LISTomania (Part 5)

20. Outkast - "B.O.B." (2000)

In 2000, the notion of Baghdad being bombed seemed so 8 years ago. Hmmmm....

19. Modest Mouse - "Float On" (2004)

The song was played so much in 2004 AND the years that ensued, that I'm fairly certain all band members can retire and live off the royalties alone. The American Idol and video game treatment couldn't have possibly hurt their wallets.

18. Vampire Weekend - "A-Punk" (2008)

2010 will be a make or break year for these Columbia nerds. Sold out dates at various NYC venues and an excellent first single lead me to believe it will be the former.

17. The Postal Service - "We Will Become Silhouettes" (2003)

"Such Great Heights" would be the logical selection for this fleeting side project, but UPS has been using it as a theme song for way too long.

16. Passion Pit - "To Kingdom Come" (2009)

I know. Very unconservative to list two songs by a recent breakout band. I've been listening to this album on repeat for the past couple months, so the iPod counts win out this time around.

15. The National - "Fake Empire" (2008)

If you haven't already noticed, songs that are relevant to the decade have been getting bumped up this chart. If you could throw ten or so songs in a time capsule that best describe the signs of the times, "Fake Empire" would be an essential.

14. The Hold Steady - "Stuck Between Stations" (2006)

Last year, I declared Boys & Girls In America the best album of the decade. I still stand by the decision despite this song's relatively low ranking.

13. Sigur Rós - "Untitled #4 ("Njosnavelin")" (2002)

This mostly instrumental tune is played in the background during the most heartbreaking scene of my favorite film. I can't think of another song that better evokes a simultaneous balance of happiness and sadness.

12. The Shins - "New Slang" (2001)

Originally released on their debut album three years prior, The Shins can thank Zach Braff for including their signature song AND giving them a showcase in "Garden State" back in 2004. Sometimes all it takes is some love from Natalie Portman.

11. Sufjan Stevens - "Chicago" (2005)

If you can't get enough of Sufjan's dedication to the Windy City, pick yourself up a copy of the Illinois b-side album The Avalanche, which contains, like, three other versions of the song that are as meticulously arranged and equally as brilliant.

10. Sun Kil Moon - "Lost Verses" (2008)

Like my Hold Steady pick for album of the decade, this too is a controversial top ten pick. I will always stick my neck out for Mark Kozelek, and this is the dude at his best. Clocking in at over 9 minutes, "Lost Verses" is a smoldering adventure that builds up and gets shredded apart during the last couple of minutes. Bonus points if you can recognize the Ben Gibbard backing vocals.

9. Phoenix - "1901" (2009)

A band that has been getting unanimous props from critics this year. Four albums into their career, it's about time.

8. Arcade Fire - "Rebellion ("Lies")" (2004)

This was the fourth single from the band's debut. It remains the most complete song they've ever penned.

7. TV On The Radio - "Wolf Like Me" (2005)

The second Twilight movie would have been respectable if they somehow incorporated this song into one of the wolf-morphing scenes. Yes, I saw the movie and I am talking about it on this blog. FML.

6. White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army" (2003)

This song will forever live on in the annals of college sports. The legendary bass hook has become a rallying cry for a host of D1 football teams.

5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Maps" (2003)

The best love song written in the past ten years.

4. Outkast - "Hey Ya" (2003)

As we can all remember vividly, this single's music video features Andre 3000 performing in front of a Beatlemania-like crowd. I guess he had a premonition all along that this song would launch this hip-hop duo into super stardom. Too bad he wasn't as clairvoyant with Idlewild.

3. Wilco - "Jesus, Etc." (2002)

2002's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is the most well-rounded album of the decade. I say this because you can pretty much take any song and throw it in a top-ten spot. I select fan-favorite "Jesus, Etc." only because this was the song that introduced me to the brilliance that was this record. YHF will surely be recognized as the decade's definitive "classic rock" album.

2. The Strokes - "Last Nite" (2001)

Nirvana was the game-changing band of the 90's -- stealing the rock crown from hair metal. The Strokes were this decade's godsend -- similarly taking the spotlight away from nu-metal bands along the likes of Linkin Park, Korn, Limp Bizkit, and any other shitty band that had spelling problems. The Strokes paved the way for most of the better bands that have emerged in the past ten years.

1. Radiohead - "Everything In Its Right Place" (2000)

In 2000, everything did appear in its right place. Well, karma is a bitch, and it looks like Thom Yorke was warning us all along about the ten-year rough patch we were about to endure. That being said, Radiohead enters the studio next month. Brace yourselves.

LISTomania (Part 4)

40. Sonic Youth - "Incinerate" (2006)

Thurston Moore hit the nail on the head when he confessed that best career decision the band should have made would have been to break up. Then only during the inevitable reunion could pundits finally give this band a deserving sense of appreciation.

