Sonic Outpost

I won't say 2009 was a high point for new music, but there were some things to be excited about. Animal Collective reached the apex of their creative journey with Merriweather Pavilion. Dirty Projectors built upon Animal Collective's efforts to start a new creative journey.

I feel that 2009 (along with most of the latter half of the 00's) saw a revitalizing of new music with 60's pop sensibilities; the deft touch of Brian Wilson is everywhere. While I feel many bands are at artistic high points, the music feels very academic. My Indie Music wishlist for next year to see some more rock 'n' roll swagger because music is far from simply an academic exercise. I want to see the cockiness Mick Jagger brought when he sang Sympathy for the Devil; the rebellion brought by the Sex Pistols; the quiet defiance brought by Neil Young. Today's music is missing that and I hope it returns. 

Here are my Top 10 Songs of the Year (in no particular order):

The Elite Group:

Stillness Is The Move - Dirty Projectors (Bitte Orca) - Brings "groovy" to rock music in a way that captures the listener's attention

My Girls - Animal Collective (Merriweather Post Pavilion) - One of my favorite songs of the decade. The boys in AC channel the Beach Boys in incredibly exciting ways.

60's Pop Revival:

Should Have Taken Acid With You - Neon Indian (Psychic Chasms) - A perfect slice of summer haze pop.

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear (Veckatimest) - My god, the Beach Boys are influencing everything this year. Song transports you to a better time; family BBQs at the beach, all filmed in slow motion on old Hi-8 film.

I won't say 2009 was a high point for new music, but there were some things to be excited about. Animal Collective reached the apex of their creative journey with Merriweather Pavilion. Dirty Projectors built upon Animal Collective's efforts to start a new creative journey.

I feel that 2009 (along with most of the latter half of the 00's) saw a revitalizing of new music with 60's pop sensibilities; the deft touch of Brian Wilson is everywhere. While I feel many bands are at artistic high points, the music feels very academic. My Indie Music wishlist for next year to see some more rock 'n' roll swagger because music is far from simply an academic exercise. I want to see the cockiness Mick Jagger brought when he sang Sympathy for the Devil; the rebellion brought by the Sex Pistols; the quiet defiance brought by Neil Young. Today's music is missing that and I hope it returns. 

Here are my honorable mentions for the Top 10 Songs of the Year (in no particular order):