Best of 2009 Albums

Trying to create a top albums of 2009 list was too daunting a task for me. There were about 100 or so full-length albums I heard. It was far too hard, even having warrants, to try to compile a list of that size and justify it. So I've decided to just make an overall top 30 list but write smaller lists based on genre and other categories. These are all worthy of being listened to depending on what you're into. My tastes are eclectic within the rock genre, which I mostly discuss but there are other releases like Peculiar Gentlemen, Matt and Kim, and K'Naan don't quite fall into “rock.”

POSTHUMOUS

Sadly, a handful of bands disbanded after they released albums. The Besties make me wish I had seen them more. I only saw them in New Brunswick basement, but was intrigued that they had two keyboard players. On their release, Home Free out via Hugpatch the indie-pop band bring you smooth vocals, catchy songs, and a feel good vibe. Mika Miko's We Be Xuxa on Kill Rock Stars is a surprisingly great release. I say that because I've only recently started getting into the riot-grrl influenced type punk rock sound. The beginning of this record lacks because I can't understand the vocals, they sounds slurred, and boring. But the music and the rather loud bass explodes in my ears, making up for any lack of incomprehensible vocals. Used Kids from Brooklyn released Yeah No, which brings good folky-punk rock songs. New Jersey's keyboard driven post-hardcore outfit, Red Light Green Light wrote some of the most motivating lyrics to suit their intense music I've heard in a while. “Be What You Want To Be.” Brooklyn's Nakatomi Plaza had a great alternative-punk release with crunchy guitar, melody, and driving beats. “4017” is a one of my favorites.

1.Nakatomi Plaza- Ghosts (Self-Released)

2.The Besties- Home Free ( Hugpatch)

3.Used Kids- Yeah No (Salinas)

4.Red Light Green Light- Everything Has Gone Wrong)

5.Mika Miko- We Be Xuxa (Kill Rock Stars)

Best Venues of 2009

Please note, these aren't in any particular order.

Brooklyn, NY
1. Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY Capacity: 550 (Great sounding venue with a happy hour who put on some of the best indie shows of the year)
2. Death By Audio, Brooklyn, NY Capacity: 200 (Host to some great hardcore shows with a pretty good sound system and a nice amount of floor space in a relaxed, friendly environment)
3. The Glass Door, Brooklyn, NY Capacity: 200 (Great D.I.Y, house venue with interesting artwork on the walls. Not the best P.A. system but had some of the best punk/indie shows)

New York, NY
4. Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY Capacity 550 (Another Bowery Presents venue with great sound. An overall nice space with nice staff.)
5. Piano’s, New York, NY Capacity 140 (Very small venue. It's a kinda weird room but has great acts of all genres come through)
6. Cake Shop, New York, NY Capacity 100 (The basement of a cake shop cafe that hosts some everything from obscure to known bands)
7. The Studio of Webster Hall, New York, NY Capacity 300 (Another basement venue but really nicely put together with great sound, a somewhat punk feel and host to the infamous Trash! parties and rock concerts from up-and-coming artists and well know acts)
8. Crash Mansion, New York, NY Capacity 350 (Excellent sounding venue with cool lighting a huge stage for bands and a nice floor space)

New Jersey
9. Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ Capacity 250 (Located in the back of a restaurant this is the hub of Hoboken bringing in all kinds of acts)
10. Meat Town USA, New Brunswick, NJ Capacity 75(One of the better known DIY spaces in New Brunswick where Screaming Females often played and helped showcase some acts from across the country and in even worldwide like The Diamond Sea from Australia)

Top 15 Shows of 2009

2009 was another hell of a year for show-going!

1. Screaming Females, The Steinways, For Science, The Measure (SA), Cheeky, Pregnant, Groucho Marxists @ Maxwell’s, Hoboken, February 7, 2009. Some of the best local New Brunswick/Brooklyn punk bands on 1 bill. Heck yeah. Such a great show. So much fun. A highlight was my friend having a rad time and two-stepping away while I was rockin' out up front during Screaming Females with some cool people including Kate from Cheeky. Preview post here.

2. Thursday, Fall of Troy, Moving Mountains, Kiss Kiss, Young Widows @ Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY. September 20, 2009. Amazing line-up at one of New York's best venues. So much fun being pressed up on the stage and seeing a mix of bands. Finally getting to hear Moving Mountains vocals live (last time I saw them I couldn't hear the vocals) was amazing. Beautiful. What a sweet show. Thursday pics here. Moving Mountains pics here. Kiss Kiss pics here.

3. All Points West Day 1: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Heartless Bastards, Ra Ra Riot, Fleet Foxes, Carolina Liar, Bo Burnham @ Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ. July 31, 2009. Hearing Fleet Foxes in the rain and dancing to Yeah Yeah Yeah's was awesome. Review here.