39. MGMT - "Time To Pretend" (2008)

Experiencing late success in 2008, MGMT's debut really hit the big time this year with the monster follow-up singles "Kids" and "Electric Feel". I can't think of a better summer 2010 double-billing than Phoenix/MGMT.

38. Muse - "Starlight" (2006)

I deemed this to be the poppiest Muse could possibly get. That is, until I head this year's "Uprising" (also a gem).

37. Arcade Fire - "Neighborhood #3" (2004)

I remember how obscure this band seemed during my final year of college. It's funny how interests change over time.

36. Jay-Z - "Izzo" (2001)

Speaking of college -- hands down the number one played frat party song from 2001-2005.

35. Kanye West - "Through The Wire" (2003)

The only song I can recall that references my favorite movie of all time -- Vanilla Sky. Kanye still gets props from me on this fact alone despite his tumultuous year.

34. Bright Eyes - "Four Winds" (2005)

This is a song from a different era. Oberst's political jabs on "Four Winds" would make for a fitting b-side on Highway 61 Revisited.

33. The Flaming Lips - "Do You Realize?" (2002)

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is the closest thing to this era's Dark Side of the Moon. Only appropriate that the Lips just recorded a cover of the Pink Floyd concept album.

32. Radiohead - "All I Need" (2007)

The most mainstream Radiohead has sounded since The Bends.

31. Sun Kil Moon - "Carry Me Ohio" (2003)

The debut album from Mark Kozelek's new and current project, the record strays away from the big guitar sound of Red House Painters records. The new sound redefined Kozelek a songwriter of mostly acoustic heart wrenching, earthy ballads.

30. White Stripes - "Fell In Love With A Girl" (2002)

..and Legos once again for the first time since 1993.

29. Queens of The Stone Age - "No One Knows" (2002)

Josh Homme pays homage to the '70's guitar hook. Not surprising that he would go on to form a (worthy) supergroup with John Paul Jones seven years later.

28. Ryan Adams - "Come Pick Me Up" (2000)

I'll concede that the debut album from the former Whiskeytown-er remains his best. My opinion of this is likely to change next week. I've got a lot to choose from -- Ryan Adams has released more albums in this decade than most artists do in their careers. Even better, they're all good.

27. The New Pornographers - "Bleeding Heart Show" (2005)

Before this song got a little boost from those University of Phoenix commercials, the Pornographers were the most talked-about indie band that hadn't yet experienced mainstream exposure.

26. Kanye West - "The Good Life" (2007)

Ups and downs are a part of life. Perhaps Kanye cursed himself with this decadent single. Life hasn't been so good for him as of late. On a positive note, with 70+ listens, this song holds the distinctive title as most played on my iPod.

25. M.I.A. - "Paper Planes" (2007)

Shortly after this song stormed the radio waves thanks to "Slumdog Millionarire", M.I.A. retired from the biz. Wisely, she unretired quicker than Allen Iverson. Fun fact: that middle Eastern sample is actually taken from The Clash.

24. Spoon - "The Underdog" (2007)

Not too many songs get written about the little guys. This jaunty, inspiring number warns all fat cats to always keep an eye open, for a nice little surprise is on the way. The horns are just the icing on the cake.

23. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Y Control" (2003)

The most defining song by the most definitive band of the decade.

22. Fleet Foxes - "White Winter Hymnal" (2008)

The Fleet Foxes are a band wise beyond their years. It takes awhile for most bands to find a comfortable flow, but this is clearly not the case for last year's breakout band. You won't find a better bunch of guys either.

21. Neko Case - "People Got A Lotta Nerve" (2009)

Neko is to The New Pornographers what Leslie Feist is to Broken Social Scene. Canadian supergroups take note.

LISTomania (Part 3)

60. The Avett Brothers - "Murder In The City" (2008)

The best song from the most impressive EP of the past few years.

59. Jay-Z - "99 Problems" (2003)

Apparently a comeback ain't one either.

58. Blitzen Trapper - "Lady On The Water" (2008)

Either all of the best indie rock bands hail from The Pacific NW, or Sub Pop is just very good at cultivating local talent. Blitzen Trapper do their best Dead imitation on last year's breakout record.

57. Cat Power - "The Greatest" (2006)

The sultry singer vies with train wreck Winehouse for best female voice of the decade.

56. Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out" (2004)

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand unleashed the fury that was World War I. Appropriately, Franz Ferdinand (the band) helped to usher in a furious post-punk revival.

55. Kanye West - "Touch The Sky" (2005)

I've always said that a horn section will pretty much make any song better. When you throw in a Curtis Mayfield sample, you have me hooked.

