Top 15 Albums of the Year (2009)

Here is my 2009 Top 15 Albums of the Year

15. MuteMath- Armistice (August 18, 2009)

I really like the variety of sounds used on Armistice. “Electrify” (my ringtone) and “Spotlight” lead my favorites on the album, but it is a very upbeat and fast paced album. It really is a good album to throw on while driving around town with the windows down in the warmer months.

14. Jet- Shaka Rock (August 21, 2009)

After the letdown that was Shine on, Jet followed up with Shaka Rock and succeeded in my opinion. “She's a Genius” was the perfect song for a first single, as it pulled my attention to the band again. “Black Hearts (On Fire)” and “K.I.A. (Killed In Action)” are often played while I am working out as pump up music, and there really aren't any bad songs on this album.

13. Taking Back Sunday- New Again (June 2, 2009)

I was expecting a bit of a let down with the album New Again, but I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to the entire album. “Sink Into Me”, “New Again”, “Capital M-E”, and “Everything Must Go” really hold this album together and keep me coming back to it.

12. Street Sweeper Social Club- Street Sweeper Social Club (June 16, 2009)

I have always been waiting a return to electric guitar for Tom Morello, as I wasn't that interested in The Nightwatchman. I really enjoy the sound of Street Sweeper Social Club, as it bring Tom back to a Rage-like sound. I became attracted to the band with “Clap for the Killers”, and I honestly like every song on the album. I saw them open for Nine Inch Nails, and they are every bit as good live as they are on the album.

11. After Midnight Project- Let's Build Something to Break (Ausugt 11, 2009)

Following hearing the first single “Take Me Home”, I could not wait for After Midnight Project to release their album. While I like most of the songs on the album, “Scream for You” really sticks with me and I really enjoy the lyrics. This album has not received a lot of press, but I do like this band and I recommend giving them a listen.

10. Thousand Foot Krutch- Welcome to the Masquerade (September 8, 2009)

Thousand Foot Krutch has been putting out a solid album with each release, and Welcome to the Masquerade is no different. “Bring Me to Life”, “E for Extinction”, “Fire it up”, and “Outta Control” top my favorites on the album. My only question is this: Did they steal the song “Forward Motion” from Meese or do they give them writing credits? I have not been able to locate this answer.

9. Saosin- In Search of Solid Ground (September 8, 2009)

I appreciated the first album from Saosin, but I really am starting to like these guys a lot more after this release. “Changing”, “I Keep My Secrets Safe”, and “Say Goodbye” top my favorites from the album. This is a great driving album, and it has taken me through many road trips this year.

8. Inward Eye- Throwing Bricks Instead of Kisses (August 18, 2009)

A new band that I am really digging right now is Inward Eye. I was totally hooked when I heard the song “Shame” and that guitar riff will stay in my head all day long. I also really enjoy “Blind Paranoia”, “Day After Day”, and “Don't Paint it Blue”. I eagerly anticipate their second release even thought I am sure it will not be until 2011.

7. Jay-Z- The Blueprint III (September 22, 2009)

In what was likely the most anticipated album of 2009, Jay-Z did not disappoint with The Blueprint III. “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys has received a lot of attention and rightfully so. There are so many good songs on the album it is difficult to list them all, but I really enjoy listening to “Reminder”, “Run This Town”, and “On to the Next One”. This album has received a good amount of play in my car and will continue to do so.

6. Weezer- Raditude (November 3, 2009)

Weezer really knows how to make an album. They come back with each one and tweat their sound slightly so it's not the same as the previous but don't deviate too far from their core. There's only two exceptions to that rule on this album. The first, “Can't Stop Partyin'” featuring Lil' Wayne, worked and worked really well. The second, “Love Is the Answer”, did not work and is a little boring of a song. I'd also like to add that the bonus tracks are just as good as the songs on the album, especially the song “Get Me Some”.

