Resurrection Sunday

Under peer pressure I submit my list of the "Best Songs Of 2009". I have read several "Best of..." lists and wanted to remind everyone of few records that are worth a listen from an outstanding year in music. Hope you dig-
1. Bad Lieutenant-Sink or Swim. Perhaps a cop out, but I loved this song. From the ringing guitars to the first line "What'cha doing with that stupid little girl", I was hooked. Bad Lieutenant is made up of 1/2 of New Order(Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris). The album "Never Cry Another Tear" is excellent. More even than the last few New Order records. "Sink or Swim" is the stand out track.
2. The Horrors-Whole New Way. NME magazine choose "Primary Colours" as best album of the year and this song-which started out as a Japanese B-side came in a close second for me as song of the year. Love the vibe and trippy guitars. Has a very Psyc Furs feel to it. Check out the video here-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd2ZI2crgM4
3. Neko Case-People Got A Lot of Nerve. Neko finished second for me in album of the year with "Middle Cyclone". This record is infinitely listenable and shows her growth as a songwriter. "People Got A Lot Of Nerve" was the lead single and set the tone for the whole record. I got a chance to see her live in November and she was fabulous. Get this record. Here is animated version of Neko- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXl870NoF4E Check her out on TCM this month and for Adult Swim fan on the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Christmas disc.
4. Phoenix-1901. Phoenix exploded this year. "1901" easily had to be the most remixed song of the year and it was used in a Cadillac commercial. While "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" was not as strong as "It's Never Been Like That", it's still a great record for those of us who like the straight forward alt pop with some attitude. Here they are live on Letterman-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RulP4OXxFbM and here is a link to one of the nicer remixes http://www.tracasseur.com/2009/11/its-1901-again.html
5. The XX-Islands. Up until about a week ago I knew that Neko Case's "Middle Cyclone" was my record of the year--things change. The XX have wormed their way into my brain. Their debut is stark, beautiful and full of nice musical holes. Check it out. Her they are on "Later" with Jools Holland http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqIcF2hpHWY
6. Noah and the Whale-No Blue Skies. "This is the last song I write while still in love with you".
For those of us that love lyrics, need I say more.
7. The Big Pink-Dominoes. The Big Pink is a duo that combines the best aspects of bands like Depeche Mode and "Pretty Hate Machine" era Nine Inch Nails. Slightly industrial, a dash of techno and smart lyrics. "A Brief History Of Love" is worth just for the title.
8. Sam Roberts-Lions Of The Kalahari. I put the whole Sam Roberts disc on my iPod, which is very unusual for me. I found myself always checking -"Who did that?" when one of his songs came on shuffle. This one is one of my favorites. A great record if your feeling out of step with the world.
9. Bob Mould-MM17. Bob is back. Best album he has released in years. "Life And Times" is Bob at his best-angry, hurt but ultimately uplifting.
10. Youth Group-One For Another. Another brilliant record by band that sounds a lot like James, but that is okay in my book. "The Night Is Ours" is another one of my favorite albums this year.
11. Passion Pit-Kingdom Come. They finally won me over.
12. Travis Caudle-Change Your Mind. Great singer songwriter record. Produced by Tim Powles of The Church.
13. Grizzly Bear-Two Weeks. Again they won me over.
14. Wilco-You and I. Great band. Great duet with Fiest. Bad album.
15. Camera Obscura-French Navy. Sixties inspired orchestrated pop. Brilliant.
16. The National-So Far Around The Bend. They can do no wrong right now. From "Dark Is The Night" compilation.
17. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart-A Teenager In Love. For those of us that miss The Smiths.
18. 7 Worlds Collide-Too Blue. Neil Finn side project. Sung by Finn and Johnny Marr. Written by Jeff Tweedy. Benefits Oxfam. Go buy.
19. The Veils-The Letter. A song that will get in your head.
20. Editors-Papillon. Loved it first listen.

There are a lot more songs that I loved for 2009 but I figured 20 was nice size pill to swallow. Plus it fits nicely onto a cd if you ad The Panics "Don't Fight It". Enjoy.