54. Fleet Foxes - "Mykonos" (2008)

The Sun Giant EP was just that in 2008 -- spurring the release of the Fleet Foxes' full length debut that same year, which has been getting just a little bit of praise on this blog.

53. Sufjan Stevens - "Casimir Pulaski Day" (2005)

This ballad mentions a holiday that is celebrated in Illinois for which many businesses and schools close. It's these fun facts that make me wish Sufjan Stevens would complete his 50 states project after all.

52. Jay-Z - "Empire State of Mind" (2009)

If you've ever jogged to this song along the East River at night while the skyline appears, you'll agree with me.

51. Bon Iver - "Re: Stacks" (2008)

Perhaps the best album to come from sequestering yourself in a cabin during the Wisconsin winter while recovering from pneumonia and a bad breakup.

50. Eminem - "Stan" (2000)

The song that convinced me that, "ok, maybe Eminem isn't just a gimmick."

49. The Gaslight Anthem - "The '59 Sound" (2008)

Both this song and album glorify the simpler times of growing up in a much more golden era. Hearing Brian Fallon sweat it out on a runaway American Dream makes me think of my dad's era, and whether or not we're really better off today. I know, deep.

48. The Strokes - "Hard To Explain" (2001)

Julian Casblancas' new solo effort is a promising return to form -- a positive sign that we will be hearing much more about an overdue Strokes record in the upcoming year.

47. Gorillaz - "Clint Eastwood" (2001)

Who knew that Damon Albarn's pet project would produce more recognizable pop singles than his chronically hiatus-ed daytime gig?

46. Peter, Bjorn & John - "Young Folks" (2006)

The first Swedes to make an appearance on the countdown, just try to resist whistling along to this song's hook. You are destined to fail.

45. Animal Collective - "My Girls" (2009)

You know you've made it when you're littered all over Rolling Stone's year-end lists with the likes of Lady GaGa and Taylor Swift. Welcome, Animal Collective.

44. Amy Winehouse - "Tears Dry On Their Own" (2007)

Hopefully this self-destructive phase will be behind her and she'll soon enough be back to making gold. It's a crap shoot.

43. The Hives - "Hate To Say I Told You So" (2002)

This band makes it solely on one of the album's song titles: "The Hives Declare La Guerre Nucleaire".

42. Sigur Rós - "Ágætis byrjun" (2000)

This.

41. TV On The Radio - "Staring At The Sun" (2004)

Tunde Adebimpe plays a nice supporting role in the fantastic flick Rachel Getting Married. For the record, yeah that's him. He's the dude Rachel gets married to.

LISTomania (Part 2)

80. Passion Pit - "The Reeling" (2009)
Clap. Dance. Fistpump. Rinse & Repeat.

79. M83 - "Kim & Jessie" (2008)
I've said it before and I will say it again -- never has there been a video for a song that was so able to capture the spirit and content of the music. If I went to high school in the 1980's, I imagine this is the kind of music that would hiss and pop on my walkman.

78. Arcade Fire - "Keep The Car Running" (2007)
I've never seen this crazy band of Canadian banshees live. A new album and extensive tour are slated for 2010. Don't tell Wayne Coyne.

77. Coldplay - "Lovers In Japan/Reign of Love" (2008)
Thanks to a little help from wall-of-sound mastermind Brian Eno, Coldplay was able to successfully rebound from the missteps of X&Y. The new year will bring in the band's 5th LP, which according to band members, promises to be more low key and stripped down. Gulp.

76. Kings of Leon - "The Bucket" (2005)
The Aha Shake Heartbreak single's chorus is about being 18 and having to succumb to premature baldness. Glad to see the growth and maturity in their songs. "Sex on Fire" -- now that's poetic.

75. Beck - "The Golden Age" (2002)
The signature tune from the most heartbreaking record of the last ten years.

74. The Killers - "When You Were Young" (2006)
Newsflash: Animal Collective doesn't hold a candle to this song at the gym.

73. The Roots - "The Seed 2.0" (2002)
If you missed The Roots' residency at the Highline Ballroom this year you're a fool.

72. Eddie Vedder - "Society" (2007)
Easily one of the more welcome surprises of the decade. Hands down the best soundtrack/movie combination of the last ten years. We haven't heard EdVed this stripped down since "Elderly Woman" -- suggesting that perhaps his gentle baritone is better paired with a Martin than a Les Paul.

71. Spoon - "I Turn My Camera On" (2005)
The song that turned me on to the best thing to come out of Texas since...well ever.

70. My Morning Jacket - "Thank You Too!" (2008)
No, Jim. Thank you for this vintage nod to the soothing sounds of the 70's. I can practically smell that aging vinyl smell.

