LPs of 2009

Mark’s Lp’s of 2009 (Better late then never!)

1. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The band did good! Favourites of mine since 1999, this year they finally made their masterpiece and found the adulation they deserve. Poppy, dancey, euphoric, makes me equally happy and proud. Singles and standouts are held together by stunning Love Like a Sunset. Totally ruled Brixton Academy October. One of only two lp’s (see no. 2) this year to be truly, memorably great. Phoenix, Phoenix, Phoenix!
   
2. Royksopp – Junior. Royskopp have produced their masterpiece; starting with the playful Happy Up Here before colliding into The Girl and the Robot, featuring vocals from Robyn. Filtered, dirty, squelchy and smooth this has had my brain pulsating since the summer. This Scandinavian elite is complete when Karin Dreijer Andersson (The Knife, Fever Ray) lends a guest vocal. As far as electronic music (and crime writing) Scandinavia is producing the finest in the world right now.
   
3. Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream. Blissful 80’s influenced pop from the godlike Luke Steel. This feels like the perfect next step after the Sleepy Jackson. Overblown and outrageous with three of the strongest singles of the year. Electronic, with perfect pop sensibilities, like the beach boys rung through a Cut Copy mangle. Shares with Phoenix the quality that makes it equally at home in nightclubs or on a Sunday afternoon.
   
4. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor. A welcome surprise in early December. As uplifting as Arcade Fire and as breathtaking as Fleet Foxes. Energetic, youthful, Americana, which aims to please; this band could go on to truly great things.
   
5. Dark was the Night - Various Artists. The first compilation I’ve ever included in my end of year lists. Curated by the National and including the cream of the alternative US indie scene, this is the strongest double lp I’ve ever bought. All acts are on the top of their game and the tracks are woven together perfectly, somehow never feels like a compilation. This has soundtracked my year.
   
6. Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk. Conor Oberst, Jim James, M Ward and Mike Mogis, all on one lp, in outrageously good form, what more could you possibly want?
   
7. Memory Tapes - Seek Magic. Another unexpected highlight, someone else described this as New Order playing Neil Young. Can’t describe it better myself. The guitar line at the end of bicycle is the best minute of music for years.
   
8. Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport. In which the previously almost unlistenable F Buttons collided with Lord Andrew Weatherall. The product was the apocalyptical sound of a volcano spewing out beats as it rises through the ocean straight into a London basement party. Play it loud and play the entire 58 mins, this is a complete album of ideas rather than a collection of tracks.
   
9. Saint Etienne - Foxbase Beta (Richard X remix). First a compilation then a remix lp, what has happened to my list this year? One of my all time favourite bands handed over all of the masters of their debut to pop producer and DJ, Richard X (Sugababes, Kelis & Liberty X). This idea did not excite me. When I finally got around to buying it I was amazed, this really is a thing of beauty. Not better than the original, equally as good, just viewed through different shades. If you love Foxbase Alpha, you must own its new baby sibling, the children’s choir at the crescendo of Like the Swallow has to be heard to be believed.
   

10. Manic Street Preachers - Journal for Plague Lovers. Touted as the follow up to the Holy Bible, due to the band using Richey Edwards lyrics which he left behind when he went missing 10 years ago. In reality this is nowhere near as bleak as that masterpiece, but it is an incredible return to form. Loud, intelligent, witty, hooks galore, this is the Manics I fell in love with in 1991.
    
11. The XX - XX
    
12. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
    
13. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
    
14. The Horrors - Primary Colours
    
15. Lindstrom & Christabelle - Real Life is No Cool
    
16. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
    
17. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
    
18. Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue
    
19. Junior Boys - Begone Dull Care
    
20. Jack Penate - Everything is New
    

Gigs: Neil Young at Hyde Park. Radiohead at Reading. Phoenix at Brixton. Bloc Party at Olympia. Wilco at The Forum. Spiritualized at Royal Festival Hall
Single: Bruce Springsteen - The Wrestler 2010
New Acts: Broken Bells, Hurts, Joy Orbison, Free Energy,
Old Acts with exciting new lp's: Foals, Four Tet, Hot Chip, Beach House & LCD Soundsystem.
Extreme excitement for the return of Daft Punk in Tron! Movie, soundtrack & (tour?)