Top 15 EP's of 2009

EP's are similar to demos in that they are usually just a few songs, but are usually professionally recorded.

15. The Menzingers-Hold On, Dodge
Red Scare Records
Recently got into this 4-piece from Philly. Good, honest indie-punk rock songs.

14. Iron Chic- Shitty Rambo
Dead Broke Rekerds
Delivering melodic pop-punk from Long Island Iron Chic features members from Latterman and Small Arms Dealer. These 4 songs are catchy and heartfelt. "The World's Greatest Detective" is a standout track.

13. Tiger's Jaw- Spirit Desire
Run for Cover Records
Their self-titled from last year was excellent, so it was great to hear new music from Tiger's Jaw this year. The title track is so sweet with a catchy melody. I enjoy "Meet me at the corner."

12. Kudrow- Lando
Quote Unquote Records
Kudrow is Jeff from the Bomb the Music Industry, Dave from Thousandaires, and Mike from The Brass. This release is a punk rock one that starts off with a killer track, "Commutilation." There's a subtle folk influence in the song-writing that I enjoy. "Brooklyn Pool" is a lighter song with the line, "no one wants to be alone on a Saturday night."

11. Copeland- The Grey Man
Tooth & Nail
This release is sadly the band's last. They announced their break-up in October but will touring in the new year. This is a nice indie-rock release that's nice to listen to if you want to relax.

10. My Arcadia-City by the Sea
Self-released
This is a solid, pop/rock release from the Jersey based 5-piece. This band features Jacqui formerly The Thief.

9. The Reveling- 3D Radio
Self-Released
Catchy, head bopping punk tunes with an exploding, audible bass line that rips. The 4-piece manage to capture the melody of rock, the vocals of punk, and the story-like, hopeful lyrical style of folk in these 4 songs. Guitarist and vocalist Sean Morris voice is consistent with his rough and sweeter styled vocals. Previous review here.

8. We're All Broken- Blacktop Cry
Devildance Records
Six good rock songs. Lead by singer and guitarist Joe Wilson these songs shine. Sadly Wilson left the band over the summer. Not sure what's going on with the band now. "The Working Life" and "Without a Sound" are two are my favorites.

7. Gabriel the Marine- Your Friends and Loved Ones
Self-released?
It's only been a week since I heard this band live. But the indie-rock sounds with violin and piano included makes this one stand out a bit. It's a beautiful release with sweet vocals.

6. Pregnant-Wanna See My Gun?
Don Giovanni Records
I jammed out to this release earlier in the year. Lalala punk. "God is Nein" is tight. Makes me shake around.

5. Such Gold- Stand Tall
I used dislike pop/punk but recent release such as this one have changed that. These songs are driving and melodic and not winny like some release I'll not mention. I'd love to see this band with my closest friends, two-stepping, and singing at each other.

4. Aficionado- The Myth About Real Life
Self-released?
8-piece band. Keys. Mandolin. Trumpet. Flute. Now that's a band! I love the instrumentation on this release. Experimental punk, perhaps. I'm not sure what to call this band. The songs sound trippy, groovy, and jammy. They're like a bigger version of Kiss Kiss, who by the way released a killer album with The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left.

3. The Drums- Summertime
Moshi Moshi Records
Indie-pop from Brooklyn. I'm starting to get convinced that Brooklyn has the most eclectic music I know. These songs are so catchy and good. It gives me a summertime vibe. There's whistling and clapping to. "Saddest Summer" is great, but all 7 songs are sweet.

2. Cheeky- What the Heck?
Freedom School Records
I love the garage-punk sound of this Brooklyn 4-piece. “I don’t like you,” singer Kate Eldridge shouts. On “Deal With It” she sings, “You are so out of line.” The lyrical declarations are blunt, giving off a somewhat angry tone, yet it's just Cheeky being Cheeky. You wanna two-step? Pick up this record.

1. Make Do and Mend- Bodies of Water
Panic Records
Yet another indie-punk release. The flow is great, the songs, the lyrics. "Winter Wastleland" is my winter jam! I can't help but move around and sing along when I hear these songs. A record needs to move me and this one. One of my favorite lines is: "Where were your hands when the time was so hard to hold?" This band gets everything right.

I'm falling more in love with punk rock every day. Thanks, bands!

What EP's did you enjoy? What do YOU think of my list?