tellin’ Me Things (featuring RZA)"

#38
Grizzly Bear
Veckatimest



















My good buddy has a strong bromance brewing with GB, so I've heard tons of them over the years. However, not until this album I would ever say I was a "fan." 88/100

Genre: Psychedelic-Folk; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Two Weeks," "Fine for Now," "Cheerleader"

#37
Deer Tick
Born on Flag Day



I can't emphasize enough how raw and talented Deer Tick really are- this album was my first exposure to the band, and I ended up listening to it four times back-to-back. Nirvana Unplugged meets Bonnie "Prince" Billie, The Black Keys. 88/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Indie-Folk; Alt-Country

Favorite Tracks: "Smith Hill," "Song about a Man," "Easy," "Irene, Goodnight (hidden track, Traditional Folk cover)"

#36
The Love Language
Self-Titled


A great shocker of a uniquely talented music makers, fronted by Stuart McLamb, that sparks notes of a Lo-Fi Strokes meets melodic Beatles shit. Definitely worth your time, and the rave it's getting. 88/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Lo-Fi; Experimental-Indie

Favorite Tracks: "Lalita," "Sparxxx," "Two Rabbits," "Manteo," "Noctune"

#35
Foreign Born
Person to Person


I didn't really know what to expect from Foreign Born- I had no prior knowing of them, just that they were suggested to me to give a listen. Glad I did. I really liked their sound and found myself rewinding a few songs to hear over again a few times. 88/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Folk-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Blood Oranges," "Winter Games," "Wait in This Chair," "Can't Keep Time," "Lion's Share"

#34
Japandroids
Post-Nothing



By midway through the album, I began digging it quite a bit. A lot of noise for two guys. Reminiscent of No Age and some 90s Alternative-Rock. 88/100

Genre: Garage-Rock; Noise-Pop; Art-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "I Quit Girls," "Sovereignty," "Crazy Forever," "Wet Hair," "Young Hearts Spark Fire"

#33
Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Self-Titled


Really winding and calm, but upbeat enough to get you into each track. A large surprise, in all honesty. This is my first exposure to Perkins, and I am looking forward to more, more, more. 89/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Folk-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Shampoo," "I Heard Your Voice in Dresden," "I'll Be Arriving," "Chains, Chains, Chains," "Hours Last Stand"

#32
Camera Obscura
My Maudlin Career



















Holy fuck balls, this album is so cool. Its unique style and familiarity make for a great mellow listen. Seriously, albums don't get much better than this. A complete throwback to the 60s, all from an Indie band from Glasglow! Now that is badass. 89/100

Genre: Indie-Pop; Doo-Wop-Rock; Surf-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "French Navy," "James," "My Maudlin Career"

#31
Monsters of Folk
Self-Titled


A supergroup of Indie-Folk/Indie-Rocksters comprised of M. Ward of She & Him, Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes. Pretty much what I expected from these guys, all around pretty damn good.. 89/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Temazcal," "Man Named Truth," "Ahead of the Curve," "Baby Boomer," "Magic Marker," "The Sandman, the Brakeman and Me"

#30
Pomegranates
Everybody, Come Outside


A really cool sound with a nice mix of upbeats and mellow tunes. The band's vocals blend nicely together, and the instrumentation and its ensemble are actually quite good. 89/100

Genre:Indie-Rock; Art-Pop; Indie-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Svaatzi Uutsi," "Jerusalem Had a Bad Day," "This Land Used to Be My Land but Now I Hate This Land," "Corriander"

#29
Emmy the Great
First Love


It's been a LONG time waiting for this listener! I've been antsy for Emmy's solo debut for years- she released a few EPs and has done work with the likes of Noah and the Whale over the years, but that wasn't enough. I love her own love and mockery of the Folk genre in what is dubbed Anti-Folk over the years- a genre which is currently more popular in Britain. Well worth the wait. 89/100

Genre: Anti-Folk; Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Bad Things Coming, We Are Safe," "First Love," "MIA," "Dylan," "Absentee"

#28
Neko Case
Middle Cyclone



















A great mix of Neko's Alt-Country style with the newer wave of throwback shit that she and Jenny Lewis are paving the way for the new road of music. Lyrically, a great album. Vocally, amazing. 89/100

Genre: Alt-Country; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Red Tide," "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth," "Pharaohs"

#27
Paper Route
Absence


This Nashville based group brings some of my favorite genres of Indie music together. Indie-Rock; Synth-Pop and Post-Punk Revival. A huge surprise, this album is full of win. 89/100

