Best Songs of 2009

While there have been a number of albums that have been absolutely incredible, music is remembered by the songs that top everything else that you go back to time and time again. This year has been no exception.

Runner Up, 11 - Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down - Alicia Keys
This was a song that I hadn't heard up until a couple days ago. Keys is not an artist who usually pops up on my radar, but I suspect that I'll start paying more attention to her as I drift somewhat more into the Soul/R&B scene. What caught my ears with this track is Keys incredible vocals, which just flow over the song as it builds with energy. I know that had I heard this earlier, it would have been on my Best, New playlist for a while.

10 - Taller Children - Elizabeth & The Catapult
Taller Children was my first introduction to Elizabeth & The Catapult, off of their first album by the same name. What caught me at first was its quirky beat and fun lyrics, and it kept me listening through the entire album. Easily the best song off the album, it's still refreshing, even after all of these listens. In particular, I love the groove and energy that is spread out through the entire album.

9 - Quiet Highway Road - The Alternate Routes
Quiet Highway Road is just as it sounds. While I've extolled the virtues of The Alternate Routes numerous times for their energy at their live shows and with several songs off of this album, this song stuck with me every time that I listened through the album. Stuck at the end of A Sucker's Dream, it's the perfect epilogue for a fantastic album. Coupled with the amount of driving that I do, the song has become somewhat of an anthem for me while speeding along the back highways of Vermont. Listening over the album, I get such a fantastic feeling of freedom and liberation that I get from getting on the road, and I'm reminded that once the days get a bit longer, I'll take a couple of weekends and get back on them, with this song blaring on the radio.

8 - Travelling Woman - Bat for Lashes
I'm not overly aware of Bat for Lashes, but this song caught me while listening to Joss Whedon's TV show Dollhouse. This song was perfectly placed at the end of one of the best episodes (Belonging), in a sort of montage scene. The scene struck me as being particularly important and part of that was the song. Natasha Khan's voice is haunting over the lyrics, and end result is a beautiful, resounding song that remains with me.

7 - The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone) - The Decemberists
While there's a prologue to the album, this album kicks off the album in grand style. The first of four 'Hazards of Love' songs, this one introduces the main, epic story, setting events into motion that carries over. While the album as a whole really can't be picked apart and listened to in its component parts (apart from The Rake's Song), this song does a decent job of it, and in a way, can be listened to as its own story. The best thing about this song is that unlike the rest in the album, it won't leave you hanging for more when it's finished, if that's all that you really want to listen to. Furthermore, Colin Meloy is at his best sound for this entire album, and the song as a whole is a strong one, bringing out the album's unique theme right off the bat in grand style.

6 - Getaway Girl - Sarah Siskind
Sarah Siskind was an artist that I came across last year, but it was 2009 when she introduced her new album, Say It Louder. Getaway Girl was one of the songs that stuck out for me as the best song of the album. It feels strong, resilient, and Siskind's fantastic voice hovers along with the guitar work here in a really good way. The song just feels right through and through, and as with others on this list; it's been a song that I've gone back to numerous times without tiring of it. Getaway Girl just flows in a very chilled, laidback fashion that seems perfect for winter here in Vermont.

5 - Nothing But A Miracle - Diane Birch
Nothing But A Miracle is my favorite track off of Diane Birch's fantastic album Bible Belt, one that features a wonderful R&B/Soul feel throughout. The album is an examination of the 5 stages of grief, and the song is a fantastic look at a breakup and the recovery afterwards. This, to me, is something that anybody can really relate to. Birch sounds absolutely incredible in this song, and the rest of the album really has to struggle to keep up with the vocals and emotion wrapped up in this song.

4 - So It Goes - Myra Flynn
Yesterday, Myra Flynn got my pick for the best album of the year, and it was an incredible struggle to pick just one of her songs for this list. I ended up with So It Goes, although there are a couple of other songs off of the album that would have fit this nicely. The tipping point was recalling this song at her release show in Burlington over the summer. Like Ordinary Man, this song is an incredible effort when it comes to songwriting, merging mixed songs, fantastic lyrics and musical skill to present an incredible sound. I think this song is at the crux of the album, and one that certainly holds quite a bit of meaning to me.

3 - Ordinary Man - Gregory Douglass & Grace Potter
I got an early copy of Gregory Douglass's fantastic album Battler last year, and thought it was fantastic, but when I listened to it, I was floored by Ordinary Man, a duet between Douglass and Grace Potter, of the Nocturnals. For me, the song is very relatable, and it's one that I've attached quite a bit of sentimental value to right off the bat. Looking back over last year's Best Albums of 2008, I see that this should have been on there, or at least, it should have made it onto this year's - it certainly falls on that list. This song is romantic, emotional, and smooth and features an utterly perfect balance between Gregory and Grace's lyrics.

2 - Born Again - Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons
Born Again was the first song off of Death Won't Send A Letter, and is a rich blend of Baptist gospel and folk/country rock with a rich sound and wonderful lyrics. The song feels powerful, with a heavy beat coupled with guitar and bass work that just drives the song along. Chisel's voice provides the next component to the song, and the overall tone and feel is one of inspiration, happiness, and it has such a feel that the title doesn't feel ironic or out of place. I dare you to listen to the lyrics and find yourself not moving to the beat, clapping your hands together.

