Returning from a relaxing Christmas and a surprisingly-painless day at work/afternoon at home, I feel that I can complete the last two lists. Let's kick it off again with the best songs!
"Isis Unveiled" by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
I'm easing my way through their music at the moment and so far, they have impressed me. The link is likely the single cut, you can find the full-length business on YouTube. The driving guitars and drums help create a sense of uneasiness as the lyrics blast by like relentless bullets.
"Panic Switch" by Silversun Pickups
One of several songs that I was first introduced to... at work, of all places. The store plays music overhead. This remains the standout from its album (Swoon), which was something I didn't latch onto as much. After listening to this song so much (mostly while working on Blues), I can't help but feel it would be an excellent track for this book's eventual (?) film adaptation.
"The Boxer" by Editors
Despite my initial feelings (disappointment) for the new album, a few tracks stood out, including this one. This was one of the few times that their experimentation with synths actually worked out. The lyrics are strong, strange that it shares a home with "Papillon", another good track yet the lyrics were less-than-awesome.
"Springer" by Tosca
Their release No Hassle was an in-store play in the summer, and this song always stood out. It is likely due to the guitars (?), since most of the songs were softer and light on the synth. Like "Panic Switch", it reminded me of Blues and working on it. A bit of a warning: the song's music video is very hypnotizing. And maybe not epilepsy-friendly.
"People Got A Lotta Nerve" by Neko Case
Ms. Case (along with Mindy Smith) have helped me regain respect for country music again, which is a major feat. Yet again, at work, I had heard her album Middle Cyclone and fell in love. The vocals and guitar work are stunning, Case's vocals are warm and sweet yet unafraid of the unsettling lyrical content (animals eating people). This song is also tons of fun on Rock Band.
"Hurricane Drunk" by Florence + the Machine
Lungs in itself is a solid album, but this was the outstanding track. The plucking notes dance by Florence Welch's voice as she laments a love gone bad and turning to drink for solace. The metaphor for hurricanes were a tiring one, but she managed to make it work again. Come to think of it, isn't a hurricane a type of drink?
"Lisztomania" by Phoenix
Apparently, their album is a big hit. It also was a long-time in-store play. We loved it so much that it remained in the player for several months. Besides the perennial favorite ("1901") and my personal favorite ("Fences"), this song had its fans. It is the opening to the album, an excellent way to start. An energy burst (with occasional breathing breaks) done to song, "Lisztomania" is a delightful throwback to those summer days. Fun fact: the band apparently preferred the "brat pack" video some random YouTube user made more than the original they themselves filmed!
"Grandmother Song" by Vienna Teng (live)
Who would've known that Teng could rock out? And make hand-clapping awesome again? The lyrics are interesting: the narrator's grandmother wants her granddaughter to settle down and quit being a musician, marry someone sensible and all that jazz. And well, the narrator ain't having it. Guess Teng is speaking from personal experience.
"Walking On A Dream" by Empire of the Sun
I can imagine half of my readers (if I even have that many) rolling their eyes at this. After all, I talked about this song and the band so damn much that not placing them in these lists would've been silly. This isn't even the talk of an obsessive fan. It is genuine appreciation for their music. Yes, this is their most popular song. But how could it not be? It is catchy, has some pretty good lyrics, and excellent keyboard work. It is a well-crafted pop song, pure and simple. And if one can do that, then an achievement is most certainly earned.
And yet, one song by one particularly talented lady takes the prize this year...
"Sleep Alone" by Bat for Lashes
If you didn't love her now, may this song be the one to convert you. Her vocals are truly that of a siren's, drawing you close to the music's world (and thankfully, not a bunch of rocks). The tribal-esque percussion gives the song a somewhat menacing quality, despite the innocence of Khan's voice. The lyrics conjure images of night-time, empty beds, and broken hearts. It is beauty in darkness.
Alright, y'all... just wait 'bout an hour and the final list will be up.
P.S.: I don't have a list of best songs not from 2009, but lemme share a few random songs that I enjoyed (and in several cases, rediscovered) this year:
"Man with A Gun" by Jerry Harrison (live in Kentish Town) (yeah, it's live. And it's f***ing awesome.)
"On the Road" by Lee Roy Parnell (a childhood favorite that appeals to my longing to wanderlust)
"The Penalty (Beirut cover)" by Agathe Peyrat (the true voice of an angel, ladies and gents.)
"Israel" by Siouxsie and the Banshees (I'm freaking addicted to this song right now. I blame the bass and Sioux's gorgeous vocals)
"Beginning, Middle, and End" by Sally Cruikshank (an old-school Sesame Street clip that I had fond memories of. And as an added bonus, the song was inspired by a Talking Heads hit)
"Penny Lane: Literal Video Version" by dascottjr (if you haven't heard of the literal music video phenomenon, start here with a classic Beatles tune. I have only two words: "horse montage!" Sorry, and two more words: "pretty scarf!" You'll see what I mean...)
Final list coming up later on tonight...
ETA: Sorry, change of plans. The albums list will be posted tomorrow.
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