Genre: Synth-Pop; Indie-Rock; Post-Punk Revival

Favorite Tracks: "Dance on Our Graves," "Tiger Teeth," "Wish," "Gutter," "Enemy among Us," "Be Healed," "Carousel"

#26
Lisa Hannigan
Sea Sew


I was mildly heart broken when Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan split ways. I have to admit that I was joyfully surprised that Sea Sew was so good. I was worrying that her success with Damien was because Damien was the one writing all the material... apparently Lisa can write, too. 89/100

Genre: Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Pistachio," "Venn Diagram," "Splishy Splashy"

#25
Editors
In This Light and on This Evening


I love me some Editors, yes I do. They went VERY Synth-Pop on their third album, but it works great. Not what I expected musically, but I always expect greatness from Editors. 90/100

Genre: Synth-Pop; Post-Punk Revival; Indie-Rock;

Favorite Tracks: "Papillon," "Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool," "Bricks and Mortar"

#24
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Beware



















Beware is a rather eclectic album, ventures from deep bluegrass-esque Folk, to even a hip Indie-Rock sound. A really solid album through and through. I tend to think of Bonnie "Prince" Billy as a little Nick Cave or Tom Waits or... someone you know you would like to hangout with, someone with a little chip on his/her shoulder, and someone that just makes his/her own music- never wavering to the idea of what the listener will like, etc. 91/100

Genre: Folk; Singer-Songwriter; Bluegrass; Alt-Country

Favorite Tracks: "You Are Lost," "Heart's Arm," "You Don't Love Me"

#23
Antony and the Johnsons
The Crying Light



















Antony has very much grown on me this past year, from where I would have to be in the mood for his voice to wanting to hear him at the drop of a hat. I really enjoy his unique style and voice, but the instrumentation on the album was by far the best part of it. 91/100

Genre: Folk; Baroque-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Epilepsy is Dancing," "Kiss My Name," "Aeon"

#22
HEALTH
Get Color


Disgustingly good. Typically, Noise-Rock can wear at me raw, but HEALTH is addictive, to say the least. 91/100

Genre: Noise-Rock; Electronica; Experimental-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "We Are Water," "Nice Girls," "Severin," "Die Slow," "Eat Flesh, " "In Violet"

#21
Dead Man's Bones
Never Let a Lack of Talent Get You Down



















Ryan Gosling isn't just a bad-ass ex-Mormon turned actor... he is a stellar music maker. Along with his BFF, Zach Shields, and a children's choir, Gosling has etched a solid and unique notch in the wall of Indie music. 91/100

Genre: Synth-Pop; Indie-Rock; Halloween-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Lose Your Soul," "My Body's a Zombie for You," "Werewolf Heart," "In the Room Where You Sleep," "Young & Tragic"

#20
Wye Oak
The Knot


Reminiscent of The Weepies, but very good and diverse. A great blend of Folk and Alt-Indie-Rock. Soothing, while still toe-tapping. Wye Oak have quietly made a name for themselves this past year. 91/100

Genre:Indie-Folk; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Take It In," "For Prayer," "Mary Is Mary"

#19
And So I Watch You from Afar
Self-Titled


The fuck? These Micks can play some Post-Rock music, yes they can! Holy shit- on the harder side, more of an uptempo, but full of subtleties that will keep you in awe. For any Post-Rock fan, or any fan of harder tunes, a complete must. This will slide down the list throughout some time, no doubt. 92/100

Genre: Post-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Set Guitars to Kill," "I Capture Castles," "A Little Solidarity Goes a Long Way," "Eat the City, Eat It Whole," "These Riots Are Just the Beginning," ... shit, the whole fucking album. Listen!

#18
Iron & Wine
Around the Well

A great double disc teeming with rarities, new songs, songs without a prior home, and some oldies, Around the Well is a great listen. Vintage Sam Beam mixed in with a little new flavor. 92/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Folk-Rock

Favorite Tracks: TBD

#17
Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion



















My first go through wasn't severely impressive, but I dug it. A couple times through it... fuckall, are they talented. Definitely have a new found appreciation for AC, but I don't think it is even close to its hype and buzz of being the best album of the year, blah blah blah. 92/100

Genre: Experimental; Freak-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "My Girls," "Daily Routine," "Bluish," "Taste"

#16
Pink Mountaintops
Outside Love


I found way of Pink Mountaintops by its mother band, Black Mountain. Not a big digression in talent, but quite a difference in overall style and sound. This slides much more into the Indie realm than BM. An all around stellar album. 93/100

