Visually, one of the defining “holy shit” moments of 2009. Harsh color schemes create a troubled atmosphere, matched with skillful animation and an AV journey through the emotions conveyed in the song. They sure as hell don’t make them like this any more – and if they do, it’s very sporadically. A breathtaking video experience – the must-see video of 2009.

2. Coldplay – Strawberry Swing

Another visual journey, albeit a fuckload more upbeat than Underoath’s. Watch our hero Chris Martin fly, dive, run and escapade throughout an alternate reality – all without even standing up! This wonderfully creative and downright clever video was put together by a team named Shynola, who have completely recaptured the joy one can receive from watching music videos (especially the feeling one had in childhood). Regardless of how big a wanker you think Chris Martin is, watch this one.

3. Lady GaGa – Paparazzi

2009 cemented Lady GaGa as pop’s leading eccentric – the image, the music, the lyrics, the interview quotes, the works. And about fucking time, I say! In a year of necrophiliac sample-mongling crap like Right Round and Whatcha Say, thank the heavens above for GaGa making things fresh, intriguing, self-deprecating and generally fabulous. The best example of this that wasn’t featured on The Fame Monster EP was the mini-soap-opera of her Paparazzi video. It’s rare to see anyone take the artform to these kind of lengths this side of Thriller, let alone a mainstream pop musician – there’s death, glamour, sex, glory, crime, obsession and a lot of costume changes. Wonderfully wicked, GaGa packed punch – and Paparazzi served as the ten-count knockout.

4. Bluejuice – Broken Leg

These dudes don’t hold anything back when it comes to music videos. They created a cult and performed in the middle of a market square for Vitriol, they jumped out of a plane for The Reductionist…and this time around they spent months learning how to bloody jump rope!! Yes, Bluejuice are men of great extremities, constantly suffering for their art. As you can see, however, the end result is more than worth it. No giveaways to the winners, but do yourself a favour and get on the team!

5. OKGO – WTF?

Q: How the hell do you follow up the video that turned into one of the biggest sensations of YouTube history?
A: With a little weirdness, a lot of skill and seven truckloads of awesome.

Warning: Not for those that get tripped-out very easily.

4. Die! Die! Die! @ The Cambridge Hotel

3. Minus the Bear @ The Corner Hotel

2. Battles @ Sydney Opera House

1. The Middle East @ The Lass O’Gowrie

This proved Murphy’s Law. The worst possible thing that could have happened this year actually happened, my favourite band broke up. Mammal were on the verge of being huge, they were the best live band in Australia and were beginning to chalk up 5/5 reviews in the UK, so the split was kind of sudden. I literally cried upon hearing the news of the break up. However, it has spawned not one or two new bands, but six. Lead singer Ezekiel Ox has five projects on the go, including two with Cog drummer Lucius Borich. Meanwhile, the other three guys are on the search for a new singer for their new band, apparently even looking overseas.

2. Nine Inch Nails stop touring

I think never seeing NIN live will be one of my biggest regrets. They are one of my favourite bands but when they were here last for Soundwave, I was broke; so came to the conclusion that I’d have to see them next time they came over. What a giant fucking screw up that turned out to be. So please Trent, one more tour of Australia. Please…

3. Crunkcore

I think this is pretty self explanatory. What. The. Fuck.

4. Short Stack

The most fake, vain and utterly shit band I have ever heard. I just want them to go away. They can take all the teeny boppers with them too, please. Just fuck off to Antarctica or something.

5. Adam Lambert’s Debut Album Cover

I think everyone needs to experience this atrocity at least once. I know he’s gay and everything and that’s cool but honestly, what was he thinking when he did the photo shoot for this? Easily the worst album art of all time.

The Boat That Rocked

Say what you want about the film itself – the critic’s response was very divided in discussion of everything from the cast to the length. What we can all agree on, however, is how much FUN the soundtrack was! Two discs of pop that defined a generation, there’s a lot to enjoy here – from the kicking riff of The Kinks’ All Day and All of the Night to the versions of the gorgeous ballad Stay With Me Baby (the original by Lorraine Ellison and the divine miss Duffy‘s cover). Add in some Bowie, The Beach Boys, The Turtles, The Troggs, Cream, The Who and even some Jimi Hendrix and we are talking something of absolute retro quality. Absolutely perfect for the atmosphere the film attempted to create – though the exclusion of The Rolling Stones’ Let’s Spend The Night Together (which featured in one of the most pivotal scenes in the whole movie) is bizarre. Ahh, who cares? Let’s dance!