4. Algernon Cadwallader, Songs for Moms, Each Other’s Mothers, Taigaa @ Silent Barn, Ridgewood, NY, August 2, 2009. Never heard of any of these bands prior to the show. The place was packed by the time Each Others Mother's came on and they "killed it." All the bands were great, the vibe of the show was great. Rock and the single girl review with my comments here.

5. Kevin Devine, Miniature Tigers, Brian Bonz @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY, June 7, 2009- 2 hour set from Kevin Devine = amazing. Review here.

6. Screaming Females, Jeff: The Brotherhood, Stupid Party, Bad Blood @ Meat Town USA, New Brunswick, NJ. April 18, 2009. Really rad rock n roll show. I hadn't heard of any of the openers but they immediately impressed me. It was also the first time hearing "Boyfriend," since I first saw Screaming Females in August 2008. Pics here.

7. Life of Agony, Anaka, Dead Men Dreaming, One Brick Down @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY. December 15, 2009. The openers were underwhelming but Life of Agony was pretty sweet. I hadn't seen them since Hellfest in 2004 so this was a treat. Review and pics here.

8. The Gaslight Anthem, Vision, Communication Redlight @ Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ, December 11, 2009. It was my first time seeing Gaslight and they're extensive set was awesome to hear. That plus Vision owning made this show really nice. Review and pics here.

9. Screaming Females, Trophy Wife, RSO, Curtains of Night @ Meat Town USA, New Brunswick, NJ. June 28, 2009. A hell of a groovy show. The openers were great. Pics and review here.

10. Regina Spektor @ Apple Store SoHo, New York, NY, July 24, 2009. A sweet, free hour long set with my best friends from the lovely songstress who played songs off her new album Far. I was smiling practically the whole set. Review here.

11. Wolfmother, Heartless Bastards, thenewno2 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. November 9, 2009. A rockin' night in an intimate space at one of Brooklyn's best venues with my best friend. Review and pics here.

12. Matt & Kim, Rude Mechanical Orchestra @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. January 22, 2009. Really fun show. RMO played Beyonce and Le Tigre covers. Matt & Kim played a bunch of songs and had me singing and jumping around.

13. Yula and the eXtended Family, Kiss Kiss, Emilyn Brodsky @ Maxwell’s. December 16, 2009. Really well put together line-up featuring ukulele-folk, circus-punk, and daring instrumentation via Yula and the extended Family. Great night of music. Review here.

14. Warped Tour 2009: Bad Religion, Madina Lake, Exit She Calls, Anti-Flag, Flogging Molly, NOFX. Caught a few great bands. It was rad hearing Bad Religion and Madina Lake were really good. Review here.

15. Bern & The Brights, Jon Foti, Julia Haltigan @ Maxwell’s, Hoboken. November 6, 2009. What a great night of indie-rock. I loved all the instrumentation of the bands. Fun show. The band's really looked like they enjoyed themselves and there was always at least 6 people on stage at any given time. Pics and review here.

Also, need to mention CMJ. Since there were too many shows and running around from one to another I'll just list some of the best bands: Ume, Bodega Girls, Naam, Kiss Kiss, Emilyn Brodsky, Shiragirl, Jeff: the Brotherhood, Red Collar, Look Mexico, Bridge & Tunnel, Mumford & Sons, Japandroids, Fanfarlo, Demander, Lights Resolve, Jukebox the Ghost @ All Over NYC. October 20-23, 2009.

Were you at any of these shows? What did you think?

Which shows did you enjoy?

Most Read Posts on Star Beat of 2009

Here are the 20 most read stories on Star Beat of 2009:

1. Red Light Green Light call it quits after 4 years, final NJ show on 1/2/10
2.Hop Along, Queen Ansleis/ Little Lungs/The Diamond Sea/ P.S. Eliot @ Meat Town USA- pics
3. This Saturday it's Star Child's Final Show on WSOU w/ acoustic sets by Kevin Devine, Joe Wilson, Exit She Calls, and ShiraGirl
4. Music As A Weapon Tour 4- 2009 Tour Dates (Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ)
5. Heartless Bastards w/ Wolfmother & thenewno2 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, pics + review
6. Gallows & Chambers @ Death City, New Brunswick NJ 7/20- review, pics
7. Bern & the Brights @ Maxwell's w/ John Foti (cd release) & Julia Haltigan, 11-6-09 pics
8. Muse & Silversun Pickups 2010 Tour Dates, MSG on 3/5 & pre-sale on Wednesday
9. The Gaslight Anthem @ Wellmont Theatre + video, photos, and setlist
10. Cheeky get outta here and play last shows in NJ & Brooklyn- review, pics & video
11. Des Ark, Bridge & Tunnel, Slingshot Dakota, and others @ Glass Door 8-30-09, pics
12. Hand Jobs/ Zombie Dogs/Death Rats @ Death by Audio 7-5-09- pics & video
13. Tom Tom Magazine Debuts First Issue about Female Drummers+Photos
14. Shiragirl rock Utopia III Yacht for "Sick Day" release party + Music Video
15. Otep Shamaya In-Store at Vintage Vinyl 8-18-09
16. Screaming Females @ Meat Town USA 6/28/09, photos, video
17. Gallows to play secret NJ show tonight!
18. Vivian Girls/Screaming Females/Mirrors & Wires played Court Tavern, NJ 1/4/09, Tour Dates
19. Metric & Mates of State to Perform in NYC next month
20. Regina Spektor @ Apple Store SoHo 7/24/09