69. The Magnetic Fields - "California Girls" (2007)
The second and final song with the word California on this list. If this album seems stripped-down and demo-ish, you can't blame The Magnetic Fields for false advertisement.

68. Asobi Seksu - "Thursday" (2006)
While we are on the topic of distortion, Asobi Seksu makes the kind of shoegazy dream pop that will lull you to sleep in a good way.

67. Radiohead - "I Might Be Wrong" (2001)
Radiohead-song-about-paranoia count: 2

66. Coldplay - "The Scientist" (2002)
The radio-friendly Radiohead blew me away with this very novel video concept: singing forward, moving backward. Yeah yeah, this is the last Coldplay song on the list.

65. Muse - "Hysteria" (2003)
I have a feeling the band will be experiencing said song title in this part of the world pretty soon. A headlining date at MSG with the Silversun Pickups has been confirmed.

64. Bloc Party - "Banquet" (2005)
It's unfortunate how hard a promising band can fall in such a short period of time.

63. Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye" (2006)
Any band that can emulate Sonic Youth and The Breeders circa 1993 gets a golden ticket.

62. Iron & Wine - "Naked As We Came" (2004)

If you are going to sound as organic as Sam Beam, you MUST have a beard like his at all times. Dude also knows how to get onto movie soundtracks.

61. Arctic Monkeys - "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" (2006)

England gave us some of the best post-punk bands of the decade: Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, The Futureheads, etc. Now only if any of these bands could make decent follow-ups.

LISTomania* (Part 1)

*For the record, I had this title in mind to use for a decade summary list for quite some time. While it appears that I am stealing it from a plethora of more prominent blogs, I can assure you this is not the case and they simply beat me to the punch.

The top 100 songs of the decade:

100. Wilco - "Impossible Germany" (2007)
The most sprawling of a fine set of pretty little ditties that will undoubtedly go down as Wilco's most overlooked record.

99. Daft Punk - "One More Time" (2001)
A celebratory dance tune that underscores all that was copacetic about a pre-9/11 world. Playing this now is kind of a cruel joke.

98. My Morning Jacket - "Anytime" (2005)
You could take any track off of 2005's Z really. Z is MMJ's most experimental to date -- exploring every sound from dub, blues, reggae, and, of course, southern rock. Hell, maybe there are even hints of Klezmer on this, who knows.

97. Jimmy Eat World - "Sweetness" (2001)
Despite the negative connotations that are now associated with this band's rise to popularity, Jimmy Eat World remains one of the best breakout bands of the decade.

96. Band of Horses - "Is There a Ghost?" (2007)
Haunting -- the way a band from the Pacific Northwest should sound.

95. The Go! Team - "Ladyflash" (2004)
If you're a band from Brighton, UK, there's a good chance you will be excellent. The Go! Team is no exception to the rule. Incorporating a beautiful blend of punk, garage, and dance, this tune proves a wordless tune can speak mightily.

94. Santigold - "L.E.S. Artistes" (2008)
The breakout single from one of the more talented little ladies in the biz mocks the very scene she embodies.

93. Kings of Leon - "California Waiting" (2003)
Arguably the catchiest song the Followill clan has ever composed. There have been worse band to get so big, so fast.

92. Art Brut - "Good Weekend" (2005)
This song tells the tale of a rite of passage we have all experienced at some point in our lives. If you're lucky, multiple times.

91. The Strokes - "Under Control" (2003)
A lesser-known track from THE defining "The" band of the 00's, Room On Fire might go down as the "boomerang" record of the decade -- that is the album that was quickly thrown away, only to eventually come back and smack you right in the face with awesomeness.

90. Phoenix - "Lizstomania" (2009)
Only appropriate to list "this year's Strokes" next to the original band that paved the way back in 2001.

89. My Morning Jacket - "One Big Holiday" (2003)
My Morning Jacket has brought back the face-melter. Impossible to go to an MMJ show and NOT hear this one close out the evening.

88. Belle & Sebastian - "I'm a Cuckoo" (2004)
If Thin Lizzy and Burt Bacharach had a bastard love child song, it would be this. It's amazing that given all of the movie exposure this band has experienced throughout its career (High Fidelity, {500} Days of Summer), they've still remained relatively under the radar.

87. Ryan Adams - "When The Stars Go Blue" (2001)
I'm a softie for East Village love songs.

86. The Futureheads - "Meantime" (2004)
To this day, it frustrates me that Arctic Monkeys have been able to experience such resounding success, yet The Futureheads have been forced to eat their dust. New decade, new hopes?

85. Green Day - "Jesus of Suburbia" (2004)
Sprawling 9-and-a-half-minute punk rock opus = Broadway sensation? We'll find out in 2010.

