Best Albums of the 2009 So Far According to Alan Wiley
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
Dent May reminds me of my friends from the math & computer club at my high school back in the mid-'90s. Amidst our treasured BBS and equations, we used to dream that one day the nerds would take over, and our overworked intellects and idiosyncratic tastes would be valued instead of spit upon--that someday, being nerdy might even be considered "cool." Dent May is the physical embodiment of my nerdy teenage fantasies. Sporting big round spectacles, he plays catchy pop ditties on his ukulele that bring to mind everything from the Magnetic Fields to cheesy '60 lounge music, often within the same breath. His debut album The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele doesn't disappoint, even with repeated listens.
Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind
Need to wind down from a long day? Are you taking a long drive through the desert and want to feel like you're in some really cool movie? Like epic post-rock jams from bands like Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky, and godspeed you! black emperor? Have a thing for Japanese bands that don't have a singer? Dude, have I got a band for you--and their new album totally rules.
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
I've always loved noisy pop bands, and this one is pretty close to perfect. While they may be far from original for fans of My Bloody Valentine or the Smiths, catchy songs like the terribly titled "Young Adult Friction" make this album, released by the legendary Bay-Area label Slumberland Records, not only a keeper but a new favorite.
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
Anyone who's followed music in 2009 is likely to have at least heard of this album, it's been hyped to the heavens. And while it may not be the greatest thing ever made by humans, as some internet critics might have you believe, it's pretty fantastic, and certainly a contender for album of the year. A more electronic affair than their previous efforts, MPP oozes with simultaneously silky and chaotic harmonies remenicent of member Panda Bear's dreamy psychedelic solo effort Person Pitch.
Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You
Lily Allen's addictive hook-filled debut album Alright, Still set an impossibly high bar, but her sophomore effort It's Not Me, It's You delivers the goods in spades. It's a sassy collection packed with ear candy of the highest order, and stand out tracks like "The Fear" that, while not totally perfect, are pretty darn close.
--Alan Wiley
black pandora bracelet on June 30, 2011 at 10:13 PM
My name is Rene Dohnal and I am a motorsport rally fan from the Czech Republic, and am interested in all events around it. I would like to ask you this way for sending me some card or photo of your team with autograph or your car-crew (also older please). Thank you in advance and at the same time I wish You and your team success, many experiences and good
John C. on June 19, 2009 at 09:13 AM
The fact that you included Dent May earned you tons of points in my book- still, some later considerations could also include: Grizzly Bear, Dan Deacon, Dinosaur Jr., Foreign Born
DreadfulYgg on April 28, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Everyone should check out Steven Wilson's debut album, Insurgentes. Fantastic progressive/experimental rock. Better than Porcupine Tree's latest efforts.
Steve on April 27, 2009 at 04:57 AM
Excellent list. Love the variety. MPP may very well end up my pick for album of the year.
Sleepy on April 18, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I like the cut of your jib. But, like the previous comment, what about Neko Case? How about The Bird and the Bee, Blind Pilot, and J. Tillman?
Extra: For a single, what about Anya Marina's "Vertigo"?
Sluggo on April 06, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Mr. Snitch's track will lead you out into the tundra. And that's a good thing.
I generally avoid making pop music pronoucements as I am doomed to reveal my ignorance and solid-state uncool plenum. However . . .
What about the Krayolas?
Roy Sparks on April 06, 2009 at 10:47 AM
No Neko Case? Really?
Mister Snitch on April 05, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Way off the beaten track. My kinda list.