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20 Wilco - The Album

Another great album, with the exception of a few clunkers (Happy Here) and a sick show at the UIC Pavilion that I would have never made it to but for my friend, Harps.

19 The Decemberists - Hazards of Love

Early release in 2009, so it faded for me, but I loved this album’s orchestral feel and running story line, and who could forget the performance of Shara Worden as “the Queen.” Absolutely floored me.

18 Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic

Just now getting into this great electronic pop record, but the Paul Simon meets Daft Punk feel has me pretty well hooked.

17 Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest

This album had my #1 track of the year with “Two Weeks” and was sound all the way through, but I’ve said it before and I will say it again, “I just don’t totally get these guys.”  Unbelievable live show in 2009 also. At the Metro, no less!

16 White Rabbits - It’s Frightening

New York based outfit that has a dark and heavy sound while still crafting some serious pop numbers. Recommended for fans of Spoon and fettuccini alfredo. Yeah, I said it.

15 Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Another early release, which faded a bit for me over the year, but a great album that got back to the group’s “Feels” sound. I heard a ton of Panda Bear’s influence on this record, and it gets me excited for his follow-up to “Person Pitch.”  Killer track: My girls.

14 JJ - JJ #2

No idea where this came from, but it sounded like opening the window in the summer when you are driving home from a late party. Fresh, fresh is how it sounded.

13 Islands – Vapours

One of my favorite guys in town, Nick Thorburn, put out another doozy.  While there wasn’t a standout track on this album, the work continues to be solid as hell.  Some friends thought this sounded more like “Return to the Sea” but for my money, “Arm’s Way” is still his opus.

12 Miike Snow - Miike Snow

Brilliant electro pop from a Swedish group that would be quite comfortable in New York in 2002.  Also, good for parties and such.

11 Florence and the Machine – Lungs

One of my wife’s favorite records of the year, “Lungs” comes out of the gate strongly. Can’t wait to see her live in 2010. Killer song: I’m not calling you a liar.

10 Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz

I really didn’t like this group as much as everyone else before this record came out, but its high intensity and strong back beat had me running to this every week. Notable tracks included “Hysteric,” “Zero” and “Heads Will Roll.”

09 Harlem Shakes - Technicolor Health

I listened to this record at least 70 times on my bike this year.  What a great pop rock album.  Too bad these dude broke up. Eh, not all that bad. We still have Rio.

08 The xx - 2.0

From the first time I heard this until the day I saw them live, it was on a constant rotation for me.  Enough has been said about the group’s sparse, haunting sound, so I won’t elaborate, but sadly, the show left something to be desired.  I still bought tickets to their April Metro show, though, so time will tell.  But seriously, where will these guys go with their next record? My guess: more electronic.

07 AA Bondy - When the Devil's Loose

Not sure why I got into this guy’s music, but I loved it before I saw him live in November.  The show was practically life-changing. I cannot recommend this record enough.

06 Trespassers William - Natural Order of Things

This was my chill record for the year and also sounds really good late at night.  Much like escargot, this is an acquired taste, but those who like snails know it is not worth trying to evangelize.  Try not to picture me having sex when you hear this next.

05 Band of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey

Even though there seems to be some internal strife among this group as to whether they are a metal band or a rock group, I love every track for its unique sound. This is one of my top concerts for 2010.  I cannot wait to see these guys (and Emma) live.

04 Metric – Fantasies

Even though this group seems like it is more targeted toward 16 year old girls who listen to the local “alternative” rock station, I just cannot help myself.  The pounding bass beats and driving rhythms are like fuel for my workouts and really get me in the mood to break shit late at night. Add in some decent lyrics and this, from the track “Gimme Sympathy,” and you have a recipe for an original and excellent record, “Give me sympathy/After all of this is gone/Who’d you rather be/the Beatles or the Rolling Stones/oh seriously.” Plus, Emily Haines is super hot for a 40+ year old.  What? She is younger than that? Sheesh, the road has been tough on her.

03 Passion Pit – Manners

What a great record. Thank goodness I did not see this group live in 2009, because I would guess that these guys are less than stellar live. That beautiful falsetto just cannot translate. But this record is really something special.  From the top to the bottom, track for track, it’s truly ridiculous.

02 Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

I mean, come on! How can you write such an intricate, layered and brilliant album all while being such a bitch? Oh, sorry, haven’t you seen her stage show?  Well I can tell you it is unreal – when she is singing that is.  For all of my love for Neko, for whom frankly, I think I would leave my wife, she seems like such a pain in the ass in real life.  While this record is certainly too mellow for some, I think that it is a great step beyond “Fox Confessor” which is still easily her best studio effort.  Her lyrics have made leaps and bounds and the record’s instrumentation remains one of its strengths, as she surrounds herself with a gaggle of savants and prodigies who no doubt are just waiting their turn to bed her down.

01 Girls – Album

Please refer to my review of the Girls show at the Empty Bottle here.  I was really surprised to see this record among many year-end count-downs.  Frankly, I thought I was one of the few people to see the bare-knuckle, stripped down beauty and honesty of this record.  The record has depth, and takes time to digest once you get past the first two tracks, both of which could be chart-toppers, “Lust for Life” and “Laura.” Christopher Owens, the lead singer and songwriter, does little to disguise his feelings, longings and deep thoughts on the record, and though his voice is less-than-traditional, his passion and honesty really translate well into this fuzzed-out, weed-soaked San Francisco treat.