84. Death Cab For Cutie - "The New Year" (2003)
Lovelorn indie-rock song-writers: don't fret, it gets better. Case in point -- Ben Gibbard. Turns out pouring out your heart and soul for the better part of a decade can bag you the girl of your dreams.

83. Eminem - "Lose Yourself" (2002)
If I were still in high school when this song came out, it would have pumped me up so much before games, I would have been all-county in three sports.

82. Interpol - "Evil" (2004)
LP #4 is due to surface in 2010. Here's to hoping it's a return to the sound of Interpol's first two records.

81. Radiohead - "2+2=5" (2003)
While there is some argument over whether or not Kid A was able prophecize the events that would unfold earlier this decade, there is no doubt that Hail To The Thief is response to the aftermath. Orwellian undertones pervade on this record -- just take a look at the song title.

A Fine Showing

Top ten shows of 2009:

10) Gogol Bordello @ 4th and B (San Diego, CA) - 10/17/09

You can take the kid out of New York, but you can't take New York out of the kid. The first (and only) concert I've ever seen on the West Coast was Gogol Bordello -- a band of immigrants from the the Lower East Side. Go figure. I heard great things about Gogol Bordello's live show, and they totally lived up to the hype. They've branded themselves as "gypsy punks", but this term doesn't even do them justice. You couldn't put a finger on the kind of music they play if you tried -- an nice attribute to the band's collective diversity.

9) Sufjan Stevens @ Music Hall of Willamsburg - 10/7/09

Sujfan Stevens is perhaps the most meticulous man in indie rock. I witnessed this firsthand this fall during his MHOW/Bowery Ballroom stint. Whether it's confessional solo piano / banjo ballads or all-out opuses, Mr. Stevens is one of the few artists who is not afraid to stop mid-song if all is not right. At one point, Sufjan had 16 musicians playing different instruments on the cramped Music Hall of Williamsburg stage -- each playing his or her part in creating the masterful sounds of 2005's masterpiece, Illinois.

8) Sonic Youth @ Music Hall of Willamsburg - 11/2/09

Same venue as #9, much different show. Sonic Youth has always been one of those Bucket List groups -- the kind of band you must witness before you die or they dissolve. I got my wish last month at the Hall, where they played a blistering set of songs from The Eternal (with some other gems tossed in). The band appears to be living up to its name -- the songs have matured; the band remains, well, youthful.

7) Jay-Z @ Madison Square Garden 9/11/09

Dubbed a 9/11 benefit show, this was really a party at the Garden to celebrate Jay-Z's highly anticipated return to form. Although he was listed officially as the only man on the bill, every song he played more or less featured a special guest. Backed by a full band, surprise artists popped in an out throughout the night to contribute. You never knew who was going to come out next -- kind of like the Royal Rumble. We got appearances from Kanye West (2 days before meltdown), Beyonce, Kid Cudi, Rihanna, John Mayer, Santigold, Puff Daddy (I refuse to refer to him by anything else), and Mary J. Blige among others.

6) The Hold Steady @ Bowery Ballroom 6/8/09

Arguably my favorite current band playing at arguably the best venue in New York City. It doesn't get much better than this. The last time I saw The Hold Steady, they shared a billing with Art Brut at Terrminal 5 and the sound simply sucked. The second time around was infinitely better, as the band brought along with it a kind helping of Stay Positive songs. I have never seen a performer seem to enjoy what he does for a living more than Craig Finn. All smiles, all the time.

5) Phoenix/Passion Pit @ Hammerstein Ballroom - 12/2/09

Seeing one breakout band is a special thing. Seeing the two breakout bands of 2009 perform at the same show is epic. Who says you need guitars to rock out? This was a holiday dance fest at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The synthesizers were in full force on an evening that featured all that is exciting about rock music these days. Understandably, this show sold out in like 10 minutes. I wouldn't be surprised if either of these bands play a much larger stage the next go around.

4) Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Angel Orensanz Synagogue - 11/6/09

Last year I saw TV On The Radio at a masonic temple in Brooklyn. This year I saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs play at a synagogue on the Lower East Side. There's something about playing at ironic locations that just adds to the element of seeing a hipster-friendly bands play live. I knew about this show literally the afternoon of the performance. Thanks to one of my favorite co-workers (thank you, Bianca), I was able to get in WITH special access to an open bar throughout the evening. Although the YYY's only played for an hour, I heard the best of the first three albums. Karen O. reigns superior as the sexiest woman in rock.

3) The Pixies @ Hammerstein Ballroom - 11/23/09

Branded the "Doolittle Tour," The Pixies reunited for the first time in five years to play a string of shows to "celebrate" the 20th anniversary of their alt-rock masterpiece. By "celebrate," I mean cash in, of course. After warming up with some b-sides that even Kim Deal was admittedly challenged by, the sold out crowd was treated to the familiar opening chords of "Debaser". The next 14 songs were expected sequencing bliss. I heard "La La Love You" and I la la loved it. The encore included "Where Is My Mind?". My answer: anywhere, just officially blown.