5. Muse- The Resistance (September 14, 2009)

I have been eagerly awaiting a new Muse album, and The Resistance did not disappoint for the most part. I'm not a fan of the three Exogenesis Symphony songs on the album, mostly due to the fact I listen to most of my music in the car and it is not driving music. However, the rest of the songs make up for these three enough to put this album at number five on my list. “Uprising”, “MK ultra”, and “The Resistance” are among my favorites on the album. I really can't wait to see this guys live at Madison Square Garden in March.

4. Chevelle- Sci-Fi Crimes (August 31, 2009)

What a solid album Sci-Fi Crimes turned out to be for Chevelle. Every song is so powerfully driven, making this one of the best driving albums of all time in my opinion. “Jars”, “A New Momentum”, “Fell Into Your Shoes”, and “Letter From a Thief” lead the driven album and receive regular rotation at the gym for me. This album has been played very often in my car and is a staple of long roadtrips.

3. Breaking Benjamin- Dear Agony (September 29, 2009)

Breaking Benjamin, a solid band from Northeastern Pennsylvania, released Dear Agony late this year and hit a home run with it. Every song is solid and not one let me down while listening to it. “Anthem of the Angels” has become one of my favorites on the album, along with “I Will Not Bow” and “Dear Agony”. This is exactly the type of album I expected from Breaking Benjamin, and I can't stop listenting to it.

2. Silversun Pickups- Swoon (April 14, 2009)

I would argue that Carnavas was a solid album from Silversun Pickups, but that means that I have to say that Swoon was a great album. The unique sound from the vocals to the hard driven guitar work, this album is a complete package. “Panic Room” is an excellent song, but it can't top “The Royal We” in my book on this album. I am also a huge fan of “Catch and Release”. If you get a chance to check out Silversun Pickups live, I highly recommend it. I can't wait to see them again open for Muse.

1. Manchester Orchestra- Mean Everything to Nothing (April 21, 2009

This album has been played in my car at least once a week since it's release. I liked Manchester Orchestra prior to this album's release, but Mean Everything to Nothing launched Manchester Orchester to new heights by showcasing their talent. The first single “I've Got Friends” was a pretty big hit, but I immediately took a liking to “Shake it out”. I would like to recommend seeing their live set, as it is one of the better that I have ever seen.

Honorable Mentions: Wolfmother, The Parlor Mob, Eminem, The Urgency

Disappointments:

Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures

I liked the single, but the rest of the songs sound the same and are really repetitive.

Kasabian- West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

A couple of good songs, but not as good as previous albums.

Arctic Monkeys- Humbug

A couple tunes that stuck, but no where near the creativity of previous albums.

Maximo Park- Quicken the Heart

A couple of listens and I just couldn't get hooked on this album.

Beastie Boys- Double Check Your Head

From the guy who brought you Jaydiohead (Jay-Z + Radiohead mash up) comes a new mash up of Beastie Boys' instrumentals and lyrics. Max Tannone has found the only way to make the Beastie Boys better: by mixing them with more Beastie Boys. You can download and/or listen to the album here. I highly recommend downloading this (it's free!), and I have been jamming out to it recently.

Cage the Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, and Silversun Pickups

I recently went to Baltimore to Rams Head Live to check out Cage the Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, and Silversun Pickups.

I had high expectations for Cage the Elephant, as I have really been digging their album recently. They hit the airwaves with "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" and their most recent single "In One Ear" is starting to pick up steam [It's my favorite song on the album]. Cage the Elephant had great energy from the start, but it took a while for the crowd to respond. I will assume this is due to their lack of exposure to Cage the Elephant. However, after "Wicked" started, the crowd got into the music and fed off their energy. The greatest moment of the whole show came when the lead singer of Cage the Elephant climbed up a speaker to the second floor and sang the second half of the last song. Following the conclusion of the song, the singer jumped from the balcony onto waiting concert-goers, and proceeded to surf to the stage. It was an amazing time and I thoroughly enjoyed this band.