What was your favorite story/stories?

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?

Top 10 Demos of 2009

Demos are great because they often have a live feel and released on tape, cd-r, or digitally to showcase what the artist or band have been working on. Demos are also typically only a few songs, so these releases don't have more than 6 songs. Most of these are also from new bands who deliver a raw sound and that may not have been professionally recorded.

10. Weed Hounds- Demo 2009
File Under: Indie
This album was released on cassette tape. What band records on tape? That’s insane, but great. I loved tapes in high school. Well this surfaced digitally and sounds great with lo-fi production, noisy guitars, and dual male/female vocals with hints of indie and shoe-gaze.

Available here.

9. Zombie Dogs- Demos
File Under: Hardcore
Catchy shout scream hardcore from Brooklyn. “Thrashin’” is great. This 4-piece is influenced by Bikini Kill, Minor Threat, and Feminism. Yeah.

8. Foreign Objects- Demo 2009
File Under: Punk/Hardcore
One minute long punk songs with sweet female vocals. Yet another band who released their demo on tape.

Available here.

7. Pink Houses- Demo
Members from Defiance, Ohio deliver the Pink Houses demo with grunge and punk influences coming together for a cool release.

Available on If You Make It here.

6. Not Sorry- Demo
File Under: Hardcore
Straight-edge hardcore reminiscent of Bane. Some lyrics include: I am moving on with my life, it gets worst before it gets better, and it must change.

Available here.

5. Death First- Demo
File Under: Hardcore
This demo has a live feel to it. The guitars stand out and the vocals are good. I can two-step to these tunes and want to sing along. I’ve always been a fan of the story-talk styled vocals like in “Tested.” Solid hardcore demo from these 4 musicians from Brooklyn.

Available here.

4. Chambers- 6 Song Demo
File Under: Hardcore
Heavy, fast hardcore from New Brunswick lead by one of the supporters of the hub city basement show scene, Dan. These 5 dudes deliver a sludgy hc demo made for rock n roll fans. I picked this one up at the Gallows basement show over the summer. I'm glad I did. This guys rip.

3. Slingshot Dakota- Demo #3
File Under: Indie
Two of the sweetest songs I’ve heard this year and a drum and keyboards version of Fugazi’s Waiting Room. This 2-piece from Brooklyn knows how to warm my heart. "Michael Jordan Saved My Life" might become my new quintessential mixtape song for friends now.

Available here.

2. Paul Baribeau- 2009 EP
File Under: Folk
Mr. Baribeau has a way of telling stories and playing acoustic that is impressive, even if simple. This demo was released during his summer tour. The 6 songs are sincere, like “I Knew” where Baribeau sings “If I knew what was wrong I would tell you. Honest I would tell.” I love letters, so hearing “Eight Letters” had me nearly teary eyed. You can hear the emotion in his voice. No bullshit, just sincere song-writing on this release.

Available here.

1. Snowing- Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit demo
File Under: Indie-Punk
I didn’t have to listen to this album more than once to know that it was going to be in my top demo list. After a few more listens I realized that this had to be number 1. There’s a sense of heartbreak in the singer’s voice that is so pure. It makes me want to see the band live. These songs make me move side to side and want to air guitar. I can totally see myself having a blast seeing these guys live. These 5 songs are a great blend of noodly math rock and indie-punk. Get into it.

Available here.

Thoughts? Which demos did you dig?

More to come...

Top 10 Singles of 2009

10. Brand New- At the Bottom
9. GIRLS- Lust for Life
8. Black Eyed Peas-Boom Boom Pow
7. Shiragirl- Sick Day
6. Screaming Females- Bell
5. Ida Maria- Oh My God
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Heads Will Roll
3. Kevin Devine- I Could Be With Anyone
2. Silversun Pickups- Panic Switch
1. Muse- Uprising

Thoughts? What are some of yours?

More lists to follows including Top demos, eps, and lp's.