2) U2/Muse @ Giants Stadium - 9/24/09

You know a show is BIG when a band that sells out arenas is OPENING for the headliner. I was admittedly as excited to lose my Muse virginity as I was for U2, and would have been just as happy if the night ended when the "openers" left the stage. The production of this show left me in awe. 50% of the credit goes to the stage designers and 50% goes to the talent itself. U2 played a strategic mix of the old and the new, rendering the 85,000+ in attendance speechless -- suggesting that just maybe Bono can save the world some day after all.

1) Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band @ Giants Stadium - 10/8/09

No openers needed for the Boss. U2 might have taken the top spot, had it not been for some Springsteen circumstances:

1) The show was in New Jersey
2) The show was the 2nd to last show at Giants Stadium
3) Born To Run was played in sequence, in its entirety

I don't think anything else needs to be said.

20 Before 2010

The Top 20 songs of 2009
Rules:
1) In the interest in promoting variety, only one song is allowed per artist. Otherwise, Phoenix would easily dominate.
2) The song had to have been released on an album that came out in 2009. The new Spoon song would be on this list, but their new record doesn't get released until January. Similarly, MGMT is disqualified because Oracular Spectacular was a 2008 record, despite this year's success of "Kids".
3) Hip-hop is not my forte. I am certain there are some 2009 hip-hop songs that are deserving of a coveted spot, but I admittedly cannot spot out great hip-hop -- Jay-Z being the exception.
4) The song does not necessarily have to be a single, as you will see.
5) No Lady GaGa allowed.

20) Wilco - "You and I"
19) Art Brut - "Alcoholics Unanimous"
18) Karen O. and the Kids - "All Is Love"
17) The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "The Pretender"
16) Them Crooked Vultures - "Scumbag Blues"
15) The Dirty Projectors - "Temecula Sunrise"
14) Silversun Pickups - "Panic Switch"
13) Tegan & Sara - "Someday"
12) Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks"
11) The Avett Brothers - "I and Love and You"
10) Sonic Youth - "Anti-Orgasm"
9) Pearl Jam - "The Fixer"
8) Death Cab For Cutie - "Meet Me On The Equinox"
7) Muse - "The Uprising"
6) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Zero"
5) Jay-Z - "Empire State of Mind"
4) Animal Collective - "My Girls"
3) Neko Case - "People Got A Lotta Nerve"
2) Passion Pit - "To Kingdom Come"
1) Phoenix - "1901"

The Final Countdown

If you've been following this sporadic blog since its inception, you've surely come to realize that I am a fiend for countdown lists. Although I've been mastering the art of the hiatus as of late, you had to have KNOWN I'd be back for my end of the year picks. Considering how I randomly decided to cover my "best-of-decade" picks in mid 2008, I am going to stick with my gut, and not torture you with yet another best of 2000-2009 mess. You can chalk this post up as either an isolated entry or an addendum to all that was great from 2000 - August 2008. It's your call.

Without any further adieu, here it goes -- The 10 Best Albums of 2009:

Honorable Mention I. Rodrigo Y Gabriela - 11:11

The highly anticipated followup to their breakout 2006 self-titled record, this one is an homage to the duo's forbears. Each track pays tribute to the respective artists that has helped paved the way for these former metalheads. Have no fear -- the blazingly fast rhythmic guitar from their "reptile" album is reprised on 11:11, which makes this arguably the best instrumental album of the year.

Honorable Mention II. Pearl Jam - Backspacer

As I detailed in one of my few posts this year, this is THE definitive Pearl Jam comeback album. Ditching the major record labels, Pearl Jam opted to self-release this bad boy and sell exclusively through Target stores. With label chains now broken, it appears a new creative spark has been restored for Eddie and the boys. Leadoff single, "The Fixer" is the most infectious tune the band has released in fifteen years. The rest of the record -- the band's shortest -- ain't half bad either.

10) Them Crooked Vultures (Self-Titled)

A project that had supposedly been in the works for years finally blitzed us earlier this fall. First there was the shady online viral campaign. Next, there were tour date announcements and sold out shows before any material was even leaked. Finally, we got an album out of nowhere in mid-November. I remember thinking this would be an utter failure or a resounding success. This just goes to show that when you place three proven musical geniuses in a room together, you sometimes get the results you expect. Put quite simply, Them Crooked Vultures is the musical melting pot of Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, and Queens of The Stone Age. You literally hear elements of each legendary band in each one of this album's blistering tunes. Here's to hoping this is not just a one-off gig.

