After a week away, it was nice to be back in the studio. This week I played several folk-related tunes, a few garage-based ones, and a small handful of indie pop tracks. With the amount of indie-folk I’ve played of late, I’m thinking we’re in store for another dreamy mix and maybe even a garage rock mix in the near future.

Andi and I have been on a DIY kick of late and a recent project has been homemade laundry detergent. With the three ingredients displayed in the photo above, along with water, we won’t have to purchase detergent for a few years. How’s that for cost cutting, hipsters?

I’ve highlighted a few tracks below (i.e. the bold ones) for sampling purposes. Download and enjoy!

Here’s the playlist:

“No Retro” by Basemint off No Retro b/w Basemint Theme 7″
“The City Still” by Bears off Greater Lakes

“Late Night Bikes” by Capybara off Dave Drusky
“So Long” by Fruit Bats off Tripper
“Song of the City” by Isidore off Life Somewhere Else

“Serpents” by Sharon Van Etten off Tramp
“Shallow” by Beach Fossils off Shallow b/w Lessons 7″

“In The Yard” by Bowerbirds off The Clearing
“Squawk” by Y La Bamba off Court The Storm
“Chasing Crows” by The Horde And The Harem off A Long Midwinter

“Bigfoot Camero” by Bel Air off Fall
“Switch” by Guy Capecelatro III off North For The Winter
“Lungs, Dirt & Dreams” by Damon Moon & The Whispering Drifters off Lungs, Dirt & Dreams

“Bet You Never Thought It Would Be Like This” by The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir off I Bet You Say That To All The Boys

“Weekend” by Smith Westers off Daytrotter’s Big Orange Studios Session
“I Am The Assassin” by Dag för Dag off Boo

“Doing As I Do” by The Beets off Let The Poison Out
“Girl” by Milk Maid off Yucca
“Vizcaya” by Jacuzzi Boys off Glazin’

“When I See You Again” by Shimmering Stars off Ghosts Past EP
“Come Monday Night” by God Help The Girl off God Help The Girl

“Forgiveness” by Girls off Father, Son, Holy Ghost
“Mona Lisa” by Atlas Sound off Bedroom Databank Vol. 3
“Unfaithful” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV off Unfaithful

I figured with my previous show being devoted to songs that remind me of sleep, this one would be the opposite. After a few bouts of standard indie rock, things got thick and loud.

A shout out to my buddy Brett, for tuning in from Sedro-Woolley. Next time I’ll have to add Tullycraft to the list in honor of how we met.

The show began with a song off one of my desert island top 5 albums, and ended with a track that’s nearly thirty years old. In between was great indie rock and garage rock from the past decade or so.

Click bold playlist entries to visit related content.

“Call It Ours” by The Legends off Up Against The Legends

“Rotten Hell” by Menomena off Friend And Foe
“Melectric” by Ramona Falls off Intuit
“Cold Feet” by Lost Lander off DRRT

“Vomit” by Girls off Father, Son, Holy Ghost
“Collector” by PAPA off A Good Woman Is Hard To Find
“Hoop Of Love” by Dominant Legs off Invitation

“The Concept (Teenage Fanclub Cover)” by Blue Skies For Black Hearts
“I’m A Thief” by Fresh & Onlys off Play It Strange
“Hey Friend” by JEFF The Brotherhood off We Are The Champions
“Summer Solstice” by Crystal Antlers off Two-Way Mirror

“Burden” by The Mantles off The Mantles

“After The Call” by Electrelane off No Shouts No Calls
“Big Girl” by Darlings off Warma
“Weekends” by Teenage Reverb off Isolation Tape Night

“Punks In The Beerlight” by Silver Jews off Tanglewood Numbers
“Firedrill” by Sam Humans off Live Free & Let Loose
“Nerve Jamming” by Bass Drum Of Death off GB City

“I Don’t Wanna Know” by Shimmering Stars off Violent Hearts
“You Don’t Want Kids To Be Dead” by The Beets off Let The Poison Out
“Bring Your Love” by The Cave Weddings off Bring Your Love (7″ Single)

“When I’m With You” by Best Coast off Crazy For You
“Into The Sea” by Seapony off Go With Me
“I Will Be” by Dum Dum Girls off I Will Be
“Dead Man’s Sister” by Tea Cozies

“You Make The Sun Fry” by Ty Segall off Goodbye Bread
“You Should Close The Door” by Craft Spells off Idle Labor

“No Doctor” by Virgin Islands off Ernie Chambers Vs. God
“Brave Dumb Face” by Unnatural Helpers off Cracked Love & Other Drugs

“Smile” by The Fall off Perverted By Language

PAPA is the side project of Girls’ drummer Darren Weiss and their music fits well with the chill California sound of Weiss’ other band. “I Am The Lion King” is a track off the band’s new EP, A Good Woman Is Hard To Find. You can hear the track below; it has an edge to it, but it’s laid back. Laid back like you’d expect from a late August/early September anthem. It hints of the beach and summer. And, after listening to the entirety of the new album, I find it pretty easy to say that — albeit very good — it’s definitely not the best track on the EP!

