9. "Party Rock" - LMFAO
"Party Rock" should not be hated on for its crassness or flagrant popularity. It delivers solid, interesting music. LMFAO has been mixing it up for years now, and this album hints at what is yet to come.
"La La La":
8. La Roux [self-titled]
La Roux, simply stated, has a lovely voice. La Roux is also a talented songstress and earns the time and attention she receives.
"Bulletproof":
7. "Mixtape 4" - the hood internet
While, as previously stated, I'm not wild for mash-ups, the hood internet maintains the integrity of the original melodies. the hood internet's newest mixtape offers the blending of songs so clever and successful you can hardly believe it.
"Save Me Concubine (Ghostface Killah vs. Beirut)":
6. "Junior" - Röyksopp
A titan of the electro-scene, Röyksopp's "Junior" does not leave anything (but more albums) to be desired. Ever interesting and surprising, the haunting and moving harmonies of "Junior" are novel.
"It's What I Want"
5. "The Fame Monster" - Lady GaGa
Though I cannot claim to be Lady GaGa's biggest fan, I find it obscene to leave her off of a list of 2009's greatest albums. "The Fame Monster" is surely one of the best albums of the year because it is so successful - GaGa owns the Top 40 playlist and she owns you. GaGa is making it happen hard.
"Bad Romance":
4. Ellie Goulding [self-titled]
Ellie Goulding has one of the very best voices out there today - I see no reason to deny it. While much of her current work involves covering other artists (which we naturally and typically tend to frown upon), she does it in a fashion so inventive that she earns the right to cover, per se. Goulding creates truly new music and it is worthy of our time.
"Black & Gold (Sam Sparro cover)":
3. "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" - Phoenix
Beloved band of the hipsters and indie music, Phoenix (which hails from France, actually), delivers an elegant and notable album in "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix." Having had the lucky chance to see Phoenix live this fall, I can confidently report that they live up to all of the hype - Phoenix is phenomenal.
"Lasso":
2. "Hands" - Little Boots
One of my favorite songwriters of the year, Little Boots has made her way onto the scene. Landing somewhere between pop and electronic, Little Boots sings such beautiful melodies that they are familiar and comforting to ears.
"Magical":
1. "Manners" - Passion Pit
Passion Pit is, as aforementioned, my favorite band, and was before "Manners." Yet this clear prejudice did not cloud my eyes and I did not second guess my judgment of their album because it is so clearly awesome. Still something of a cult-hit band, I have high hopes for PP and their continued awesomeness.
"Sleepyhead":
YAHOOTS! Well, happy 2010, everyone!!
KISSES!!
