by Heather Hulsey
1. “Daniel” by Bat for Lashes
I was so impressed with this album, Two Suns. I had the pleasure of seeing Bat For Lashes this summer at the 9:30 Club and they are fantastic live. Natasha Khan is a beautiful muse with an angelic voice, and frankly, I have a girl crush.
2. “Kiss Of Life” by Friendly Fires
This single was included on the deluxe edition re-release of Friendly Fires’ self-titled debut album, and I love this album start to finish! I love their happy escapist lyrics and electronic poppy melodies always with infectious percussion. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t sleep! So much energy, and their beautiful front man Ed MacFarlane is a dancing force to be reckoned with. Their album was my favorite album of 2009.
3. “The Reeling” by Passion Pit
This song made the list because every time I heard it this year, I was compelled to sing along. And I feel like this song was very reminiscent of old New Order-esque synth sounds, which sucked me right in. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more quality from Passion Pit in the future.
4. “T.O.N.Y.” by Solange
I was impressed with Solange Knowles’ (younger sister to Beyonce) second album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. What she lacked in her sister’s vocals, she made up for in original and unique songs like “Sandcastle Disco” and “I Decided”, while “T.O.N.Y.” was such a great return to classic soul. I also appreciate her heartfelt lyrics.
5. “Daylight” by Matt & Kim
A re-release in 09, this song made the list because the first time I heard it, I was intrigued by Matt & Kim. I have a soft-spot in my heart for duos who produce so much sound from just two people (Matt & Kim, The Kills, etc.). Their album “Grand” was another one of my favorite albums released this year. They are also another artist not to be missed live. Their show at Sonar was energetic and fun.
6. “I Will Come Back” by Holy Ghost
This was another release on Mountain Dew’s Green Label Sound which I could not stop listening to. I love its weird almost dark retro dance music sound.
7. “My Circuitboard City” by The Wombats
I’m not going to lie, I love Britpop. And I really enjoy this group’s sound and entertaining angsty coming of age lyrics. This song is another song I couldn’t stop listening to. It was only released in the UK and isn’t on any album, and was tough to download from the U.S.
8. “Bulletproof” by La Roux
With my job, I spend waaay too much time in the car, and this was another bounce around the car sing along song for me this year. It somehow convinced me that I sound good singing loudly in the car. Be glad you weren’t there.
9. “Animal” by Miike Snow
I don’t know much about this artist. All I know is that again, every time I heard this song, I found myself strangely compelled to sing along.
10. “I Want You” by Fefe Dobson
I am loving the raw rock n roll sound and attitude of this girl, which is so uncharacteristic of teenage girls trying to be pop stars these days. It definitely set her apart from the pack.
11. “The Fear” by Lily Allen
I am self-admittedly a huge Lily Allen fan. And this song off her second album did not disappoint. She came correct with the unapologetic and honest lyrics that I love her for. I also think the production on this song was outstanding.
12. “Hey Hey (DF’s Attention Vocal Mix)” by Dennis Ferrer
I had to include one house track in my list, because house music is really my first love. This year barely produced any decent new house music in my opinion, and this was the only track worthy of making the list. This song was just officially released a few weeks ago, but has been bumpin’ on dancefloors at house nights for months and months. It’s definitely a floor- filler.
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Over the next several weeks, we will be regularly posting Year End Wrap Up lists from our friends, readers, and regular Shank contributors. So please stay tuned...
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