Check out “I Am The Lion King” below and look for PAPA’s A Good Woman Is Hard To Find soon (it hits Oct 4) on Hit City USA and Psychedelic Judaism.

You can also find PAPA on tour now with Girls.

Download: “I Am The Lion King” by PAPA

Just the other week we wrote about Girls’ new song, “Vomit”, off their forthcoming third release Father, Son, Holy Ghost. They have now presented us a video for the tune, which after countless listens I shall now dub their most accomplished song to date. The video begins with seductive footage ’60s cherry red Mustang convertible then changes pace to a drive through the city. Interesting angles and bright colors amidst a dark background all emphasize the song’s power.

Yes, the footage fits well with the lyrics: Nights I spend alone / I spend alone looking for you baby. The song itself begins softly, the vocal tone beyond melancholy; outright depressing. But as the song picks up there’s hope. Guitar solos, a laid-back rhythm section, and the closing out of “Vomit” with a very Dark Side Of The Moon-like female vocalist all make “Vomit” one of the year’s most stunning tracks.

And it also makes this video quite unique.

Download: “Vomit” by Girls

Girls have come to be one of my favorite artists since their early release, Album, in September of 2009. Their music is simply astonishing, from upbeat pop gems like “Lust For Life” and “Alright” to more surreal explorations of pop psychedelia, like “Helhole Ratrace” and “Carolina”.

“Vomit” is a new track off the band’s forthcoming record, Father, Son, Holy Ghost and it takes the pop exploration to a whole new level. It begins soft and slow as a pop ballad. It has bouts of volume increases and epic guitar riffs, occasionally diving into experimental noise pop and impromptu guitar solos.

Girls’ previous work is nothing to scoff at. Remember the first time you heard any of the aforementioned earlier work? Get ready to have that same feeling of amazement; “Vomit” matches them head to head. Easily.

Father, Son, Holy Ghost is due September 13 via True Panther Sounds

Download: “Vomit” by Girls

Lefse’s latest lust-worthy tune-layer is Dominant Legs, the project of San Francisco-based musician Ryan Lynch (also the guitarist for Girls), whose light, harmonic melodies will draw you in. Joining Lynch is Hannah Hunt, who lends keys and vocal expertise. Shrouded in vocal reverb, Lynch’s ballads, like “Clawing Out At The Walls” off Dominant Legs’ forthcoming debut EP Young At Love And Life, cast a dreamy shadow over these summer days and conjure a longing for the slightly cooler evening hours when the crickets emerge. In “Clawing Out At The Walls”, Dominant Legs packs every moment with continuous, all-encompassing harmony that refuses to let go until the final moments. Just like this summer heat. The key difference being: You won’t want the songs to end.

Download: “Clawing Out At The Walls” by Dominant Legs

The 2010 Sasquatch Festival line-up was announced last week and after perusing the list a few times, I started to hone in on who the hot bands will (or, better yet, should) be. Now, festivals for me are all about camping out at a stage for several bands before moving on to another, but I figured I’d throw that trend to the wind for this post. My second disclaimer; before you point out that I’m recommending the small folk, understand that I also tend to shun the big guns — those artists it seems like EVERYONE will be seeing.

Yeah, you won’t see Pavement on this list (though that would definitely be a band to see!), nor will you find MGMT or Band Of Horses, LCD Soundsystem or Broken Social Scene; you won’t see Ween or Massive Attack or My Morning Jacket — though all would be more than worthy picks. While the hoards of crowds pack their sweaty selves tight for those bands, I’d recommend slipping off to see one or more of these thirteen artists.

So here are the bands I recommend catching at Sasquatch this year, in alphabetical order… ’cause that’s just how I roll.

* * * * *

1. Avi Buffalo

One of a slew of new artists on the Sub Pop label, Avi Buffalo is set to make waves this year as they release their self-titled debut LP. In December we got a taste of what was to come with “What’s In It For”, the first single from that album. Their sunny southwest pop has within it hints of the country, of intense heat and a laid-back lazy southern feel: a perfect tenor for Sasquatch. Avi Buffalo hits in April, just in time to learn all the lyrics before Festival begins.

Avi Buffalo: What’s In It For? [mp3]

* * * * *

2. Caribou

I’ve been dreaming of seeing “Melody Day” live since its release on Andorra in 2007. That wild schizophrenic psychedelic percussion is simply to die for, and knowing Caribou has a new one ready to drop (also in April) means catching Dan Snaith, Mr. doctorate in mathematics himself, live all the more tempting. “Odessa”, off Swim, is a bit different from what you’ll find on Andorra. Solid stuff, this. Download “Odessa” and sign up for Caribou updates over at Caribou.FM.