The second set of the night was by Manchester Orchestra. I love their new album, and had heard very good things about them live. I was absolutely impressed with their sound and technical ability. It was amazing how close to their album sound they sounded. My only complaint is that they did not play any older songs. Every song of their set was from the new album. While I thoroughly enjoy the new album, I would liked to at least heard "Wolves at Night" and "Golden Ticket." However, hearing almost the entire new album was a great experience and I want to see them again.

The closer for the night was Silversun Pickups. Their new album is receiving regular play in my car, so I was very excited to see them live. The lead singer impressed me most, as his voice is in no way modified on the album; he sounds the same live as he does on the album. I went absolutely nuts when they broke into "The Royal We," my favorite song off of the new album. I thought their set was very well laid out, mixing slower songs among faster songs to keep the crowd pumped up. The songs "Lazy Eye" and "Panic Switch" were very well executed kept the set moving along.

Overall, the concert was well worth the $40. I enjoyed all three bands and would see each of them again. My only wish is that Manchester Orchestra would have played last with a little more older stuff mixed in.

Bowling for Soup- My Wena

I have always been a fan of Bowling for Soup, and this song is freaking hilarious! Mad props to any girl who wears a "wena" costume for Halloween.

After Midnight Project- Take Me Home

I have been listening to the two EPs from After Midnight Project for about a month now, and I feel it's time you are aware of them. I totally dig these guys and they will be on the Warped Tour this summer. Their first full-length LP titled Let's Build Something to Break will hit stores on August 11, 2009 and I am highly anticipating it. Let me know what you think.

Linkin Park- New Divide

Check out the new Linkin Park song which will be a part of the Transformers 2 Soundtrack. On my first listen, I didn't like it too much. However, the second time I listened, I began to like it. I can see this song growing on me quickly. What do you think?

Madina Lake- Attics to Eden

Madina Lake |MTV Music

Check out this band Madina Lake. They are set to release their second album called Attics to Eden. I hadn't really heard of them before "Never Take Us Alive" hit the airwaves (linked above), but they really are catching on me. I really like their sound, energy, and lyrics. For example, I'm really digging the song "Not for This World." The lyrics are as follows:

I saw a man walk from the trees
He came and sat next to me
He said, "Boy, if you don't follow your dreams,
You'll be dead someday. Just like me."
Then he got up and walked away
And I started to think.
He turned around, I saw his face
And I looked deep in his eyes,
And I realized that man was me.

Those lyrics are awesome and really are words to live by. Give them a listen.

The Manchester Orchestra- Mean Everything to Nothing

I am really digging the new Manchester Orchestra album Mean Everything to Nothing. The first single which is linked above is "I've Got Friends," which is a really cool song. I really feel that the band has turned it up a notch from their previous album, and I do not feel that there is a poor song on the album. My favorite song at this point is "I Can Feel a Hot One." I really like the varying levels put into the song, from the lyrics to the heavy bass (listen to it on a good system). You can really feel the song, and I feel that the lyrics are easy to relate to as well. If you get a chance, check out the album.

Incubus- Black Heart Intertia

I just came across the new Incubus single. Incubus is releasing a greatest hits and compilation album called Monuments and Melodies. It will be a 2-disc set, the first of which is mostly comprised of their hits and the second of which includes b-sides and cut tracks from albums. Look for the album to drop June 16, 2009.

Throwback Song: SR-71- Right Now

SR-71 |MTV Music

I feel SR-71's "Right Now" is a song that can be played whenever and has withstood the test of time. Since being released in 2000, it has received a tremendous amount of air play and is located on several soundtracks. I have been waiting a long time for Mitch Allan's solo project to come out, which should include most, if not all, of the members of SR-71.

Street Sweeper- The Oath

Tom Morello, formerly of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, has teamed up with Boots Riley from The Coup to form Street Sweeper. Embedded above is "The Oath," which definitely has my heart rate going faster. I found out about Street Sweet from the newly announced Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour (cleverly named NIN|JA). Go to the NIN|JA website to download the tour sampler, which includes "The Oath" and an even better song in my opinion titled "Clap for the Killers." I cannot wait to hear more from this band. An album is supposed to be released sometime in 2009. Also note that the sampler has two new Nine Inch Nails songs on it, plus two previously released Jane's Addiction songs.

