CheekyChicago

1. Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest: There was really no question in my mind when it came time to decide 2009’s Best Album. Veckatimest, the third studio album from experimental art-rock group, Grizzly Bear, picks up where 2006’s Yellow House left off; songs like ”Ready, Able” and “While You Wait For the Others” are doused in four-part harmonies and intricate arrangements, ultimately producing a type of elegant innovation that’s been missing from music for some time – they’re arguably the best band since Yankee Hotel – era Wilco.

2. Passion Pit, Manners: The Cambridge-based electro-pop outfit made waves this year, with their debut release, Manners. The record sets the group apart from their indie-electronic contemporaries, fusing the existing electronic trend with a noted sound of timelessness, and the necessary anthemic choruses that all quality alt-pop songs require. Manners’ tunes were the root of many memorable ’09 moments, between rousing one of Lollapalooza’s most energetic crowds – and igniting spontaneous living-room dance parties.

3. St. Vincent, Actor: With a résumé that includes touring with both The Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens, it’s no wonder Annie Clark (who records under the moniker, St. Vincent), is chock full of talent. In her sophomore release, Actor, Clark cements her sound of synth choirs and fuzzy loops, converse against her delicate, feminine vocals. Her inclusion of frenzied strings and endearing lyrics make Actor an impressive follow-up feat. Standout track, “Actor Out of Work,” is equal parts sheer rock and tongue-in-cheek storytelling.

4. The xx, xx: Essentially a subdued dream-pop – meets Electronica – meets R&B record, xx marks the debut release of London-based youngsters, The xx. The album introduces the trio’s innovative and edgy (albeit lax) sound, which is clearly influenced by such contemporary electro-pop artists as Hot Chip, while meshing Interpol-style guitar tones, as best heard in “Night Time.” The album’s first single, “Crystalised,” features cool, provocative vocal interplay between singers Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim, their hushed voices together offering sensual yet understated sexuality with each duet.
5. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix: I first fell in love with Phoenix’s 2000 release, United, via the Lost in Translation soundtrack (2003). But until this year, the French-pop outfit remained a bit more “indie” than, shall I say – well, their songs weren’t exactly featured in glossy Cadillac commercials. 2009 has catapulted Phoenix into a different realm; Wolfgang has produced such hit singles “Lisztomania” and “1901,” while the record’s remainder features whimsical synth and key parts, and equal parts 80’s dance-tracks. Although Wolfgang marks Phoenix’s fourth studio release, it’s nice to see them finally achieving some well-deserved fame.

Honorable Mentions:

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Neko Case, Middle Cyclone

Florence and the Machine, Lungs

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It’s Blitz!

Dirty Projectors, Bitte Orca