The only song on this album that makes me cry. Simply breathtaking.

2. Flyleaf – Again

This was the first track given to the public via MySpace, probably the best song off the new album.

3. La Roux – In For The Kill

One of the finest synth pop songs made since the 80′s. Should stand the test of time.

4. Saosin – Is This Real?

Oddly enough, the lyrics speak out against organised religion, yet I still love this track. The first song i heard from the new album.

5. Manchester Orchestra – I’ve Got Friends

Wow, what an epic band these guys are. My top track from the album.

6. Every Time I Die – Roman Holiday

A dirty, beat up, punk/hardcore track that you can really move to. top choice to open the album, guys.

7. Silverstein – A Shipwreck in The Sand

The epic title track from the band’s best work to date has a deep meaning going back to the discovery of the new world.

8. Vera – Alone

This band is the best thing to come from Canberra since Medicare, yet they have only recorded 2 demos. This young band have miles to go, and will get there in style.

9. A Skylit Drive – Those Cannons Could Sink A Ship

This is the second song off the album, and really brings the pace down, but the vocals on this track are amazing (even though a bit ‘shopped) and the guitar work complements it to post-hardcore perfection.

10. Ambrosia – Reality As A Dream

This was the first track released onto MySpace by the remnants of The Mariana Trench. The song itself led them onto bigger and better things, as Ambrosia signed with a manager and are set to release a full length album early 2010.

1. Castevet – Summer Fences

Those who know me know that I’m a sucker for any band that has a sound all wrapped up in Midwest nostalgia. With that said, Castevet aren’t one of those bands that hopelessly mimic what some people might believe are the bygone glory days of 90s emo. They take influences from bands such as American Football and Braid, yet manage to create a sound that is uniquely their own. The first track I heard was Stranger, You Know; not kidding, I literally had to take a seat.

Castevet blend thick and gorgeous melodies with that perfect hint of rough; when you hear the vocals, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Sounds like: a soft-hearted, thoughtful and bearded truck driver in a flannelette shirt.

Perfect accompaniment for: extreme waltzing in the kitchen at 2am with someone you have a crush on, running towards horizon lines at 6AM and driving on long stretches of road.

This stuff is truly inspiring; word of warning, it really makes you feel.

2. Bon Iver – Blood Bank EP

Ah, Justin Vernon, he continues to deliver the goods. Do I really need to explain why this EP is in my top 10? Those vocals are completely heartbreaking. Isn’t that reason enough? I do happen to like myself some beautifully painful music, even if it is only four tracks. Anyone who loves Bon Iver, is a friend of mine*.

Sounds like: Too pretty to even function.

Perfect accompaniment for: Lying in a field, splayed out and staring up at the stars. I wouldn’t even recommend moving; just listen.

* Only if they pronounce Iver correctly; if not, I might have to think about it.

3. The Middle East – Recordings of the Middle East EP

Alright, I do realise that I am kind of cheating here, because this was first released on the 24th of April 2008. But, (and you knew there was a but coming) I refuse to go down without a fight, because this EP deserves a mention. So, after trawling the website of this beautiful band from Townsville, Australia, I discovered that this very EP was released in the US and Canada in October of this year. So technically, I feel that this EP, regardless of its Australian release date, was still kind of released in 2009. Don’t fight me on this one.

With that out of the way, let’s get down to business. Hello again. I could be going out on a whim here when I say that these guys are just about the most beautiful Australian band that I have ever heard. Regardless of whether I’m speaking recklessly or not, I can’t deny the fact that this entire year I have continued to be in a state of, ‘holy shit’ every time I have decided to listen to this EP. Basically, to attempt to put this in perspective for you, if Sigur Rós, Early Day Miners and J. Tillman decided to have a mass orgy and produce a love child, The Middle East would probably be its more hyperactive cousin. Not following? Well, it’s okay; just know that this EP is breathtaking.

Sounds like: Twinkly stars, learning, being lovelorn, reckless and young.

Perfect accompaniment for: Riding bikes through foreign cities, warm Australian summer nights, sliding down big grassy hills on esky lids, or even crying, if you’re built that way – I actually know a dude who absolutely wails to the track Lonely.

4. Mirah – (A)Spera

This is the fourth solo album from Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn, she is pretty much one of the only female vocalists/artists that I can’t find any rational reason to criticise. (A)Spera is beautiful, Mirah’s lyrics cryptic and meaningful, with tracks hovering in between the minimal plucking of guitars and others bearing dense walls of sound; horn sections included. Not to mention Ms. Zeitlyn’s vocal capabilities and the air of ingenuity and complete lack of pretension that she brings to the table. A(Spera), in my opinion, holds some of Mirah’s best tracks; Education and Generosity in particular.