Genre: Shoegaze; Indie-Rock; Psychedelic-Rock; Alt-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Vampire" "Axis: Thrones of Love," "Outside Love"

#15
The Decemberists
The Hazards of Love



















I'm not the biggest fan of The Decemberists, as Colin Meloy's voice can rub me the wrong way- I really need to be in the mood for it. However, I was very impressed with Hazards of Love. A pleasant surprise. Since this album, I have loosened up to their older shit, and can say I'm definitely a fan now. 93/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Folk-Rock; Baroque-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Hazards of Love 2," "Won't Want for Love," "Isn't It a Lovely Night," "A Rake's Song"

#14
Various Artists
Dark Was the Night



















A fantastic compilation, one that was stuck in my CD player for weeks. "This Disc" was my favorite out of it and disc two, "That Disc." 94/100

The lineup included:
Dirty Projectors and David Byrne
The Books featuring José González
Feist and Ben Gibbard
Bon Iver
Grizzly Bear
The National and Nico Muhly
Yeasayer
My Brightest Diamond
Kronos Quartet
Antony Hegarty with Bryce Dessner
Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner
The Decemberists
Iron & Wine
Grizzly Bear and Feist
Sufjan Stevens
Spoon
Arcade Fire
Beirut
My Morning Jacket
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Dave Sitek
Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)
The New Pornographers
Yo La Tengo
Stuart Murdoch
Riceboy Sleeps
Cat Power with Dirty Delta Blues
Andrew Bird
Conor Oberst with Gillian Welch
Blonde Redhead with Devastations
Kevin Drew.

Genre: Various Indie

Favorite Tracks: "Tightrope," Yeasayer; "Brackett, WI," Bon Iver; "Sleepless," The Decemberists; "Amazing Grace," Cat Power with Dirty Delta Blues; "Train Song," Feist and Ben Gibbard.

#13
Sunset Rubdown
Dragonslayer


The second Spencer Krug project to grace my list, Sunset Rubdown destroys Swan Lake, no ifs ands or buts. With Wolf Parade's Krug and Dan Boeckner both making my top 10, I have to ask myself, "Why the fuck am I not a bigger Wolf Parade fan?" Really, the only thing not outstanding about this album is its length. I would have loved a few more tracks- just a beautifully crafted sound, Krug at the top of his game. 94/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Experimental-Rock; Neo-Psychedelia; Art-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Nightingale/December Song," "Dragon's Lair," "You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)," Silver Moons," Black Swans"

#12
Julian Plenti
Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper


Ri-god-damn-diculous. I've been waiting on some new Interpol action, but this just may be as good- Paul Banks of Interpol playing a solo album. Wow. Slowed down a bit from Interpol, but very much Post-Punk Revival still. A beautiful album all the way through. 94/100

Genre: Post-Punk Revival; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Only If You Run," "Games for Days," "Skyscraper," "Unwind," "Fly as You Might"

#11
Tom Waits
Glitter and Doom Live


I've always respected Waits a lot, and mildly enjoyed his music over the years, but it wasn't until my girlfriend's infatuation with him that I paid much closer attention to his incredible talents. Glitter and Doom Live chronicles his respected tour of 08, a great compilation of new and old. The 18th track, Tom Tales, is a 36 minute track of Waits talking and telling jokes- a great listen. 94/100

Genre: Experimental; Indie-Rock; Alt-Country

Favorite Tracks: "Make It Rain," "Fannin Street," "I'll Shoot the Moon," "Dirt in the Ground," "Lucky Day"

#10
A.A. Bondy
When the Devil's Loose


Bondy can put down some sick tracks, and on sophomore release he put them down hard and in fashion. Somewhere between Indie-Folk and Americana, but still hip and Bluesy. It's a really hard sound to pin down, IMO. 94/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Americana; Indie-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "A Slow Parade," "When the Devil's Loose," "Oh the Vampyre," "False River"

#9
The Low Anthem
Oh My God, Charlie Darwin


A nice little find, the lead duo of Ben Knox Miller and Jeff Prystowsky, with female vocalist Jocie Adams, along with other players, put together a rather stellar Indie-Folk album. The song Ticket Taker is a beautifully crafted piece, from its lyrics to tone and delicate instrumentation. I really enjoy the wide range of vocals on the album, as well. 94/100

Genre: Indie-Folk; Post-Punk Revival; Synth-Pop

Favorite Tracks: "Ticket Taker," "Charlie Darwin," "Champion Angel," "OMGCD," Home I'll Never Be"