9) Jay-Z - The Blueprint III

Yeah, yeah. I know. For hardcore Jay-Z fans, this album doesn't hold a candle to some of his earlier work (The Blueprint, Reasonable Doubt, The Black Album, etc.). Yes, my music integrity is questioned for even ranking this album based on the almost universal poor reviews. Sadly, this was the year I finally discovered Jay-Z, and although I will agree that I have no right to critique hip-hip, I enjoyed the hell out of this record. Before becoming the official Yankee World Series anthem, "Empire State of Mind" was the most-played song of the year on my iPod.

8) Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

I consider Wilco to be the modern day classic-rock band. Aside from having legions of fans who happen to be in that traditional classic rock band-loving demographic, Jeff Tweedy's vintage leathery vocals paired with the band's easy-going vibe make these guys seem from an era they're not from. Hell, they even had the audacity to name their 7th album eponymously. If that's not good enough for you, they took it to another level here by, yes (you guessed it), naming a song "Wilco". That's right -- now you can have three consecutive lines on your iPod that bear the name Wilco. The last time I saw this was with Bad Company.

7) The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

I think this is the first time a (mostly) bluegrass album is making its debut on OTM. After releasing the 2nd part of their two-part Gleam series of EP's last year, the Avett Brothers impacted more than just the indie-folk comfort zone. This 7-song set turned the heads of the heavyweights -- most notably Rick Rubin. The rock producer was so impressed by their offering, that he signed up to produce their major-label debut. Preserving the formula that carefully blends painfully heartfelt lyrics with organic folky music, this record is the perfect follow-up to the Gleam set. The band has gained so big so fast that they've already graduated on to the larger venues that usually pass on the bluegrass/folk scene.

6) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

When it comes to album cover of the year, there is no contest. The artwork for It's Blitz! beautifully summarizes the band's explosive energy in all its breakfast mutilation glory. Shedding the guitar aggressiveness from their previous efforts, the YYY's third full-length album is a tribute, nay love-fest, to the electronic music the band has flirted with throughout its career. It appears Nick Zinner has traded in his Fender for some pretty sweet synth gear. Indie-dance being all the rage these days, you can certainly count on Karen O. being ahead of the curve and taking it to the next level. The band is able to claim its stake on a new musical realm, while holding onto the elements that make them the best garage punk band in the world.

5) Sonic Youth - The Eternal

Maybe it's pure coincidence that Sonic Youth's first indie album in twenty years just happens to be arguably the best (the band signed with Matador after being on Geffen since 1989). Or it could just be that this band gets better with age and experience. Sonic Youth released their first album before I existed, and for nearly thirty continuous years have been writing (and rewriting) the indie rock textbook for the poseurs they will surely outlive. The Eternal expands on the mature sound of 2006's Rather Ripped, yet still continues to unleash the signature tricked-out-tune fury of the band's literal arsenal of guitars. Kim Gordon, now in her mid-fifties, has adopted a growl that perfectly complements the beautiful noise this band masterfully creates.

4) Passion Pit - Manners

Passion Pit started the year as nobodies, and are now playing three sold out nights at Terminal 5 next month. That's the kind of year it's been for these Boston locals -- another trendy outfit that has opted to shun the guitar for layered synth. More importantly, Passion Pit makes it okay for suburban white kids to dance. Manners is chock full of hooky anthems that will creep up your iPod's play count. Frontman Michael Angelakos' distinctively soprano vocals had me convinced for several months that there had to have been at least one female in this band.

3) Neko Case - Middle Cyclone


Known mostly for her efforts as one of the many members of indie-rock supergroup The New Pornographers, it's pretty apparent that Neko is doing just damn fine on her own, thank you very much. Who needs to share the spotlight with seven other band mates when you can create your best work on your own. Well, that's not entirely true. Ms. Case has help from everyone from Garth Hudson to M. Ware on her fifth and, hands down, best solo disc. Withdrawing some of the experimentalism of the Pornographers, Neko backs this smattering of poppy mainstream gems with her unmistakably soaring voice. First single "People Got A Lot of Nerve" is quite possibly the single of the year.

2) Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

Before 2009 even dawned, insiders were suggesting that Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion would be the album of the year -- possibly decade. When this monster was finally released on vinyl the first week in January and two weeks later on traditional formats, it's almost as if the party was over before it started. Critics far and wide declared this the winner. It seems silly to consider MPP the album of the year because it feels like this one came out over a year ago -- that's how long it's been on our radar. This album is an "ear orgasm" -- the kind of record people will be using to test the quality of their sound systems for years to come. Resonating everything from Kid A to Pet Sounds (most of the time simultaneously), you don't have to be a skinny jean-wearning Brookynite to pretend to like this.