1 - Lake of Silver Bells - Carbon Leaf
The best song of the year is Carbon Leaf's Lake of Silver Bells. I really dug Nothing Rhymes With Woman, but Silver Bells just stood far apart from the rest of the album, and I think it's one of the best songs that Carbon Leaf has ever made. The opening couple of bars lull you into this easy, laidback state of mind, but around a minute into the song, it builds and just bursts into a soft energy that grows over the rest of the song. Lead singer Barry Privet's lyrics absolutely shine here, and harkens back to their absolute best songwriting efforts with their album Echo Echo. I listened to this album over and over, and this song never got old. It's warm, invigorating and spring-like. Above all, the song feels like it really represents my mood for the past couple of months, enthusiastic, dreamlike and hopeful. This song will easily remain one of my favorite songs of all time.

Best Albums of 2009

11 - Yeah Ghost, Zero 7

Zero 7 is back with their fourth album, Yeah Ghost. While I still think that their best album is their first, Simple Things, Yeah Ghost feels different from the start and continues throughout. For this album, they've worked with a largely new group of people - larger stars such as Sia and Jose Gonzalez aren't present here, but the new vocal talent, especially Eska Mtungwazi, who sings on Mr. McGee and Medicine Man. Furthermore, there's a real split in the sound of this album, ranging from fast to slow, which really makes the ever track interesting to listen to, and it adds a fantastic set of music to their already great lineup of songs.

10 - Magnolia, The Wooden Birds

The Wooden Birds were one of the best artists of 2009, so it stands to reason that Magnolia, their first, is one of the better albums of the year. In this instance, their first album has a great sound right off the bat with False Alarm and going through the next forty minutes. The album is wonderfully consistent, with a constant, driving beat running through the length of the entire record; the album feels very structured, even and laidback throughout, and while it's repetitive, it's not boring. Combining influences from country, folk and rock, this indie record has an interesting sound that's worth repeating several times.

9 - A Sucker's Dream, The Alternate Routes

I really dug the Alternate Route's first album, Good and Reckless and True, but A Sucker's Dream jumps out of the gate with On and On We Whisper, bringing back the same energy and passion that I've seen live at their concerts. This is repeated throughout the album, such as with Toe The Line and The Future Is Nothing New. After seeing these guys several times live, it's outstanding to see some of their live tracks become studio ones, and to watch the band improve quite a bit since their first album. A Sucker's Dream is refined, energetic and above all, fun. In the months that I've been listening to this work, I haven't gotten tired of it. I still get a huge burst of energy and a grin when I hear the opening track, and generally, when I'm driving, it means a burst of speed as well.

8 - Bring Back Love, Glide & Swerve

Glide & Swerve was listed as one of my best new artists of this year, and their album is likewise amongst my favorites for the year. Bring Back Love is much like what Simple Things was for Zero 7 - low-key, unassuming, interesting and laid back, with a fantastic overall tone and feel. Electronic down-tempo is a genre that is growing on me, and I really like the easy going, ambient nature that this album has. Each track is a joy to listen to, and as I listen to a lot of these albums when driving, it's the perfect soundtrack for driving home in the evening. Plus, while it's not connected to the music, they've got a fantastic cover for this album.

7 - Tarpits And Canyonlands, Bombadil

Bombadil is back with their quirky indie rock with Tarpits and Canyonlands. Like their first album, A Buzz, A Buzz, this is a refinement, but at the same time, they retained everything that made their first album so much fun to listen to - weird arrangements, sounds and bursts of energy that just add to the quirk factor. Every song is a pleasant surprise, almost like being thrust into a fantasy carnival. Seeing them in person this year was a treat as well - their stage performances have been great, not only to listen to, but to watch as well.

6 - The Hazards of Love, The Decemberists

The Decemberists have always been a weird band to listen to, and a difficult one at best, but The Hazards Of Love is by far their most ambitious and interesting album to listen to. Looking back to progressive and conceptual albums for some sort of inspiration, as well as the desire to do a stage musical, the Decemberists have put together an album that tells a story, making this album a rich, three course meal to be enjoyed. The downside is that the album can't really be listened to piecemeal - it's pretty much all or nothing, but with the right effort, this album's worth it.

5 - Middle Cyclone, Neko Case

Neko Case is an artist that has slowly crept onto my musical radar over the past couple of years, and Middle Cyclone is the best that I've heard from her thus far. The album is a rich, vibrant effort, one that just begs for one more listen. There's a lot going on with each song, from the lyrics to the sound, coupled with Case's absolutely fantastic voice that just moves from song to song. By a far margin, this is her best album, and one that will remain on my favorites list for a long time.

