MiS | Moving in Stereo

2009, the closing of a decade – this past period of 10 years has given me much time to sway my listening habits: explore new genres, turn my back on others, experience the change of mediums, and continue to revel in the decade before. Like last year, 2009 continued to make listening and discovering new acts easier than ever. But with that, came difficulties, too. In one word: Overwhelming. I, and most likely you, simply do not have the time to begin to sit down with even 25% of the released records each year. I try hard to at least sample recommended records from trusted listeners, spin releases in my preferred genres, and definitely make time for trusted artists.

If you read this blog, you might notice who was left off this list. And then I give a nod, a strong one, to the next-generation R. Kelly. A common theme: most records don’t stem from the states. Hit the jump for 10 LPs spun more heavily than the others…

10. Prairie Cartel :: Where Did All My People Go

A Chicago supergroup. Scott Lucas, the driving force behind Local H, a band worthy of being the Chicagoans of 2008. And Blake Smith and Mike Willison, both formerly of Figdish and Caviar – both defunct Chicago-based acts, who never received the recognition only a few of us know they deserved. These three combined their talents, passion for rock, and new respect for beat-influenced dance music to create smart electro with hints of all former acts tied in. I was once accused of seeing this act 100 times in the course of a year. If only.

9. Franz Ferdinand :: Tonight

Upon first listen, nothing grabbed me. It took a fervent music fan to open me up to the danceable rhythms and Franz’s willingness to incorporate hints of non-traditional Ferdinand elements to deliver another victory for the Scottish.

8. Junior Boys :: Begone Dull Care

Junior Boys simply do not disappoint. Beats, grooves, and a soothing, sensual delivery.

7. Bat For Lashes :: Two Suns

Haunting buildups that invoke emotion and excitement, all layered meticulously to create beautiful chamber pop. She paints Daniel Larusso on her back, too.

6. Phoenix :: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

You’ve read enough about them.

5. Silversun Pickups :: Swoon

The only truly anticipated record for me this year. 2006′s Carnavas brought back the 90s fuzzed out sound. This record, with the incorporation of strings and everything that put Carnavas on repeat, blend perfectly into a sweet cacophony. Fuck the derivative comments; Swoon made Silversun their own band. Sadly, I did not catch them in 2009. But realistically, after a few intimate club dates some years ago, I’ll bask in their glory in the comfort of my own headphones.

4. The Dream :: Love vs Money

Mainstream R&B in my top 5. Damn proud of it, too. Densely layered synths, hooks, harmonies; This record at first was the surprise of ’09, but as time went on, I consistently came back to it. Found myself bouncing all around to this from way back when, up until today. In my kitchen.

3. Yuksek :: Away From the Sea

A classically trained musician turning to the club. The French, either in pop form with guitars, or with beats, basslines, and hard hitting riffs, know how to compose a number.

2. Röyksopp :: Junior

Norway. We’ve seen it many times over. An area concocting great beat-driven music. Junior thrives because of its variety. Hard hitting tracks; poppy and upbeat ones; mini-orchestral movements to soothe, as well.

1. Das Pop :: s/t

I was right: I was sitting on something big. A record I spun more than anything else this year. Was it Soulwax on the boards? Or just pop perfection? These Belgian youngsters composed the most infectious record of 2009. Hands fucking down.