The Parlor Mob- Bullet

I am feeling this new band I came across from New Jersey called The Parlor Mob. If you are a fan of Wolfmother and Led Zeppelin, you will enjoy this band. Check out "Bullet" as performed live by the band.

Perfecto Las Vegas- Paul Oakenfold

From Day 4

Part of my trip to Las Vegas involved checking out Paul Oakenfold as part of Perfecto Vegas at the Rain Nightclub located in the Palms. I had previously seen Oakenfold in a stadium situation, which was awesome, but I have heard amazing things about his club experience. The entire night was audio-visual stimulation. Just prior to Oakenfold coming out to spin, gymnasts and masked creatures entered the club.

From Day 4

From Day 4

I overheard several people who were confused at first when they saw these creatures enter, but were very much in awe. When the fire was added in, the stage was complete and ready for the greatest DJ to take his place behind the LED turntable.

From Day 4

I heard one attendee call his friend on the phone and say this experience was crazy but the coolest thing he has ever seen. I would totally have to agree. Oakenfold opened with an amazing mix of "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon and played a wide variety of music. The actors in the show also walked around the VIP tables, which I was fortunate to get upgraded to (Thanks Tatiana!)

From Day 4

Naturally, he also played an amazing mix of The Killers, since the band is from Las Vegas. The sound system set up for the show was incredible, with bass-thumping speakers that made my ears ring after the show. The dancers really helped add to the atmosphere as well, with thier black light reflective outfits.

From Day 4

Overall, I rate this experience as a must-see in Vegas. I could tell that several people had not heard of Paul Oakenfold, but everyone I talked to really enjoyed the show and the experience. There is something for everyone, including a club experience, a Las Vegas level show with acrobatics and fire, and one hell of an experience that screams "Only in Vegas". I can't wait for the CD to be released from the show.

From Day 4

The Takeover UK- Ah La La

A new band that I'm digging is The Takeover UK. Don't let their name fool you, as they are from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I've checked out the album and like what I hear.  The song embedded is "Ah La La", which is very catchy (also it is the only official video I could find on YouTube). I may plan a trip to see them at their CD release party in Pittsburgh on Friday, April 17. I hope you enjoy this band as much as I do. Please let me know what you think.

The Flys- Got You Where I Want You

This week's throwback song is The Flys' "Got You Where I Want You." Great song highlighting Katie Holmes before she went on the Cruise ship. Get it?

Psychostick- Beer!

In honor of all of Steeler Nation drinking, enjoy the sounds of Psychostick. This is a great song!

Hoobastank- For(n)ever

Hoobastank |MTV Music

Hoobastank has returned with the album For(n)ever. I am very pleased with this album. The first single "My Turn" is embedded and really rocks. The first time I heard it I enjoyed it, and every time I hear it I cannot get the guitar riff out of my head. It's good that Hoobastank has basically abandoned the bubble-gum pop rock of The Reason and put out a rocking record that gets its roots from their self-titled album. Check it out!

Bloodhound Gang- The Bad Touch

The Bloodhound Gang |MTV Music

My throwback song that I am throwing at you today is The Bloodhound Gang's "The Bad Touch". This song on its own is hilarious, but the video puts the icing on the cake.  Enjoy!

Tickle Me Pink- Typical

Tickle Me Pink |MTV Music

A new band for you all to check out is Tickle Me Pink.  The band is from Fort Collins, Colorado, and recently released their debut album, Madeline. The video I linked is "Typical", which is a very awesome song. I am a big fan of the lyrics, especially in the chorus. However, the best song on the album in my opinion is "I Can't Breathe". Be sure to check this band out, as they really rock out.

Seven Mary Three- Cumbersome

Seven Mary Three |MTV Music

The next installment of the Throwback Song goes to Seven Mary Three's "Cumbersome". I am a big fan of the guitar riff and the song really rocks out.  Enjoy the memories!