Yes. This one also takes home the illustrious prize of "album cover of the year that gives me a headache". Last year's winner was Death Cab for Cutie's Narrow Stairs.

1) Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

An universal best album of the year pick, this French quartet solidified their fate at this year's SXSW festival. When everyone returned from Austin this past March, all the buzz was surrounding these guys -- as if they were new to town. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is actually the band's fourth LP, which proves that a little perseverence can pave the way to success. Soon enough, the band played SNL and even managed to score a gig on every major late night show. The album, which combines 2001-era Strokes with today's Passion Pit-esque synth trends, is the perfect amalgamut of the decade -- combining the stripped down elements of the early decade with the decadent computer-assisted production of today's up-and-coming bands.

Bag It Up -- Oasis 1994-2009

I've been predicting the inevitability of this move for quite some time. I had this unsettling feeling that the last time I saw these guys back in December would be their NYC swan song. After Noel abruptly left the band during a string of European performances a couple months ago, fans near and far felt the death rattle. This band's future had since been put on life support, but it appears the plug was finally pulled this weekend. According to Rolling Stone, Liam Gallagher has announced that the band is "no more". Plummeting record sales coupled with a gradual slip into obscurity could have told you this was bound to happen, but we got fisticuffs in true Gallagher fashion. Well done, boys. It's been a (fairly) good 15-year run.

How long before that Noel solo project?

Wall of Sound

If you missed out on getting tix the now sold out Sonic Youth show at Terminal 5 next month, you can thank your lucky stars. It was announced today that the once-again-indie band is playing not one, but TWO shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (far superior and more intimate venue) on 11/24 and 11/25. This band is like a fine scotch -- always seemingly improving with age. If they made one of those "100 bands to see before you die books" these guys would be in the top 20. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon -- you snooze, you lose.

Right On Target!

Congrats to Eddie and the boys! Pearl Jam notched up their first Billboard number one album since 1996's long-forgotten No Code. Nearly 190,000 units flew off of the shelves this past week (exclusively at Target stores) ending Jay-Z's reign as king of the hill. Despite selling a very respectable 190K, Backspacer sold nearly 100,000 less copies than 2006's self-titled record -- an evident sign of the changing times.

Brooklyn Lit Up

If you are fortunate enough to make it to the Bruce Springsteen Giants Stadium run AND want an encore of Jersey love, the Gaslight Anthem just added a new date to the recently opened Brooklyn Bowl. Tickets are on sale now for their October 16th date. This very Springsteeny band is already playing Terminal 5 a day earlier, but if you're a fan, the Brookyn Bowl date is the night to catch these guys. Much smaller, intimate venue and there's something about seeing a Jersey blue-collar band at a bowling alley that sets the ambiance.

You can buy tickets right now here. Be quick, this will sell out ASAP.

Working On A Dream Come True

Last week, the Boss played Born To Run in its entirely during the E-Street Band's Chicago United Center performance. People have since been raving all over the interwebs about how epic it was to hear rarities "Meeting Across The River" and "Night" being peformed alongside such live staples as "Thunder Road" and the title-track/anthem of NJ. There's was no way he was going to do this in JUST in Illinois, right? Show some love, Boss!

Well, when people ask, Springsteen makes sure they receive! And as many hoped, the dream came true this afternoon. Looks like Springsteen is closing Giants Stadium out with a bigger bang than expected. Today it was confirmed that not only will Bruce be playing BTR, but he will be mixing in Darkness on the Edge of Town AND Born In The USA during the five night stand. Fortunately for fans, there is no guesswork involved.

Here's the schedule:

Sept. 30 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ Giants Stadium – Born to Run
Oct. 2 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ Giants Stadium – Darkness on the Edge of Town
Oct. 3 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ Giants Stadium – Born in the U.S.A.
Oct. 8 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ Giants Stadium – Born to Run
Oct. 9 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ Giants Stadium – Born in the U.S.A.

Eat your heart out, Bono.

Does It Offend You, Yeah? Nope.

The soundtrack for the hipster-friendly nostalgia flick, Where The Wild Things Are hits stores today. Although the first glimpse trailer provided us with a reworked version's of Arcade Fire's "Wake Up," it's all Karen O on this disc. Or more specifically, Karen O with her Yeah Yeah Yeah's bandmates and some Raconteurs. Together they are collectively known as Karen O and The Kids. Many of the songs have kid-sung choruses in the background, which makes this soundtrack perfect for Brooklynites and minivan-driving soccer moms alike. She's on a roll this year, and her daygig just happen's to playing tonight at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Good luck getting into this one.

No word on that Chicken Soup With Rice movie just yet...

You can stream the entire soundtrack HERE.