Caribou: Odessa [mp3]

* * * * *

3. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

I cannot wait to see where Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeroes goes with this whole feature length film thing they’re doing, based around last year’s Up From Below. It began with the breathtaking “Desert Song” and continued with “Kisses Over Babylon”. Up From Below was a shocking album from 2009 in that it’s absolutely amazing. This is the sound that you always wanted from Devendra Banhart, but that he only seemed to highlight in one or two singles per album. And Up From Below is chalk packed full of it!

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeroes: 40 Day Dream [mp3]

* * * * *

4. Freelance Whales

Listening to the two “Generator” tracks, “First Floor” and “Second Floor” respectively, one is treated to calming, soothing sounds complimented by a backwoods banjo and plenty of laid back experimental pop. It reminds me a bit of Electric President, but with much more instrumentation and a lot more going on all around.

Freelance Whales: Generator First Floor [mp3]

Freelance Whales: Generator Second Floor [mp3]

* * * * *

5. Fresh Espresso

I like the sound of this. Dubbed as Glam Pop Hip Hop, the rhymes are sure to flow; and with a name like Fresh Espresso, Sasquatch audiences are sure to imbibe on this Seattle band’s tasty beats. Fresh Espresso isn’t my typical recommendation, but it’s hard to not get swept up in the brilliance this duo creates. Their debut album, Glamour is available now over at Fresh Espresso.

Fresh Espresso: 885 Big Or Small [mp3]

* * * * *

6. Girls

I didn’t much care for Girls the first time I heard them. “Hellhole Ratrace” was the exception; the single, I thought, was absolutely brilliant. But with time, I came around to the rest of the songs on Album, starting with “Lust For Life” and “Laura” and continuing to “Summertime” and “Lauren Marie”. The album went on to be fairly high on my top 50 of 2009. With a sound as fun as that produced by Girls, they’re a definite group to catch as they hit the stage at Sasquatch.

Girls: Hellhole Ratrace [mp3]

* * * * *

7. The Lonely Forest

I could drive 20 miles west and see The Lonely Forest play in their hometown, if their hometown still had a good music venue. If you frequent this site, you probably noticed my week-long coverage of Dept. of Safety’s final show featuring Microphones, among others. The Lonely Forest is also from Anacortes, and their sounds are probably the most accessible and contemporary on this list, but I don’t give a crap. I’d still see this band live at Sasquatch because, well, they rock.

The Lonely Forest: We Sing In Time [mp3]

* * * * *

8. The Low Anthem

With wispy oft falsetto vocals and airy, old-time folk, The Low Anthem is one of the quieter artists on this year’s Sasquatch roster. But that doesn’t mean they should be discounted; there’s a special sort of power behind the folk songs this band creates. From the minimal single “Charlie Darwin” to the varied instrumentation in “Ohio”, and on through the sing-along “OMGCD”, this band has the mesmerizing qualities that draw the listener in wholeheartedly.

The Low Anthem: Charlie Darwin [mp3]

* * * * *

9. Phantogram

One of the latest additions to the Barsuk roster, Phantogram‘s dark beats are most excellent. Their self-titled EP from 2009 was packed with several great songs, a few of which found their way onto the track list of their debut LP, Eyelid Movies. The album hits this week.

Phantogram: When I’m Small [mp3]

* * * * *

10. Quasi

Early 2006 was the last time Quasi gave us an album. In all honesty, I thought the band had, well, disbanded. But they hadn’t. Far from it. This week they’re releasing American Gong on Domino and Kill Rock Stars. From what I’ve heard of the new album, it capitalizes on that rough 90s indie rock sound. There’s plenty of noisy guitars, coarse emotive
vocals, and sloppy loud drums in “Repulsion”. And “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouller” removes much of the noise for a sound a bit more chill. Perfect for a hot, sweaty day packed with music.

Quasi: Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouller [mp3]

Quasi: Repulsion [mp3]

* * * * *

11. Telekinesis

Telekinesis‘s Michael Lerner has come a long way since his humble days as a local favorite, a mere year ago. Telekinesis went on to yield nationwide exposure thanks to its Merge Records release, and it was lauded by many of today’s most read blogs and music sites.

Telekinesis: Coast Of Carolina [mp3]

* * * * *

12. tUnE-YarDs

I missed tUnE-YarDs‘ LP BiRd-BrAiNs when it was released last year, and for that I am sorry. It would have easily made my top 50 of the year, thanks to lo-fi DIY psychedelic folk-pop sensibilities. Mix in a 60s tripping-on-acid sound, and dip it in a modern dose of experimentation, and you’ll get the brilliance behind tUnE-YarDs. This band is a definite must-catch at Sasquatch.

tUnE-YarDs: SUNLIGHT [mp3]

* * * * *

13. WHY?

Eskimo Snow made my top 10 albums of 2009, and it’s easy to hear why. (Pun wasn’t originally intended, but it wouldn’t be as affective without it.) Jonathan “Yoni” Wolf is a master wordsmith, and WHY?‘s hip-hop meets indie rock can be summed up with a single, simple word: perfect.