Sounds like: Zach Condon with a vagina, less accordions and a penchant for the Samba.

Perfect accompaniment for: life.

5. Ola Podrida – Belly of the Lion

Ola Podrida is David Wingo, a bearded film composer that rules at life. This is his second release; the first self titled album was predominantly acoustic, whilst Belly of the Lion is more of a layered and textured affair. When you listen to this album, you’d expect David Wingo to be backed up by a complete band – this however isn’t the case, as he has pretty much recorded the entire thing himself. Quite impressive.

Belly of the Lion reminds me of the ‘good old days’, whatever that is supposed to mean – but I feel like it induces sweet memories and forgotten visions of what it was like to be sixteen or seventeen, sneaking out, climbing trees, riding bikes, having a sunburned nose and being free. This album makes it into my list for that reason, and also for its warmth, thought inducing lyrics and innate ability to make even the coldest room feel cozy.

Sounds like: it should have been the entire soundtrack to a show like Dawson’s Creek.

Perfect accompaniment for: red wine by the fireplace, flying kites (who even does that anymore?) or background music in the company of good friends.

6. Jónsi & Alex – Riceboy Sleeps

Jónsi of Sigur Rós and Alex of Parachutes are what makes up their side-project, called, well, Jónsi & Alex…whatever works. The Icelandic raw foodists not only have a love connection, but also share a musical connection; hence their album, Riceboy Sleeps. I’m resisting the urge to swear right now, it really is a case of f***, seriously. This album is dazzling, hypnotic, other-wordly and lush, lush, lush. I don’t think it should be compared to Sigur Rós or Parachutes, this project should stand alone. It’s on my list for its sheer beauty.

Sounds like: the music that might accompany a transcendental experience if you ate a few slices of dried peyote… maybe love and happiness too.

Perfect accompaniment for: walking through an aquarium, headphone buds tightly jammed in ears or relaxing after a shit day.

7. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone – Vs. Children

Owen Ashworth focuses on the themes of growing up, working shit jobs, living out of home, being 20 something, going back to your hometown and feeling like all your old friends have changed and generally feeling like a deadbeat. I’m pretty sure anyone born between 1984 -1993 could relate to this album. If you don’t pay attention to the lyrics, it will all sound like a big joke. However, if you do pay attention, particularly to the latter half of the album, you will get it.

Sounds like: an emotional man playing with a toy keyboard.

Perfect accompaniment for: lying in the dark, sleep deprived, all insomniac eyes, when everyone else is out on a Friday night.

8. Telefon Tel Aviv – Immolate Yourself

This album, whilst being one of my favourite releases of 2009, is also one that gets me the most choked up; the title, the circumstance and just the general mood of the whole thing. When I was travelling around Europe last year, 70% of the time, Telefon Tel Aviv served as the soundtrack. So as such, when I got home, I was really excited about the release of Immolate Yourself, which was apparently a tongue in cheek joke, ripping on death metal bands. The title ended up being really creepy, as at the time of the release of Immolate Yourself, one half of the New Orleans duo, Charlie Cooper was found dead.

One thing I love about Telefon Tel Aviv is their capacity to really blend some thick emotion into their tracks. Their music is moody and gutsy; an amalgamation of influences from a wide array of genres, from drone, to classical, to shoegaze. They have always been really special to me for that reason, that they veer more towards encouraging feeling something, rather than having an air of ‘let’s get fucked up and sway from side to side in an overpriced and below par cocktail lounge.’ Immolate Yourself is a little confronting when you hear the first track The Birds and think about the fate of Charlie Cooper – but persist, because this album is stunning.

Sounds like: the soundtrack to the prettiest and most cinematic moments in life.

Perfect accompaniment for: long train rides.

9. Kidcrash – Snacks

This release is simply rad and intoxicating. When I first got it, it took a little while to get used to all the pauses and transitions, and at times I felt that it was a little bit ‘busy’ in comparison to their earlier relases, but soon enough it was on constant repeat. It’s not ‘busy’, it’s ‘intricate’ and it’s now one of my favourite albums.

Sounds like: mathy, spazzy, screamy soundscapes.

Perfect accompaniment for: gathering up all your best mates and shouting out the lyrics together.

