In retrospect, after writing up this little list, 2009 was a bit underwhelming musically for me.  I know a bunch of good albums were released in 2009, but only a few particularly blew me away.  Maybe I’m just turning into a jaded old man?  Probably.

I’ve asked a few friends to write up a list of their favorite 2009 records which I will be posting soon.  I would love to read what you 20 faithful readers have to say about the past 365 days of music.  Send me a list and I’ll post it.  Promise.

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I was only able to think of 3 albums released in 2009 that stopped me in my tracks upon first listen.  So… with that in mind here are my favorite records of 2009 – and a few other records that were on heavy rotation in my life.

2009 favorites:

defeater – lost ground

When Defeater’s first album Travels came out last year I wasn’t too excited about it.  I felt like I knew where the entire album was headed before the first few songs were over because their influences were so pronounced.  However, with the release of Lost Ground I feel like they’ve crafted six songs that display their own unique take on melodic hardcore.

Lost Ground, which is a concept album, tells the story of a fictional black U.S. solider before, during and after he is deployed to war in Europe.  My short description doesn’t do the story justice so please take my word for it and download this album, or, better yet, go to a show and buy it.

Defeater is heading down the same track that Have Heart and Modern Life is War traveled down – which is a complimentary way of saying that they’re writing intelligent, emotional and passionate music that is connecting with a lot of people

Great artwork, an intelligent story and powerful music make this one of my favorite records of 2009.

Download HERE.

daitro – Y

This record has had me mesmerized for the past couple of months.  The song writing on this album is impeccable.  Each note falls into place so nicely – the guitar tones are beautiful,  the song structures are catchy and the vocal melodies are especially enjoyable.   I’ve already written a bit about this release so I’ll just go ahead and quote myself.

“If you have never listened to Daitro before their music is comparable to bands like Sed Non Satitata, Suis la Lune, and my favorite European screamo band Amanda Woodward.

Honestly, I don’t even know if I would describe this album as a screamo album.  It has screamo elements to it.  I mean it has screaming and it’s moody but for some reason I just get a softer vibe from this record.  To me it would be more aptly described as a heavy indie rock record.”

Download HERE.

touche amore – …To the beat of a dead horse

“Touche Amore are just one of the many recent bands to integrate emo and hardcore music. The most striking aspect is that no song hurdles the 3 minute mark. Short and pithy, … To The Beat is a screamo-influenced modern hardcore record with a melodic twist. Too much genre?… my apologies, but … To Th e Beat Of A Dead Horse really is a superb blend of genre-bending qualities.” – via Sputnik

This reviewer hits the nail on the head.  This record combines the best aspects of punk, emo, hardcore and screamo.  My only gripe with this album is that they didn’t include the song wehatefredphelps.com which was released on an earlier S/T demo.  A few months ago I posted a video of Touche Amore playing Honest Sleep at Charm City Art Space in Baltimore.  Go see them live!

Download HERE.

Honorable Mentions:

andrew jackson jihad – operation stackola

Andrew Jackson Jihad know how to write simple, witty and memorable songs.  Their particular brand of folk may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I think they rule.  This particular record is stripped down to the essential instruments – bass, vocals, guitar and… dub synth effects for one track.

Download HERE.

Us and Us Only – Windowless Rooms EP

I’ve mentioned Us and Us Only/his band of loosely tied together musicians a few times on this blog.  The 3 songs featured on this EP were on heavy rotation in my room all year long.  For some reason the pessimistic theme of this EP really struck a chord with me.  You can hear the loathsomeness in his voice when he sings about his friendships falling apart.  I wish this dude would keep writing songs in the same vein.

Download HERE.

Pansori – Demo

Pansori’s demo is one loooong 20 minute song that has 2 distinct movements.

I wish this band would release a full length already.  You know that one song with the violin intro from Thursday’s first album Waiting?  I think it’s named Streaks in the Sky.  Well, imagine that song stretched out for 20 minutes with City of Caterpillar riffs and vocals interspersed through out.  That’s what I think of when I listen to this band.  They’re really good and will hopefully release something in 2009.

Download HERE.

Age Sixteen – Open Up Finders, Please

Since my ipod to tape deck thing in my car broke I’ve been listening to this cd every day on my commute to and from work.  I love how catchy Open Up Finders, Please is while still managing to be musically intricate - an impressive feat for any (screamo) band to accomplish.  I hear something new each time I listen.  I’m looking forward to hearing whatever material they’re working on with their new drummer.

Myspace HERE.

Download HERE.