WHY?: This Blackest Purse [mp3]

2009 is a tough year to judge. I’ve checked out more albums this year than any year in the past. Well over 1,000. And there have been quite a few great ones as well. When this list began, it had 110 albums. I abandoned my top 33 and 1/3 for 45, and then said “screw it” and upped the number to an even 50. These are the top notch albums of the year, all worthy of praise.

Despite trouble all around, 2009 wasn’t all that bad. It forced us to hold our wallets a little closer, and by doing so allowed us to enjoy some simpler things in life. Living briefly in Edison before buying a house, I’d take walks around town with my camera in hand and my iPod in ear. The above photo was from one of those journeys.

It was the year of fuzzy pop, so it’s no surprise that the biggest standout label from the year would have to be Slumberland, who gave us a slew of phenomenal singles, a few great albums, and a number of excellent EPs. Hometapes also finds their artists sprinkled throughout the list. As usual, there are some local favorites, as well as a few obscurities.

Off we go…

* * * * *

50. Postcard by Elin Palmer

From Devotchka fame comes Elin Palmer, whose Denver by way of Sweden sounds blend multi-instrumental orchestral folk with angelic vocals. Title track “Postcard” is a mystic song that hits all the right notes, from beautiful echoing vocals to soft accordion and masterful strings.

Elin Palmer: Postcard [mp3]

* * * * *

49. Cosmic Clancy by The Nightgowns

The Nightgowns turned some heads in the Pacific Northwest this year, gaining momentum with their synth-based pop. It’s simple and catchy, but a dark base and vocal pairing keeps it from being overly twee.

The Nightgowns: Cosmic Clancy [mp3]

* * * * *

48. The Mountain by Heartless Bastards

Title track “The Mountain” is truly an epic, and it’s hard not to say the same about at least half the songs on Heartless Bastards’ latest LP. These songs are pure rock and hint at a greater 70s theme yet find themselves entirely modern. And the female-fronted vocal styling is deep and filled with a verbose vibrato, making Erika Wennerstrom one of the more unique vocalists around.

Heartless Bastards: The Mountain [mp3]

* * * * *

47. Letting Up Despite Great Faults by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Letting Up Despite Great Faults wears their influences on their sleeves. Listening to electronic beats and fuzzy keys and guitars, fronted by dreamy reverb-filled vocals, one can hear hints of The Radio Dept. in nearly every song on this album. That is far from a bad thing, as Letting Up Despite Great Faults picks up precisely where Lesser Matters left off.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults: In Steps [mp3]

* * * * *

46. Promenade by Grand Hallway

Combining Japanese classical sensibilities with orchestral pop isn’t all that common. Promenade, Grand Hallway’s second album, is much stronger than their debut and it finds the group gaining confidence in their songwriting abilities, both from an instrumentation and a vocal standpoint.

Grand Hallway: Blessed Be, Honey Bee [mp3]

* * * * *

45. Gather Form & Fly by Megafaun

An experimental style of folk, freak folk, and blend of fully orchestrated folk with minimalist folk, Megafaun does a great job infusing various styles of folk for an entirely unique sound that is fun, crazy, and beautiful all at the same time.

Megafaun: Kaufman’s Ballad [mp3]

* * * * *

44. Första Brevet Till Amerika by The Hartmans

Riding the fuzz pop train is Sweden’s The Hartmans, who remain underground but whose songs are absolutely worth checking out for fans of this year’s favorite sub-genre. Första Brevet Till Amerika is technically the US release of an album from one, possibly two years ago, but because Series II dropped it in ’09, I’ll consider it. The Hartmans focus is harmony backed by massive distorted harmony.

The Hartmans: Neptuni Orden [mp3]

* * * * *

43. March Of The Zapotec / Holland by Beirut

Beirut’s so-called third LP, March Of The Zapotec / Holland is technically a double EP. One half finds the balkan-influenced band matching their early sounds while the other sees Condon et. al adding in electronic beats.

Beirut: My Night With The Prostitute From Marseille [mp3]

* * * * *

42. My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura
“French Navy” is one of my favorite singles of 2009, and title track “My Maudlin Career” is pretty damn close to being an album favorite. This album nears the influence set forth in Let’s Get Out Of This Country.

