After MUCH begging from my adoring fans*, I have finally compiled a brief list of my favorite music of the year. I know that everyone does this and these opinions don’t mean jack shit. However, this is my blog and I can write about anything I damn well want. Maybe I’ll write about Michael Keaton all next week! Maybe I’ll post free pose poetry! We never know! I live dangerously. And I know this is a movie site but why declare my favorite films when my list will be overshadowed by the CHUD greats? Besides, I’m a fanboy. I make it no secret that The Dark Knight changed me inside. My film list would be pretty predictable.
But I digress. Music. Music, it makes the people come together from what I hear. Many times it’s horrible. But many more times it’s terrific. I listen to music constantly, at least several hours a day thanks to mass transit and my phone. Also, I can’t write unless I’m listening to music. In fact, I’m listening to something right now (Girl by The Beatles in case anyone was wondering).
But creating a list is tricky as any High Fidelity fan knows. It takes time and it’s a bitch to pick favorites. Any album I mention is one worth listening to. There was a lot of good music this year, some of it coming from really surprisingly places (That “All the Single Ladies” is actually pretty catchy). So take a look at what I dug.
And download what you can.
FAVORITE SONG OF THE YEAR: “Being Here” – The Stills
I loved this song. From the first time I heard it to the last time (today). The album was mediocre but this song always sets my heart a-flutter. It’s given me an irregular heartbeat. I’m dying.
BEST ALBUM TO MURDER SOMEONE TO: In Ear Park – Department Of Eagles
Try listening to this album and NOT contemplate strangling someone. Try it! Either way, it’s a win-win situation.
ALBUM THAT WAS ONLY A LITTLE BETTER THAN EXPECTED (BUT STILL NOT VERY GOOD): Weezer
Oh Weezer. I’m always hoping they surprise me and create another masterpiece. And I am always, constantly disappointed.
MOST INSPIRING SONG: “Everything is Borrowed” – The Streets
From what I understand, most people didn’t really enjoy this new album by Mr. Mike Skinner. I thought it wasn’t his strongest but a lot of the songs were surprisingly touching.
SONG I LOVE BUT WOULD NEVER SING OUT LOUD: “75 Bars” – The Roots
I heard this being played at Urban Outfitters. Edited. Sometimes it’s pointless to create an edited version of a song. And by sometimes I mean every time.
BEST ZOOEY DESCHANEL ALBUM: Volume One – She & Him
WORST ZOOEY DESCHANEL ALBUM: Katy Perry – One of The Boys
BEST ALBUM TO RUN/DANCE/ DO ANYTHING TO: Feed The Animals – Girl Talk
Man alive, this thing is a beast. An album that just doesn’t let up. Really fantastic. I ran quite a few miles to this.
And finally, my five favorite albums of the year, in a very particular order:
5. Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
4. Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs
3. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
2. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter 3
1. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
Like I said, there was a lot of good music this year. Everything else this year was fairly shitty but the music was pretty good. The wish is that every year provides us with really fun, exciting, interesting new tunes to enjoy. I can only listen to Springsteen albums for so long.
Here’s to 2009!
* Thanks Dad!