Favorite Albums of 2009

So with the new year just beginning, I thought it was appropriate to give a list of my favorite albums of the past year. So here are my "Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2009":

1. Phoenix - "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"

In my opinion, Phoenix delivered one of the best albums of the decade, if not the year. The French-rock group always knows how to make track after track successful. With "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," the band continues to create wonderful music. Phoenix was also nominated for Best Alternative Album for the upcoming Grammy's, so let's hope the industry gives the band the award and attention they definitely deserve. "1901" and "Lisztomania" are two of the best songs off of "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix."

2. Animal Collective - "Merriweather Post Pavilion"

Much like every other list of albums, Animal Collective's "Merriweather Post Pavilion" is close to the top of my list. The band is one of the most creative bands. Their sound is completely unique and their own, and it only adds to the band's wonderful sound and appeal. The album continues to add to their fanbase and their greatness. My favorite tracks off "Merriweather Post Pavilion" are "My Girls" and "Summertime Clothes."

3. Lady GaGa - "The Fame Monster"

If anyone was the breakout star of 2009, it was definitely Lady GaGa. With her first album, "The Fame," being re-released, Lady GaGa added an all-new eight-track album entitled "The Fame Monster." Being the first artist to have four consecutive number one hits off a debut album, Lady GaGa is going no where. But although her intrigue and unique perspective on fashion and the music world may be a bit over the top, her music delivers far more than one may expect. "Bad Romance" and "Speechless" are two of the album bests songs.

4. Karen O and the Kids - "Where the Wild Things Are" Soundtrack

With a soundtrack such as this, Karen O created a perfect sound and feel with her music to Spike Jonze's film, "Where the Wild Things Are." Each song created the atmosphere of the movie, and as an audience member, you felt as though you were part of the film itself. The soundtrack couldn't have been more perfect, with it's childlike lightness and sense of adventure and wonder. "All Is Love" and "Sailing Home" are my favorite tracks off the soundtrack.

5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "It's Blitz"

Not only did Karen O create a wonderful soundtrack, but she made a successful album with her band, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. "It's Blitz" is the band's third studio album, and it shows their growth throughout their year's in the music industry. "It's Blitz" was far more electronic than their past albums, but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs create great music with feeling and meaning behind their beats and catchiness. "Zero" and "Heads Will Roll" are perfect examples of how great "It's Blitz" really is.


6. Florence and the Machine - "Lungs"

With her debut album, British sensation Florence Welch delivered an impeccable and awesome album full of fun and wonderment. Florence and the Machine created a huge splash with her poweful voice and unique sound. Although she hasn't received the same success here in the U.S. as she has in Britian, it's only a matter of time before everyone sees her for the talent she is. "Drumming," "Howl," and "Cosmic Love" are some of Florence's best songs off of "Lungs."

7. Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson - "Break Up"

With "Break Up," musician Pete Yorn and actress/musician Scarlett Johansson created a wonderful album about a broken relationship. Inspired by the albums of Serge Gainsbourg and Bridgette Bardot, "Break Up" can make you cry, laugh, and relate all at the same time. My favorite tracks off the album are "The Relator," "I Am The Cosmos," and "Shampoo."

8. Charlotte Gainsbourg - "IRM"

With her third studio album, Charlotte Gainsbourg collaborated with fellow musician Beck. The album captures Charlotte, but from the perspective of another. Beck wrote and produced "IRM." So as listeners, we get a sense of who Charlotte is, but through her voice and another's words. "IRM" continues to show Charlotte's greatness as a musician. "Voyage," "La Collectionneuse," and "Heaven Can Wait" are my favorite tracks off the album.

9. Fever Ray - "Fever Ray"

Fever Ray is like no other band or musician out there. With her self-titled debut album, Fever Ray created a world all her own. The haunting nature of her songs draw you in and leave you wanting more. I'm interested to see what Fever Ray does next, because whatever it is, you know it will be interested. "When I Grow Up" and "Seven" are two of Fever Ray's more haunting tracks off her debut album.

10. Coconut Records - "Davy"

Jason Schwartzman can do no wrong. With his second album "Davy," Jason continued the fun and light-hearted sound he started with in his first album. The album also continues to create sounds and songs to Jason's life experiences as an actor and musician. With each song, Jason grows and captivates you with his unique sound. "Any Fun," "Microphone," and "Wandering Around" are my favorite tracks off of "Davy."