Camera Obscura: My Maudlin Career [mp3]

* * * * *

41. Fan The Flames by Golden Bloom

With infectious pop songs like “Doomsday Devices” and “The Flight At The End Of The Tunnel”, Golden Bloom takes contemporary pop to a whole new level. Sure, this stuff is more than nerdy, but you can’t help falling in love with these songs.

Golden Bloom: Doomsday Devices [mp3]

* * * * *

40. Sunset / Sunrise by The Dutchess & The Duke
Aside from an overall higher production value, The Dutchess & The Duke exudes a greater level of comfort and confidence in the music they create. Sure, this album lacks that gritty lo-fi element so beloved in their debut, but it’s made up with this band’s new-found certainty in their abilities.

The Dutchess & The Duke: Hands [mp3]

* * * * *

39. Post-Nothing by Japandroids

Japandroids made waves this year with their album Post-Nothing. Many consider “Young Hearts Spark Fire” one of the best songs of the year. Sure, I’ll give them that, but my favorites are “Heart Sweats” and “I Quit Girls”.

Japandroids: Young Hearts Spark Fire [mp3]

* * * * *

38. Logos by Atlas Sound

I haven’t fully absorbed Logos yet. There are a few albums that haven’t quite fully garnered my attention, and these are the ones that are likely to see big movement when it comes time to compile my 2009 A Retrospective. I rather enjoy what I have digested quite a bit more than Atlas Sound’s last album. In particular is “Walkabout” which features Noah Lennox of Animal Collective/Panda Bear.

Atlas Sound: Walkabout [mp3]

* * * * *

37. Reservoir by Fanfarlo

Quite like Beirut, but with less emphasis on the obscure and a bit more on greater accessibility to a wider audience, Fanfarlo’s Reservoir is hailed by many as one of the top albums of the year. It’s a bit too much like Beirut at times, but there’s no question that these guys can create a pretty powerful tune. “The Walls Are Coming Down” and “Luna” are instant favorites, songs that aren’t likely to wane any time soon.

Fanfarlo: Luna [mp3]

* * * * *

36. Welcome Joy by The Cave Singers

Oh man, “At The Cut” rocked. Invitation Songs was pretty damn solid, and placed the band in a unique folk-rock place, hinting at a folk sound from an entirely different era. But Welcome Joy finds The Cave Singers blowing up that earlier sound, injecting some powerful riffs (as if they weren’t there to begin with), and pumping up volume levels a bit. Sure, not all songs are like this, but the right ones are, and that’s all that matters.

The Cave Singers: At The Cut [mp3]

* * * * *

35. In The Dream Of The Sea Life by Candy Claws

Thanks to a clever mixing in of lapping waves, In The Dream Of The Sea Life nears concept album greatness. Candy Claws mixes highly experimental electro-pop with folky traits common to artists like Animal Collective, but a thousand times dreamier. This music is pleasant and hypnotic.

Candy Claws: Catamaran [mp3]

* * * * *

34. Intuit by Ramona Falls

After Menomena’s Friend And Foe, I’ve been dying to hear more from the band. While we have yet to receive a follow-up, Intuit is pretty damn close. From Menomena’s Brent Knopf comes Ramona Falls and the music has a pretty strong similarity to one of Portland’s best groups. In the coming months, I’ll probably regret keeping this one so low on the list.

Ramona Falls: I Say Fever [mp3]

* * * * *

33. Vekatimest by Grizzly Bear

Vekatimest has made more of an impact on me than both Yellow House and Horn Of Plenty alike. “Two Weeks”, in fact, is one of my favorite singles of the year. As a whole, this album is more than solid and propels Grizzly Bear into a unique position; out there far enough to warrant lauding by supreme pretentious indie nerds and a more mainstream crowd as well.

Grizzly Bear: Cheerleader [mp3]

* * * * *

32. Waking Heat by Tempo No Tempo

It’s been a while since I’ve really been into a dub band, but that all changed in 2009. Tempo No Tempo became an instant favorite thanks to a hefty bass/drum part in songs like “The Rat (Part One)” and “Medicines”. Unsigned, I wouldn’t be surprised if this band doesn’t stay that way long.

Tempo No Tempo: Medicines [mp3]

* * * * *

31. We Bet Our Money On You by Daniel Francis Doyle

Math rock has always been a bit crazy, with pointed beats and riffs and wild lyrics. Daniel Francis Doyle is the most promising artist to fit the genre in a very long time. His abilities extend far, from erratic in-your-face experimental and fully math oriented tracks (“Old Lives”, for example, is quite wonderful, reaching a point between Don Cab and Dismemberment Plan) and soft melodic piano tracks (“Your Baby Is Speaking” is the best representation of that sound). Perfect.

