Jackie's Top 10 Album's of 2009

As the story goes, another year is drawing near its end. Frankly, I couldn't be more ready. 2009 is not going to be making my top 10 list of favorite years. Is it just me or did the stars just not seem aligned? (I'm a little too into Astrology sometimes). 2009 seemed to be the year of mortality, beginning with the untimely death of one of the greatest entertainers/artists of all-time and several other unusual events in popular culture and in in my personal life experiences too.
Though it wasn't all bad; I did turn 21 afterall. ; )

In light of the year's end, I perused my ITunes collection to compile a list of my Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2009:


10. The Decemberists-Hazards of Love

Anyone who knows me knows my undying love for this band. I did not listen to this record nearly as much as I would listen to their others but it had to make it on my list because they can truly do me no dirty. The album is MUCH more hard-rock infused than any of their previous stuff, but the storytelling element that Colin Meloy crafts so well is perfection on this album.


9. Jay-Z-The Blueprint 3

Have you been able to go anywhere without hearing this album blasting in the streets since its release 3 months ago (or in August when everyone copped the leak)? Well, me either. I had a brief internal conflict about putting this on the list because it just doesn't quite measure up to pretty much all of his older albums. BUT it had to go on because I find myself listening to it as much as the next person.


8. Metric-Fantasies

"Who would you rather be The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?" (The Beatles, duh) But on a serious note, Metric made an incredibly good, even more catchy Indie Pop/Electronic record in Fantasies. It had decent success too, and the band self-released it..labels really are becoming more obselete.


7. Grizzly Bear-Veckatimest

The sound on this album is all around amazing. Haunting and a little sad but listen to it while your alone and you'll see what I mean. (Especially, "Two Weeks, "Cheerleader," and "While You Wait For The Others")


6. Black Landlord- Addicted To Distraction

I was introduced to Black Landlord when I worked briefly at Ropeadope and one way or another I became attached to this album. A funky, brass-heavy, big band and Hip-hop fusion that we so much adore in our Philadelphia music roots. Totally underrated band.


5. Lady Gaga- Fame/Fame Monster

Where did this chick come from? She took 2009 by storm and popularized what a very good friend of mine coined as "manufactured avante garde." But this is about the music, and what a great Pop album Gaga put together..especially for partying. 0= )


4. Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
There isn't a song this summer that I listened to more than "Stillness is the Move." These guys/girls are so musically-gifted..it's ridiculous.


3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz!
This album spawned a very different, more mainstream sound from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs but in all the right ways!


2. Lily Allen- It's Not Me, It's You
Three words: My celebrity BFF. (Well, in my eyes)!
"There's just one thing that's getting in the way,
when we go up to bed you're just no good. It's such a shame.
I look into your eyes; I want to get to know you.
And then you make this noise and its apparent it's all over."-Lily Allen
Uhhhh right? Adore her.


1. Animal Collective-Merriweather Post Pavilion
Perfection. Need I say more?



Very honorable mentions do have to go to: Passion Pit, Diane Birch, Raekwon, Kid Cudi, Bat 4 Lashes, and Ida Maria.
I'll probably do my top 10 songs also, have a feeling it will include a lot more Hip-hop.

Bring on 2010.

Wild Beasts

Am I real late on this band?



Just began listening to their album Two Dancers which was released this year.
I especially enjoy the title track and the part II of the title track. There is some pretty impressive and interesting guitar-work throughout. I am not going crazy about the lead vocalist though. I feel as though he detracts from their overall sound, but it might need to grow on me.

Wild Beasts

We Were Once A Fairytale..

Kanye West's short film by Spike Jonze.
I thought it was pretty well-done for whatever reason this film was made in the first place. Suppose its worth approximately 11 minutes of your day.

Taken By Trees cover of Animal Collective-"My Girls"

The other day when I was furiously "running" clothes around my job, listening to the same songs they play time and time again on our station, I heard a cover of Animal Collective's-"My Girls." It's from Merriweather Post Pavilion, which is one of my favorite albums of the year so far.

Did a bit of research, it's by Taken By Trees-"My Boys"



PS. I guess this band has an affinity for cover songs because I also found this one of "Sweet Child O Mine." I approve.

Living With Michael Jackson

I just now watched this documentary. I feel as though everyone has seen it, and I just never did. Not really sure. I have yet to watch it in its entirety but bits and pieces with a friend. She gave me a burned copy, and I plan to watch the whole thing and fully analyze it later.

It puts a lot into perspective about how Michael Jackson was.
I could sit here and ramble about all the of the things that he said for while probably..but I'm simultaneously watching the Phillies.


"Other people like to play football, basketball..I like to climb trees."-MJ (R.I.P)

The Roots-How I Got Over

Diane Birch

When I fall, I fall hard. This is rare in and of itself but naturally-- it can pose several problems in matters of the heart.
But in my musical soul; it doesn't.

What I mean is, I listened to Diane Birch for the first time today. It took me some 5 minutes to decide that I was already obsessed.

Her voice is fantastic, and she's gorgeous. Like a lovechild of Joni Mitchell, Cat Power, and Feist. Please do yourself a favor and get her album Bible Belt. So many beautiful harmonies, piano, and string sections. Love, love, love.