10. Mixtapes & Cellmates – Rox

A Swedish indie/pop outfit from Stockholm, boasting one member of Swedish screamo band, Suis la Lune. This bands releases are pretty eclectic; older releases showcase a distinctive shoegaze influence and have a simultaneous somberness and catchiness that is dance inducing. Rox is more upbeat and more polished. There’s one reason this album is worth a mention in my top 10: simply, it makes me happy.

Sounds like: The Radio Dept at times, with less fuzziness and stronger vocals.

Perfect accompaniment for: dancing inebriated in your lounge room.

Much love.

1. Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyonce.

This is my absolute favourite song of 2009. Wikipedia says “female empowerment” about 50 billion times in reference to this song, and I agree. Go women. I only wish I could figure out how to move my hips like Bey – trust me, I’ve tried but I’m convinced she has a sort of permanent dislocation going on down there. P.S. Lovin’ on Kanye. Sorry, Taylor, but MTV + AMA = hatred for you sistaaa.

2. This Is It by Michael Jackson.

“Ready? One, two, three, four”.

Hearing Michael’s timid voice break the silence of anticipation as I listened to this song for the first time had me grinning and shivering and gulping for air.

As the credits (and tears) rolled after the first screening of the film and the familiar chords struck their melancholy progression, I realised how much this song will mean to me for the rest of my life. It has become one of those tunes whose melody carries a season of memories, especially for you. I wasn’t ready, but thank you, Michael. I love you more.

3. Eet by Regina Spektor.

So I admit that I haven’t listened to Regina’s whole album, Far, but she is a definite favourite in my household as of late and this song in particular has been lodged in memory.

“You’re using your headphones to drown out your mind.”

If this line doesn’t make every single one of you immediately discard all auditory contraptions and listen to, or coax out your own inner voice then you don’t deserve to listen to my number 3 and her annoyingly repetitive syllables.

4. The Last Day On Earth by Kate Miller-Heidke.

In my mind, Kate Miller-Heidke was always a bit short on ‘pop’. My advice to her: gather an ‘UP’ ish collection of 3 day old balloons and let rip one of her high rubber-shattering operatic screeches. “It might just work”, I chuckled to myself. BUT THEN! She sprung this one on me.

It was 7am on a ridiculously insomnaic morning and I stood there, cheek to cheek with the TV screen, bawling, “In my dreams, IN MY DREAMS!” I was having some sleeping difficulties, yes, but this song definitely made a connection.

5. Cry Out Of Joy by Akon.

“Oh I wish the world could see you the way I did,

And I wish they witnessed how wonderful a dad you were to all your kids.”

Please listen to this song. The end.

6. The Fear by Lily Allen.

I can’t get enough of this voice and every time Lily Allen swears, I can’t help but want more. The actual song was fun for about a day, no strings, and after that… well, it was all for the “fuck”s.

7. Like It Like That by Guy Sebastian.

I seriously do apologise for this inclusion…but surely we can all agree that this is a boppy, happy-go-lucky kinda tune? Please? It’s so darn catchy. It’s something I can contentedly walk to the beach to.

I DO like it like that, and no one can stop me!

Oh, and does Guy look cute-ish when he smiles, or is that just me again? (Mental note to self: stop digging.)

8. Boom Boom Pow by The Black Eyed Peas.

This song was my 12-year-old brother’s attempt at helping…annnnd he ended up making the cut… I turned this up really loud and then realised that it has some of the most amusing lyrics that I have yet come across this year. “I’m a beast when you turn me on” and “I’m so 3008, you’re so 2000 and late” being favourites…And watching the film clip, the brother is probably upstairs having nightmares about 2mins 33.

9. Neopolitan Dreams by Lisa Mitchell.

Didn’t know that Lisa Mitchell was from Idol until this very moment – which I guess is good for her. This is a ‘meh’ filler song. I mean, it’s catchy but Lisa is just one of those girly singers that are perched throughout Aus at the moment and I’m a little sick of the individual and hence not so individual voice. Leave that to Missy Higgins and be gone.

10. Back To The 80’s by AQUA.

So I ran out of songs and reverted to Wikipedia. Now truly this song is terrible. It sounds like something I do when I’m bored – remember all the songs and t.v shows from the 90’s – it’s just, I know I’m not musical when I’m doing it and AQUA seem to have overlooked that minor technicality…But you see, I feel a sort of obligation to put AQUA on my list. They ARE my childhood, from Doctor Jones to Turn Back Time (I always cried – anyone else?) and when I think “back to the 90’s” – it’s AQUA who were there for the whole ride. (Yes I am attempting to overlook the cheap MJ quip…don’t ruin it for me). So number 10 – AQUA – done.

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