Daniel Francis Doyle: Learning Things In School [mp3]

* * * * *

30. Keep In Mind Frankenstein by Grand Archives

The harmonies remain, both from an instrumental and vocal standpoint. In Keep In Mind Frankenstein, Grand Archives take it down a notch at times. While there isn’t that immense climax (“The Crime Window” off Grand Archives took that slot), these songs are still quite amazing. Grand Archives’ music is filled with pleasant folk-pop that truly sets this band apart from the crowd.

Grand Archives: Silver Among The Gold [mp3]

* * * * *

29. Everybody Come Outside by Pomegranates

With their sophomore LP, Everybody Come Outside, Pomegranates have soidified their station as the best creators of upbeat pop songs around. And I’m not just talking songs that will make you nod your head. Even their sadder, less happy songs are entirely bouncy. Prime example: “This Land Used To Be…”

Pomegranates: Corriander [mp3]

* * * * *

28. Family by Le Loup

The Throne, Le Loup’s debut, was an album wrought with strife; it was a tormented display of a mind torn between good and evil. And it leaned quite substantially toward the darkness. With their follow-up, Family, Simkoff seems to have found a pleasant peace among friends. This album lacks some of the minimalistic traits of its predecessor. There are still forays into that wild sound, but now it’s more tribal, connected to individuals outside Simkoff himself. And you can hear it in the music: it’s a positive progression.

Le Loup: Beach Town [mp3]

* * * * *

27. Tarpits & Canyonlands by Bombadil

Mixing a sound that can only be described as a folky rendition of Slaraffenland (or Efterklang) fronted by a Cat Stevens-ish character, Bombadil has produced an entirely unique album that is one of 2009′s must-hears.

* * * * *

26. Setting The Paces by BOAT

Setting The Paces, BOAT’s third album, sees the band progressing as a whole. Songs are more complex, yet they all maintain a fair share of those good ol’ traits that us fans fell in love with upon hearing their debut. D. Crane still has that overly joyous, sarcastic self-deprecating lyrics and that grinning throaty vocal style. These songs rock, and they rock harder than BOAT ever has before.

BOAT: Lately [mp3]

* * * * *

25. Psychic Chasms by Neon Indian

Take Animal Collective, drop in a notable and dark 80s influence. Then ship the whole package over to Europe and shove it into one of their electro thingies. An image should be forming, and the result is probably something along the lines of Neon Indian. By the way, this album cover speaks to this music more than practically all others in 2009.

Neon Indian: Deadbeat Summer [mp3]

* * * * *

24. Telekinesis! by Telekinesis

You wouldn’t expect this album from Telekinesis brain-child Michael Lerner, who is soft spoken and quite kind. Then again, this album isn’t hard hitting, nor is it pretentious. It hits the right pop hooks and injects the perfect amount of rock to achieve something better, more pure. One listen to “Great Lakes” and you’ll be saying Move over Death Cab – there’s a new boy in town!

Telekinesis: Coast Of Carolina [mp3]

* * * * *

23. Parade by Afternoon Naps

When it comes down to it, there is little I love more than a good indie pop album, and Parade by Afternoon Naps is just that. The band’s smokey and mysterious vocals are dark and seductive. There are plenty of somber pop hooks here, but this band isn’t beyond throwing a wrench in that – there’s also a lot of bouncy melodies.

Afternoon Naps: Beach Bums [mp3]

* * * * *

22. Summer Of Hate by Crocodiles

Summer Of Hate brought Crocodiles quite a bit of hype in the indie world upon its release. It took me a while to get around to checking these guys out but I’m very glad I did. The title track remains my favorite, but in truth this album is filled with favorites.

Crocodiles: Summer Of Hate [mp3]

* * * * *

21. Declaration Of Dependence by Kings Of Convenience

“Boat Behind” is one of my favorite videos of the year. It’s perfectly sunny and more than fitting. The title of this album is honest and revealing, and it fits the music this duo creates. Kings Of Convenience is back and I’ll probably kick myself later for not sticking this higher on the list. Oh well.

Kings Of Convenience: Boat Behind [mp3]

* * * * *

20. Beast Rest Forth Mouth by Bear In Heaven

From the dissonance of Red Bloom Of The Boom to the harmonious Beast Rest Forth Mouth, Bear In Heaven continues to be a gripping band despite a substantial progression. The first one emphasized space; this one creates the matter that fills space.

Bear In Heaven: Lovesick Teenagers [mp3]

* * * * *

19. Up From Below by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Epic folk comes in many forms and while Up From Below may not necessarily be a concept album in the true concept album form, it possesses the traits (albeit externally for the most part). As they continue to put out videos from the album, which will ultimately form a near feature-length film, this album’s brilliance will radiate brighter than ever.

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros: 40 Day Dream [mp3]

* * * * *

18. We’re On Your Side by Slaraffenland

Few bands have the efficacy of uniqueness than that produced by Slaraffenland. Their plush orchestral instrumentation, bordering on experimental pop, is simultaneously minimal and monumental. And the vocals that coincide with it are expansive. Beauty has nothing on Slaraffenland.

