4. The xx
I'm simply blown away by this band. Who knew 4 pasty british kids (ok, they're actually like 20 or so) could create such a simple yet mature album? I sure didn't. When I listen to their songs I feel like I'm floating into a black hole, but I'm happy with that. Get it? Well, experience it for yourself:
3. Toro y moi & Washed out
Ok, so I cheated a little on this one. I couldn't decide where to put these two, but I knew they had to be included. I'm lumping them together because they seemingly emerged at the same time from the same place (and also my homeland) Columbia, South carolina. Weird, right? They both perfected, in their own ways, a soulful, lo-fi, beachy sound that makes you never want summer to end. Can't wait to hear their albums in 2010.
Last year I was prepping for Ghosthustler to be the next big thing. Then they broke up. Then Alan Palomo (aka Neon indian) did his own thing with Vega, which I loved just as much. Then, out of nowhere, came Neon indian. It was a whole new sound than both aforementioned bands, but in many ways it was much superior. Much like the 2 south carolinians at #3, Palomo created an album, and a mood, that would make anyone feel like they were on acid... at a swimming pool... in 100 degree heat... in 1980. Enough said?
1. Memory tapes
If you haven't gathered by now I love music that creates a virtual landscape that overtakes your senses; Makes you feel like you're visiting a completely new place... Memory tapes does exactly that, but the catch is he uses basically every genre in the book. One minute you'll want to dance, the next you'll want to cry on your friends shoulder. It's that good. Ok, I get carried away sometimes. I find the man behind the music to be equally intriguing. He seems a little surly in interviews, like he'd much rather be spending time with his daughter while sitting in his room creating more music. He also doesn't have a phone or television which means he chooses his influences without letting them be imposed on him. Brilliant.
There ya have it, gente. Remember, while all these arteests had amazing releases this year this isn't a 'best albums of 09.' I'll leave that to more qualified people. I would also like to shout out to some other amazing acts this year like Best coast, jj, Smith westerns, Pictureplane, The drums among other well known artists (Grizzly bear, Bat for lashes, etc.). This might have been a tumultuous year, but the soundtrack was incredible.