4 - Nothing Rhymes with Woman, Carbon Leaf

Carbon Leaf returned this year with their latest studio album, Nothing Rhymes With Woman to mixed expectations. By far and wide, they're one of my absolute favorite bands, but comparatively, their last album hasn't held up to its earlier predecessors, Indian Summer and Echo Echo. Nothing Rhymes With Woman, however, harkens back to their independent days, but with the sound that they've been polishing over the past couple of years. This album reminded me why I loved their music so much - the band tells stories, and there's an incredible effort here, with some of their best songs, from the opening track, Indecision, Lake of Silver Bells, Mexico and Pink. Carbon Leaf's always been good with evocative music before - I dare you to listen to Pink and not be moved, or to Lake of Silver Bells and not feel good.

3 - Bible Belt, Diane Birch

Diane Birch burst onto the music scene in grand fashion this year with her first album Bible Belt. I caught her this year in Burlington for a free show, picked up her album and simply could not stop listening to it. Her indie soul sound is both nostalgic and refreshing at the same time, with an incredible voice that sweeps across the album, full of energy and zest. Very song on this album just nails the quality level here, sounding perfect almost across the board. Furthermore, Birch is able to navigate the delicate maze of lyrics, telling stories of love and loss, of childhood fun, all without labeling the album as any particular sound or theme. Rather, she puts together an album that sounds, feels and says all the right things.

2 - Death Won't Send A Letter, Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons

Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons have put together an absolute masterpiece of an album, one that I cannot stop listening to. Death Won't Send A Letter is a dark, emotional and absolutely fantastic record - it is both rich and textured throughout. Chisel brings out influences from country/folk rock and Baptist music, woven together to bring out a unique sound. The album ebbs and flows between tracks - starting off with the mind-blowing Born Again and cooling down on the aptly named second track Calm Down. This is an artist to watch in the singer/songwriter market, because I don't think that we've heard the last from these guys. I certainly don't want to.

1- Crooked Measures, Myra Flynn

Vermont singer/songwriter Myra Flynn takes my top spot for the album of the year with her first album, Crooked Measures. Of the numerous new artists and albums that I've been able to listen to over 2009, Flynn has put together a highly emotional, driven and exceptional album that demonstrates her skill as a singer/songwriter. I hate to keep repeating it, but each song is richly conceived and executed, making a wonderful and memorable album to listen to. Crooked Measures is by far and wide the best album that I've listened to all year, and I hope that we will hear more from her in the very, very near future.

Medicine Man - Zero 7
Hometown Fantasy - The Wooden Birds
On and On We Whisper - The Alternate Routes
Healing Overture - Glide & Swerve
Sad Birthday - Bombadil
The Rake's Song - The Decemberists
Magpie To The Morning - Neko Case
Indecision - Carbon Leaf
Don't Wait Up - Diane Birch
My Heart Would Be There - Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons
Sunshine - Myra Flynn

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New Video - Nothing But A Miracle

I talked about Diane Birch yesterday, and just came across a video for her current single, Nothing But a Miracle. I'll be seeing her tonight in Burlington, and I'm quite excited!

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New Artist - Diane Birch

New singer/songwriters are always fantastic to come across, and this holds true for Diane Birch, who has just released her first album, Bible Belt. This thirteen track album is one of the most refreshing albums that I've heard thus far this year, and it's quickly tracking to be one of my favorites for 2009.

Neo-Soul seems to be gaining a bit of popularity, with acts such as Grace Potter, Myra Flynn and James Hunter releasing some fantastic material. Birch is well poised to really make a splash with her first album. The first word that really comes to mind is rich, upon listening to Bible Belt - there's a good variety of sound that really makes me think of acts such as Rilo Kiley (especially with the track Valentino), Bonnie Raitt and Fleetwood Mac, among others. While it is a little odd to call an album refreshing, yet compare it to a number of established sounds, Birch forges ahead with a unique blend of influences and energy that marks the best albums.

There's energy aplenty here, which I really like, but the album does sink to a couple of more reflective songs that give a good balance throughout the album. Birch takes over the piano throughout the album, with a very good backing group, ranging from brass, violins to the typical guitar, bass and drums. This is coupled together with some solid lyrics that really mesh together to give the album a fun tone that's not overly heavy. Tracks such as Fire Escape, Fools, Nothing But A Miracle, Rewind, and a couple others are fairly mellow, laid back and easy going, while a couple others, such as Valentino and Don't Wait Up kick the energy a bit and pick up the pace for a couple of fun minutes.

Aspects of Diane's life are throughout the album. The daughter of a pastor within a fairly strict religious community, according to her biography is evident through songs such as Nothing But a Miracle and Forgiveness, but there's elements that really move against this a bit, with influences from the classics of pop-rock as well. There's further evidence of youthful rebellion in the song Don't Wait Up, which helps to make this album more than a one off sound and theme. This is a fun, interesting and complicated album.

Birch is a singer/songwriter of the Internet generation, getting her music on Myspace and garnering attention at smaller gigs, but she's far beyond the artists who merely post because they like hearing themselves - there is real and genuine talent here, and as her bio describes, Bible Belt is a tour-de-force album. Amen to that.

Nothing But A Miracle - Diane Birch
Photograph - Diane Birch

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