Slaraffenland: Meet And Greet [mp3]

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17. Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective

In my opinion, Merriweather Post Pavilion is Animal Collective’s initial leaning toward becoming more accessible to a wider audience. Fall Be Kind is an even further progression into that realm, but when compared to that which came before, MPP has more songs that fit that classification. A favorite, you can totally hear Noah Lennox’s influence on “Guys Eyes”.

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16. Over And Over by The Legends

At first glance, it may appear that The Legends have returned to their roots with Over And Over, the overly fuzzy basement pop distinct on Up Against The Legends. But in reality, they’ve merely combined many of the sounds over their past three quite distinct albums. This band continues to impress – again, it should be no surprise as to why I regard Johan Angergård as one of today’s most talented musicians.

The Legends: Always The Same [mp3]

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15. You Can Have What You Want by Papercuts

Sometimes you’ll find that certain albums sound better on vinyl. On one hand, it’s the experience of sliding that beautiful piece of wax out of its sleeve and placing it gently on a record player, then watching the needle as it drops in the precise location for optimal listening. You Can Have What You Want by Papercuts is one such album. The good news: this album nears perfection no matter how you take it in.

Papercuts: Future Primitive [mp3]

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14. There Is No Enemy by Built To Spill

This is, without question, my favorite Built To Spill album since Perfect From Now On. Filled with more radio-friendly hits, like “Hindsight” and epic rockers alike, this album nears their prior pinnacle of greatness. “Oh Yeah”, both lyrically and instrumentally, could have been on that earlier album. It has become an easy album favorite.

Built To Spill: Hindsight [mp3]

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13. Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band took a while to catch on for me, but eventually I came around. “Albatross, Albatross, Albatross” was one of my favorite videos of the year, and the album is packed with songs just as powerful. At times these songs hint at metal guitars, but the music is far from the genre – it’s entirely rock, with minor pop sensibilities.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Cheer For Fate [mp3]

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12. Album by Girls

At first, Girls didn’t do much for me. Call it a youthful childish shun; a fear of cooties. But like most young boys, I quickly grew up and started to notice Girls in a way I never thought possible. At first it was subtle – the soft songs like “Hellhole Ratrace”. Eventually the “they’re OK” became a bit more of an intense desire, a longing, an infatuation. The harder songs like “Lust For Life”, “Laura” and “Summertime” all became favorites. Two months ago, I wouldn’t have thought it possible for Album to crack the top 20. Now it sits at #12.

Girls: Hellhole Ratrace [mp3]

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11. The Banyans by The Banyans

Ask anyone about any band within the top, oh 15, and the one that the fewest people will know is The Banyans. This self titled album was self-released by this Seattle band, and done so not as a physical release but as a free download. “Grenade On Course” and “Neon Heat” are some of my favorite songs of 2009. As a whole, this album fits together quite nicely; not something you’d expect from a brand new band.

The Banyans: Grenade On Course [mp3]

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10. Heavy Days by Jeff The Brotherhood

Not since The White Stripes’ early days has a lo-fi punk duo created such an impact (on me, at least). What you get: noisy distorted riffs and sloppy percussion fronted by grungy lyrics. This album might not strike you as anything fancy from the get-go, but give it time and the songs on Heavy Days will blow your fucking mind.

Jeff The Brotherhood: Bone Jam [mp3]

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9. Rules by The Whitest Boy Alive

OK, if you thought Dreams was good, wait until you hear Rules. This album has everything you loved off The Whitest Boy Alive’s debut LP yet does exactly what you expect from a follow-up: it takes it to the next level. Seriously: it does so in every way possible. “High On The Heels” is the shining star here, but “Keep A Secret”, “Courage”, and “Timebomb” are right behind.

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8. Clangour by Sin Fang Bous

In 2008, Sin Fang Bous gave us a teaser off their then forthcoming album, the Clangour 7″ single; both songs fit the experimental electro-pop Sin Fang Bous would come to be known by. Despite that being more than one year ago, the two songs, “Advert In Ives Garden” and “Clangour And Flutes”, are just as mesmerizing as the day I first heard them. Add to them ten additional songs that are just as powerful, and the result is astonishing.

Sin Fang Bous: Catch The Light [mp3]

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7. Eskimo Snow by Why?

With lyrics that flow 1) like poetry, and 2) better than the best gangster rap, Why? has finally caught my attention by demonstrating they are one of today’s best bands thanks to lyrical prowess and masterful wordsmith-ery backed by an impeccable ability to instrumentally craft a great tune.