Top 10 Bands I've Seen The Most in 2009

Yula and the eXtended Family @ Maxwells 12-16-09

photo by Star Beat

It was another huge year for show-going. I caught several bands and multiple times to. So I'll tell you why the following were worth checking out multiple times:

10. Yula & The EXtended Family (2): This multi-instrumental 5-piece from Brooklyn know how to craft good, danceable songs. Led by Yula Bee'ri on vocals, bass, and keyboards she brings a personality to the band that is entertaining and yet can be serious. She captures hints of her previous projects, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Star Fucking Hipsters, and Nanuchka. Other instruments include accordion, trumpet, clarinet, and trombone. They played an awesome set at Maxwell's.

9. Zombie Dogs (2): I saw this Brooklyn hardcore outfit twice at Death by Audio. The first time they opened for Handjobs, the second for Cheeky. They're a tight band and "Thrashin'" is the song I've been raving about.

8. Bridge & Tunnel (2): Caught them over the summer at The Glass Door and at CMJ. Both shows had very different vibes which made seeing them interesting. The first was at at a D.I.Y space so the sound wasn't the best but seeing the band perform made up for it. Rachel gets so into playing. The second show was at The studio at webster hall, so they sounded great and their indie/punk sound came alive in the best way.

7. Cheeky (2): This band have such catchy and relatable punk rock tunes that make you want to dance and sing along. Their last show was special because the room was packed and mostly everyone there seemed to be genuine, loyal Cheeky fans. There's no bullshit in their performance. They play fast and they get through their songs quick.

6. Emilyn Brodsky (3): This ukulele songstress from Brooklyn knows how to entertain and tell stories. She introduces her songs and her bandmates, that is, when she plays with them. I saw her both solo and with her band. The first time she played with her band Anthony DaCosta and Brian Viglione during CMJ. They were tight. Emilyn's mother was in the audience there, to. At Maxwell's most recently she had another drummer and Anthony was super on bass. There was clap stomping and while not the most musically on point musician, Emilyn is worth seeing live.

5. Jeff: the brotherhood (3) This garage-rock duo from Nashville know how to play loud! Brother Jake and Jamin have a dynamic that is tight. From the first time I saw them in a New Brunswick basement I was hooked and caught them twice during CMJ. "U Got the Look" and Bone Jam" are, well, the jams. Get Heavy Days to hear it for yourself and check them out with Screaming Females next year.

4. Shiragirl (4): Shiragirl know how to put on a show! By the time I saw them at CMJ they were tight playing their new single "Sick Day," a cover of Red Hot Chili Peppers "Suck My Kiss," a mo-town inspired intro to "Anthem" and the heavy "Lights Out," scattered with song off their last release Scream! Spit! Sing! Lead singer Shira would jump all over the place, pump up the crowd, and get into the crowd and sing to people. A punk/hip-hop all-girl group that's definitely worth seeing live. They even pull off acoustic, to!

3. Kiss Kiss (5): Kiss Kiss have a way of seamlessly going from a light, beautifully laced keyboard and violin sound to spastic, where the band speeds it up and the music gets hyper and fun to move along. I've dubbed them "circus-punk." They even do a version of the Tetris theme song live. The way the band move around and interact during their performance is great, to. They've notably opened for Fake Problems and Thursday. Their performance at Crash Mansion was probably the best show. Check them out with Trophy Scars and the Venetia Fair in 2010.

2. Exit She Calls (7): This catchy, yet edgy pop/rock band is a treat live. They can pull off both acoustic and full band shows. It's been great following them around since first seeing them play at Angels & Kings in March. I've seen them acoustic more times than electric, but it's always been good and Kristia's cover of Jawbreaker's Shirt is sweet like her voice. "Miscommunications" and "Little Things" are great live and it's entertaining to see Carlos dancing around and nice seeing Jeff smiling for most of the set. The best performance for them was at Warped Tour in Camden- the sound was great, the band was having fun, and the weather was nice outside. They have a cd release party for their first album, Out of Reach, in Jersey on Jan. 3 and a slew of shows lined-up, so see how this Bergen County band does it.

1. Screaming Females (8): For anyone that knows me or has followed this blog, this one is obvious. The band released one of the best albums of the year in April. Power Move is filled with delicious guitar driven songs that are groovy and compelling. This garage-punk trio from New Brunswick doesn't't talk much between songs and that's kinda what I like about them- dancing and headbanging along with no bullshit. It's just about the music. I caught them the most in New Brunswick and Hoboken in small space. "Starving Dog," "Lights Out," and "Bell" are some of the best live. What's even great is that everytime I've seen them live, they've played a different set. I love this band so much I even saw them on MTV for It's on With Alexa Chung. Definitely proud of this band.