My friend David does a music poll every year looking for people's Essential Albums. I've already written about my love for K. Clark (that would be Kelly Clarkson) and Glee, so I thought I would share my list of other favorite CDs from last year. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – I was counting down the days for this album to come out and love every song on it. Out of any release in 2009, it still holds up for me every time I listen to it. (I will have to admit that I was disappointed in their live show, they didn’t really add anything in person, but I’m willing to give them another chance live. I’m generous like that.)
The Temper Trap, Conditions – I only got this CD right before Christmas, but I’ve been listening to it non-stop.
Passion Pit, Manners – If you ever want to see me dance around like a maniac, put on “Little Secrets.” Plus, they are pretty amazing live – seen them twice in two months!
The Swell Season, Strict Joy
Empire of the Sun, Walking on a Dream
Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion
La Roux, La Roux
Metric, Fantasies
Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown – American Idiot is one of my favorite albums of all time, so this had huge expectations for me. It had some great moments. Didn’t match AI, but still pretty dang good.
Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer (great Belfast duo who opened up for OkGo a few months ago – really unique and fun band)
Owl City, Ocean Eyes
Gomez, A New Tide
Franz Ferdinand, Tonight