Why? – This Blackest Purse [mp3]

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6. Yeah I Know by Darlings

Basement pop has never been as upbeat and party-centric as it is with Darlings. As we heard just the other day, “Eviction Party” is an entirely true story, packed with insane antics of the overly imbibed. I associate this album with summer (thanks to being released then, and also having an upbeat sound). “Teenage Girl” will have you falling in love with the young punk chick a few seats away on the bus, while “If This Is Love” is perfect for the moment that summer fling comes to an abrupt halt.

Darlings: If This Is Love [mp3]

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5. Tree House Whispers by Anois

Louder than bedroom pop but not quite fit for the basement, Anois is left with the title King of Living Room Pop. The title, at least in my opinion, is one they are more than worthy of keeping. Tree House Whispers adds in experimental elements, drone, and rounds it all out with sexy foreign accents and all the beauty in the world.

Anois: Happy Holiday [mp3]

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4. Reservoir by Ah Holly Fam’ly

The smokey, nasally vocals of Jeremy Faulkner are about as unique as vocals can get. When backed by the pop-tinged folk of Ah Holly Fam’ly, the result is one of the best albums of the year. Listening to the band’s old stuff, they’ve come a long way from their home-made CD-R days (when we both resided in the Palouse, them in Moscow and me in Pullman. Whatever this band is doing, they should absolutely keep it up. Reservoir is brilliant!

Ah Holly Fam’ly: All Unfolding [mp3]

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3. Wind’s Poem by Mount Eerie

Until Wind’s Poem the two Mount Eerie albums I was most familiar with were Lost Wisdom and Dawn, both of which find Phil Elverum at his more minimal. Not once does he pick up an electric guitar on either album. Thus, Wind’s Poem was a bit of a change – much more in line with the stuff from Microphones – and, overall, this album is phenomenal.

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2. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

I would say my #1 song this year is “Young Adult Friction” by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. This song and the album as a whole are both excellent. “Contender” and “Everything With You” are right up there thanks to massive distorted pop and seemingly insurmountable vocal pop hooks.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Everything With You [mp3]

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1. AZAR by Venice Is Sinking

The difference between the first and eighth album on this list is, in fact, quite miniscule. These eight albums are truly very close in terms of the power they’ve held on me throughout the year, and their ability to be mainstays on my playlist in the years to come. Still, the decision to put AZAR at #1 wasn’t all that difficult. Venice Is Sinking possesses not only the ability to put out a great record, they are also very forward-thinking from an industry standpoint. I’m very excited to hear what their 3rd LP has in store for us.

Venice Is Sinking: Okay [mp3]

In a recent conversation, a friend noted they didn’t quite understand the hype behind Girls. After all, there are a dozen bands that write similar, edgy songs and can carry a complimentary weight. I agreed, but only somewhat. Revisiting songs like Album‘s opener “Lust For Life”, I hear a unique vocal styling and that damn garage-pop I seem so fond of these days (along with everyone else). But one thing is certain: Girls sure can write a powerful ballad.

“Hellhole Ratrace” is just such a ballad, and despite the tradition to give the ‘single’ title to the upbeat track, it fits here… almost too perfectly. The song is packed with heartfelt nostalgia (as I so uncouthly noted in my memories-filled video recap for the song) and airy guitars. The tambourine adds the loved pop while the vocal chromatic descent at the end of chorus And I don’t wanna cry, while awkward, stands out in the most excellent of ways. And when the powerful drone of distorted guitars join at the midpoint… just… damn. Realization.

With only two tracks, the hit single “Hellhole Ratrace” and the b-side, “Solitude”, a tune that, at least initially, sounds like it could be an eerie take on the equally eerie song James plays with Donna and Maddy in Twin Peaks. But aside from a similar clean guitar mix (and riff), the song has that same style of power Girls inject into “Hellhole Ratrace”. Sure, it doesn’t reach that song’s epic heights – and you wouldn’t expect it to, after all it is the b-side – but you can’t discount the fact that “Solitude” is pretty solid.

Yeah, “Lust For Life” is great and “Big Bag” has an ethereal early-Beach-Boys surf sound to it, but if you ask me, it’s the slower songs like “Solitude” and “Hellhole Ratrace” that really make Girls stand out as a great band.

Girls: Hellhole Ratrace [mp3]

True Panther Sounds [10" Single, 2009]

1. Hellhole Ratrace
2. Solitude

What a simple concept, this video. “Hellhole Ratrace” by San Francisco’s Girls is an easy pick for one of the better songs of 2009, and this video, albeit simple in nature, looks to follow suit. The video merely features slow-motion party footage, going in and out of focus. And it’s brilliant! It reminds me of my slightly younger days, say the mid twenties; those nights with friends at the local pub getting drunk on the most excellent of microbrews and staggering off into the night after last call, of chill house parties that yielded similar results, of flat-out good times. “Hellhole Ratrace” wouldn’t be the same were it not for nostalgia; it’s somehow better, that longing for the past.

Girls: Hellhole Ratrace [mp3]