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BY LUKAS CLARK-MEMLER



The xx >> XX
The xx were unquestionably the biggest buzz band of 2009. Their eponymous debut was surrounded by so much hype, that anything less than pure musical excellence would have been considered a disappointment. And against all odds, the only-just-post-adolescent South Londoners not only lived up to the hype, but completely surpassed it. The xx’s music beguiles, entrances and lulls you into a euphorically comatose state—one from which you will never want to arise.

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Read the Groovemine review





Phoenix >> Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix—quite a title to live up to. Relating oneself to the greatest composer of all time shows you are extremely confident and slightly pretentious. However, these Frenchmen are more than worthy of the archaic moniker. Phoenix started 2009 with a bang, and gained incredible exposure with their fourth musical endeavour. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is perhaps most notable for its diverse range of songs, its complete sense of precision and just how damn easy it is to listen to. The record opens with two near-perfect indie rock anthems—the joyous “Lisztomania” and its slightly crisper and catchy cousin “1901.” With soaring vocals, playful yet insanely addictive melodies, witty lyrics and extraordinarily catchy and caffeinated choruses, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix delivers on all levels

Read the Groovemine review





The Dead Weather >> Horehound
There is a reason that Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan are all chumming up to Jack White—its because he really is that talented. Considered one of the best guitarists of our generation, Jack has always pushed the boundaries of music a little bit farther and with his latest endeavour, The Dead Weather, he explores new musical terrain, whilst keeping faithful to his iconic, albeit minimalist sound. The new band removes Mr. White from the front of the stage and relocates him behind the drum kit - while the Kills’ Alison Mosshart handles most singing duties. The two are joined by White’s fellow Raconteur Jack Lawrence on bass, and former touring Raconteur/Queen of the Stone Age Dean Fertita on guitar. The songs on Horehound are a blues-meets-gothic blend of prog rock and soul—it’s an eclectic combination, but what are we to expect from Jack White, a man who defines the term “undefinable.” The album was recorded live with almost no editing, so retains a natural, authentic, completely honest and uncommercial feel. Horehound is an excellent record from a group of excellent musicians. I look forward to hearing much more from The Dead Weather in the future.





Yeah Yeah Yeahs >> It's Blitz!
From a band that needs no introduction, comes an album that needs no description – there are no words for what is found on It’s Blitz!. Also on my list of “Best Album Art of 2009,” (see below) It’s Blitz! is a manifesto for the synthesis of disco and indie. Karen O manages to capture the polarities of human emotion without seeming pretentious or self-righteous. Though the band has always flirted with a more mainstream sound before, their previous releases always drifted into the rarely-delivers-instant-gratification category. On It’s Blitz! the trio embrace their pop instincts, and have never sounded more at home.





Bishop Allen >> Grrr…
I love Bishop Allen, and have never been disappointed in anything they have ever produced. The band’s latest record Grrr… was released to mixed reviews, and was criticised for lacking the lyrical depth and soul found on previous Bishop Allen releases. Yet what Grrr… lacks in maturity, it completely makes up for, in sheer fun, joy and listenability. One thing I enjoy most about Bishop Allen is the absolute unique sound they have—it truly does defy conventional labelling. I suppose one could call them pop, but only reluctantly. I say reluctantly because of the extremely negative connotations of pop: mindless, pretentious, insipid, profit-driven music you find on charts, by bands who seem to vanish after having their 5 minutes of fame. This connotation is a shame, because Bishop Allen embodies pop in its original sense; fun, catchy beats with sharp guitars and sing-along choruses. Grrr… is one of those albums that you could play on repeat for months and still not get tired of—an album that will make you smile no matter what the situation.

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Honorable Mention:
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Japandroids – Post-Nothing
Discovery – LP



MORE OF THE BEST....
> Best of 2009 main page
> Alec Brinegar's Top Nine Albums of 2009
> Raymond Chalmé's Top Ten Music Moments of 2009
> Sam Houghton's Top Five Albums of 2009
> Neil Levens' Top Five Albums of the Year





BY LUKAS CLARK-MEMLER




Yeah Yeah Yeah’s >> It’s Blitz
Every so often you encounter an album cover so uniquely fresh that it takes your breath away. This will surely become an iconic cover in years to come - Startlingly simplistic yet provocative and beautiful.




Animal Collective >> Merriweather Post Pavilion
An album cover that makes me feel like I’m tripping on acid definitely gets a gold star in my book. These are the first three things I saw while my weary eyes studied the optical illusion: Apollo 11 landing on the moon, a fire-breathing dragon, and Jesus. The only thing more trippy than staring at this album cover, is listening to Animal Collective whilst staring at this album cover.



Black Dice >> Repo
In which three hipsters from Brooklyn, drip coloured wax onto a page in an attempt to be arty and avant-garde. And they pull it off beautifully! Black Dice has created an album cover that is eye-catching and unique. With a photo collage as a background, and the inspirational albeit clichéd quote “go where new experiences await you,” Repo is an album that deserves to be hung on your wall. This is true album art!



Bombay Bicycle Club
I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
Despite its ridiculous name, Bombay Bicycle Club’s debut has an excellent album cover. The black and white action shot of a man getting thrown into the air perfectly encapsulates the band’s sound—fun, light and hopeful. So yes the album title aptly fits, but it’s still ridiculous.



Girls >> Album
O.K., so at first glance this album cover looks like nothing special—four photos, basic font and the most uninspired album title of the year. Yet upon second glance, the cover holds much more than that. The colour, the expression, the lighting all fit together perfectly, even the white space seems calculated and planned. The cover is indeed basic, but something about it makes me keep coming back to it again and again—perhaps it’s the fact that the music inside is so damn good…