2009-the songs

Despite not posting on here for a year, I like to keep track of what I've been listening to over the last twelve months. These are the fifteen songs that I felt were the best that 2009 had to offer, and unless you get down to Nickelback and Jessica Simpson, I'm sure you'll enjoy at least a few of these.

15. JJ-Ecstasy




Dreamy Swedish pop that bites Lil Wayne's "Lollipop?" Yes, please.

14. Art Brut - DC Comic and Chocolate Milkshakes



A nice reminder that no matter how bad things get or how old we are, there are somethings that will always make us happy.

13. Sage Francis - Conspiracy to Riot


OK, so he was performing this song live last year, but "released" it on a mix-tape this year, so that counts dammit!

12. Raekwon - House of Flying Daggers


This unofficial Wu-Tang reunion on Raekwon's latest record is better than everything on Wu's last official album.

11. Mos Def - Life in Marvelous Times


Want to dance to how bad Brooklyn was in the 80's? Here's your joint.

10. Wavves - Gun in the Sun


Cali skater rock meets Brooklyn lo-fi. All you need to know is that it works.

9. The XX - Crystalized


Minimalist pop from the same South London area that brought us Air. The aesthetic is familiar, but fresh.

8. Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls


Franz seem to always be one step behind the trends, but catchy tunes are their fortay and this is no exception.

7. Brother Ali - Philistine David


What seems like a leftover from The Undisputed Truth sessions, it was released this year on an EP and it bangs with Ali's best.

6. Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind


I'm as sick of this as you are, but a good song is a good song. This is the best love letter to NYC in years.

5. P.O.S. - Goodbye


This is best played at exceptionally loud volumes, trust me.

4. Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire


It's the lo-fi love anthem of 2009. If you're at that awkward age where responsibility starts to really call, this one's for you

3. Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes


One of many deserving songs off of their latest album, this year saw Animal Collective at their absolute best. Along with "My Girls," "Summertime Clothes" best personifies their new direction.

2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero


Karen O and company switched from their post riot grrl antics to straight on synth pop. Totally unexpected, but as it turns out, completely awesome.

1. Phoenix - 1901/Liztomania



These guys are so damn catchy, I couldn't pick just one. If one of these don't get stuck in your head for at least a week, check to see if you still have a pulse.