Songs!
10. “Satellite Heart” – Anya Marina
Almost whispered, this delicate tune is enough to make anyone’s mind float lightly away, swooning the entire time.
9. “A Little Bit of Red” – Serena Ryder
Okay, so technically this came out in 2008, but wasn’t released stateside until ’09. Regardless, Serena Ryder’s pipes on this little country-twinged number are breathtaking in the powerful emotionality.
8. “Hell” – Tegan and Sara
This toe-stomping rocker feels part Tegan and Sara, part post-From Here To Infirmary Alkaline Trio, and brims with sneered-lip attitude.
7. “From the Hips” – Cursive
Cursive’s fierce ode to the inability of us all to overcome our primal sexual impulses fires from the hip and hits the mark dead center.
6. “The Strangers” – St. Vincent
The introduction to Actor is like a shiny poison apple. It’s gorgeous and delicious but there’s an unnoticed darkness lurking inside the glistening skin. Good luck resisting the urge to take a bite.
5. “I Let It Go” – The Thermals
The Thermals at their best. Gleefully spiraling out of control in and drowning in a sea of power chord goodness.
4. “Vices” – Brand New
The haunting opening sample lures you in and then Brand New hits you with a haymaker of post-punk furry reminiscent of The Refused. They’ve never been harder and it feels so good.
3. “Going On A Hunt” – Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
The start and stop ride of “Going On A Hunt” is most fun 3 minute adventure of the year. All that’s sure by the end is that you want to be part of the hunting party.
2. “Two” – The Antlers
Just crushing. “Two” is the peak of the best album of the year (Hospice), encapsulating death, love, and life into one soaring piece of art. It’s the type of song that gets you standing and raising your hands to the sky as tears flow from your eyes.
1. “I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman” – k-os
Working off Phantom Planet’s “California” riff, k-os delivers a joyride that truly feels joyous. Slightly off-kilter the track ebbs and flows between funky production, hastily spit verses, and a big sing-along chorus. It’s an indie hip-hop anthem for the scrappy little underdog in us all; a reminder to keep you head high and your dreams in the sky.
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