Top Ten Albums of 2009

1. Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything to Nothing

I’ll never understand why certain bands choose to make their worst song their single. After hearing I’ve Got Friends on the band’s myspace I had low hopes for this album in comparison to the group’s earlier work. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mean Everything was actually better, providing incredibly catchy yet very artistic songs that are very personal. Manchester succeeds in stealing influences from about anywhere they can find, yet somehow creating something very original and worthwhile.

2. The Number Twelve Looks Like You – Worse than Alone


This band recently announced their official break up, but what better album to leave it’s audience with than Worse than Alone. Number Twelve is one of the only bands I know to fit into that Blood Brothersy genre, and yet still sound remarkably heavy and mature. The musicianship on Worse than Alone is beyond thorough, especially with their drummer Jon Karel. The band shows off its talents a lot on this release, but in an original way with style, not forgetting that music is an expression before anything else.

3. Converge – Axe to Fall

Converge is a band composed of living legends in the hardcore genre. Two decades into their career, and they’ve yet to sell out, or even produce one bad album. Axe to Fall is no exception, and in deed boasts new talents of Converge, with songs that might not fit on any previous album. The band collaborated with members of Neurosis, The Red Chord, and Genghis Tron on certain tracks, which all provide rewarding repeated listens.

4. Thursday – Common Existence

Despite Btbam’s disappointment with The Great Misdirect, my other favorite band had a great release to offer, and this was Thursday’s Common Existence. This isn’t by any means my favorite Thursday record, it actually contains some of my least favorite Thursday songs, but the substantial ones were enough to get this release onto the list. This album might not grab you on first listen, but it will be sure to call you back for more and more.

5. Coalesce – Ox

Between Coalesce, Burnt By The Sun, and Converge, the heavy music scene held great expectations this year. Coalesce certainly didn’t disappoint, and released what I consider my favorite Coalesce record. As Coalesce is such an influential band, I was kind of expecting them to write something that didn’t sound all too original as bands have always and will continue to copy them. However, Ox is full of riffs that show a new level of originality and innovation. Coalesce is fantastic, but don’t bother seeing them live. I’m serious.

6. Thrice – Beggars

I seemed to be the only one who enjoyed this album as much as I did. Maybe I hold too much faith in the band, or maybe they’re a band that I love watching grow. Whatever it is, I found Beggars very intriguing, and despite what other people say, not a boring minute. I’m waiting for the day when Thrice finally lets me down.

7. Regina Spektor – Far

Yes, I have a feminine side. Most guys wouldn’t be caught dead listening to Regina Spektor. I find it to be very enjoyable and human music, even if there are tracks that I find myself skipping every single time. There’s a song on this album about finding someone’s wallet, and returning it to Blockbuster, it might be one of the dumbest songs I’ve ever heard. Despite some of my disagreements, I find Regina Spektor to be the best artist in her girly piano music genre. Far covers a variety of emotions, all very sincere and real. If you can find the balls to check this out, I doubt you’d be disappointed.

8. Irepress – Sol Eye Sea I

Although Irepress may consider themselves part of the Boston music scene, you won’t find any circle pits here. As post metal is often referred, Irepress is thinking man’s metal. Sol Eye Sea I requires active listening, but with much reward. The bass player steps out of any shell bassists may be associated with in the past, actually creating a very stand out personality in the band. Nothing about the album is cliché or overdone. I’m very interested to see the growth that the band will take from here.

9. The Arusha Accord – The Echo Verses

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a sucker for tech metal. The Arusha Accord is perfect at what they do, ridiculous instrumentation, flowing together amidst tempo and dynamic changes, showing off every chance they get. The band offers two singers, but they are used to great advantage. The music doesn’t fit any occasion but will certainly turn your head upside down when craved to do so. 

10. The Appleseed Cast – Sagarmatha

The Appleseed Cast have been around a while, and like many other bands, listeners will start to ignore a band after they have done a little bit of genre hopping. To be perfectly honest, this was the first release by them that I really dove into, and so I’m not much for comparing their earlier work to now. I can say that I love Sagarmatha, great music for clearing your head, and has a vibe that other post rock bands aren’t quite getting at. Maybe if I have a more thorough listen with their earlier catalog I’ll change my opinion about this album, but for now it’s a definite winner in my book.