The year of 2009 gave us many exciting breakthrough debuts (such as Florence and the Machine), as well as some great work from already established artists (such as Tegan and Sara and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs).
Now that we're in the new year of 2010, I figured I would look back towards the released in 2009 and rank my top 5 albums of 2009.
#5. 'Hands' - Little Boots
Little boots debut 'Hands' is a delicious album full of groovy, indie-pop dance songs. While I feel like there are a few weak songs on the album both lyrically and soundwise, the catchy and fun moments make up for them. The instruments and techniques she uses to create her unique sound are also very interesting, and provide her music with a very rich texture. I imagine that this CD would be particularly enjoyed by Bohemian folks living on the moon. (and thats not a bad thing by any means)
#4. 'Lungs' - Florence and the Machine
Florence has truly created a unique and beautiful sound, recording layers upon layers of beautiful harps, acoustic guitar, hand claps and undeterminable thumps and claps. All together this album creates for a beautiful, atmospheric and dreamy sound which is in sharp contrast to Florence's voice. The songwriting is also definitely of note, being full of symbolism and beautiful imagery. The only downside to this album is that over long periods of time I feel like it seems like Florence is just yelling at you. The vocal dynamics could've been gentler in parts, while the power behind her voice IS still effective
#3 'The Promise' - Bif Naked
Bif Naked refuses to let anything stop her, which this album is a solid demonstration of. Bif, having cancer and spending much of her time in the hospital took on this endeavour in between chemotherapy sessions and lots of resting. She proved to all of her fans she could still rock just as hard, even if bald, and gave inspiration to many that they could be strong even when feeling weak. Bif took a darker direction in this album than she has before, drifting from pop-rock into a harder rock and documenting some of her struggles with cancer.
#2 'The Listening' - Lights
After her catchy EP, Lights finally released her full length album in 2009! It did not disappoint with its catchy, galactical, uber pop sound. This dancy, dreamy album had a lot of nice material on it, the only downside being that some of it started to sound the same since she consistenly uses the same style in all of her songs. Still, overall definitely a notable album from 2009.
#1 'Ellipse' - Imogen Heap
My favourite album of the year strayed a bit from Imogens last release 'Speak For Yourself' pop sound, and into a more art-pop sound. The gentle, soothing and creative arrangements are captivating, and while it's not in your face and catchy, it's subtlety is the beautiful thing about it. I believe Imogen has captured the true essence of her talent in this album, and that is why I believe it was the number 1 release of 2009.
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BEFOER YOU READ THIS, know that it is only becuase you are such a good writer that i am being picky and offering suggestions. it is clear that you know what you are talking about when it comes to music. you talk about the different genres, the teechniques and layers and vocal strength, etc. particularly when you talk about Imogean Heap, Florence and the Machine and part of Little Boots, the quality of the music is addressed.
ReplyDelete*maybe make some comparisons to other artists? you're good at that. :)
"Bif Naked refuses to let anything stop her, which this album is a solid demonstration of." - oddly worded (the only reason i pick on this is becuase it is the first sentence and should be an indicator of what is to come!:P) maybe focus on your opinion of this new album, besides bif's background and the fact that its darker? jsut a suggestion.
watch repeated use of "the only downside..." sometimes it feels like you're trying to meet requirements and mentioning the pros AND cons of an album of 2009. write freely and subjectively.
"florence is yelling at you" LOL
- play off of that! for ex "at times, however, florence is all-too reminiscent of a certain best friend yelling obnoxiously in your ear after a few too many drinks. She masks her soothing voice and talent in the process" something like that. I really liked how you made it humourous to point out the imperfections of florence and the machine's album.! Do it more often!
i love reading these pieces. i feel liek i know more about the world of music through you!
I always like these posts by you, because your passion for music shines through.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Diana for the most part, to watch out how you word certain phrases, and don't repeat the same ideas.
Nonetheless, your opinion is clearly expressed, even though you provide the reader with both pros and cons.
To quote Diana: "Ifeel like i know more about the world of music through you!"
:)
i always love your music piece they are my favourites of yours. You have a true passion for music.I thought you used alot of good description in describing the music and the artists, in a way that made me so intersted that i actualluy googled them.
ReplyDeletegood piece and i hope to see you do more of this.
my music collection is getting boring. lol
I feel so repetative but I am also a serious fan of your music blogs! I have learned so much about different artists and random facts through reading your blogs. I think the way you present your opinions is different but very effective, I really enjoy reasing your opinions and how you choose to put them across
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