#8
Dan Auerbach
Keep It Hid


Auerbach's first solo album is far and away a success. I am a huge fan of The Black Keys, and absolutely love Dan's solo material thus far. For any fan of The Black Keys, a MUST. For any fan of Bluesy Rock, a MUST. For any Indie fan, a MUST. 95/100

Genre: Blues-Rock; Indie-Rock; Garage-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Whispered Words (Pretty Lies)," "When the Night Comes," "Real Desire,"
"Mean Monsoon"

#7
Handsome Furs
Face Control



A really unique husband-wife duo; I love the Post-Punk Revival feel with the Indie-Electro sound. Watching the two live, Dan Boeckner (of Wolf Parade and Atlas Strategic) on guitar and lead vocals, and Alexei Perry rocking keyboards and backing vocals, is pretty intense. The amount of quality noise that is produced from the two is impressive to say the least. This is a much, much better album than they are given credit for. 95/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Post-Punk Revival; Synth-Punk

Favorite Tracks: "I'm Confused," "Radio Kalingrad," "Talking Hotel Arbat Blues," "All We Want, Baby, Is Everything"

#6
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Up from Below


Weirdly great. Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos front the band/moniker, with severe talent, albeit being nuttier than squirrel shit. Not for everyone, but definitely at the forefront of today's Indie scene. 95/100

Genre: Alternative-Folk; Indie-Folk; Indie-Rock; Experimental; Psychedelic-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Home," "Black Water," "Carries On," "40 Day Dream"

#5
Noah and the Whale
The First Days of Spring


Their debut album, Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down was fantastic, and ever since I've been wanting new material to devour. This album isn't as upbeat and jovial as their debut, but the talent meter definitely rose significantly. It's more mellow and somber, as the entire album is telling the discourse of a breakup- a great follow up home run hitter. 96/100

Genre: Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "Stranger," "The First Days of Spring," "Blue Skies," "My Broken Heart," "Love of an Orchestra"

#4
The Wooden Sky
If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone


I stumbled across these Canadian gems via another blogger's recommendations, and am VERY glad I did. It is just one of those albums that you say to yourself, "Okay, that is my favorite track on the album," but then you end up saying that same phrase five-six times. For any fan of Indie-Rock, Alt-Country or Indie-Folk, please... give this extremely talented group a listen. 96/100

Genre: Indie-Rock; Alt-Country; Indie-Folk

Favorite Tracks: "An Evening Hymn," "Bit Part," "Oh My God (It Still Means a Lot to Me)," "The Late King Henry," "Something Hiding for Us in the Night"

#3
Mono
Hymn to the Immortal Wind



















I am huge on Mono, and pretty much most of the Post-Rock movement that's out right now. Mono just knows how to not overdo the mood and atmosphere that a lot of Post-Rock bands, even really good ones, tend to push a little too far. Hands down, their best album to date. Highly recommend. 97/100

Genre: Post-Rock; Instrumental-Rock

Favorite Tracks: "Follow the Map," "Buried at Sea," "Pure as Snow," "The Battle for Heaven"

#2
Balmorhea
All Is Wild, All Is Silent



Balmorhea are simply one of the best music makers of our generation. I am always enthralled by every single track they compose. If you want to find emotion, conviction, uniqueness, passion, and brilliance in your music- start listening to Balmorhea. As the title of the album and its cover connotes, this album has a Western frontier tone to it, almost as if it were set in the post-Civil War days of Balmorhea, Texas. If you haven't noticed or read yet, Balmorhea takes second cheese for 09, and was my #2 album of 08. Not too shabby for a year and a half of making music. 98/100

Genre: Post-Rock; Indie; Orchestrated Rock

Favorite Tracks: Every fucking one. But especially: "Harp and Boon," "Settler," "Truth"

#1
The xx
xx



For a debut album... wow. For four 20 year-olds... holy fuck. The two guys and two girls met at London's Elliott School, and officially formed in 2005. Unfortunately, bassist Baria Qureshi suffered exhaustion on their European tour in October of 09- the band's status is sort of up in the air right now with whether they will be a three-piece for the time being or wait on Baria's return. I'm crossing my fingers that they retain the insanely tight sound they've established for themselves. This incredible display of raw, unadulterated corporate handling is something to be upheld- very highly. 98/100

Genre: Dream-Pop; Indie-Rock; Chillout

Favorite Tracks: "Heart Skipped a Beat," "Shelter," "Intro," "Basic Space," "Stars"