2009- The Year in Music... The Paul Street Journal Review.

Dec 29, 2009 16:14

Another great year in music has gone by and the following is a my list of the top 20 songs of 2009... The top 20 in my point of view... songs that meant 2009 to me personally, so although there may be popular music here (Jay-Z, for example), don't expect anything like Lady Gaga and the like. I really, really loved the soundtrack to the last year of this incredible decade in music.... And now, without further adieu...

1. "We are the People"- Empire of the Sun.

This was the epic tune of 2009 and the song that will always remind me of this year. My girlfriend introduced me to this band from Australia and their album "Walking on a Dream" became a classic upon first listen..... As we continue to sing the hauntingly catchy chorus,... ("Are you gonna leave me now?"), we'll be hopeful that they will tour the states soon...



2. "Electric Feel"- MGMT

Even though their album "Oracular Spectacular" came out in October of 2008, this song surfaced in my life around the beginning of the year. This dreamy, hypnotic, and danceable track made the world feel good...

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3. "Por un Segendo"- Aventura

A year after my trip to the Dominican Republic, my love for bachata music continues and also my love for the New York-based outfit, Aventura, whose hypnotically beautiful tune, that was tinged with an Arab feel, enchanted my soul...

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4. "Two Weeks"- Grizzly Bear

A select choice cut from their remarkable album, The Veckatimest, which was melodically dreamy. They carry the mantle for good, spacial, atmospheric, hynpotic rock as we head into a new decade (and wait for the next Radiohead album).

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5. "America"- K'naan (feat. Mos Def & Chali 2NA)

"I got my own sound, I don't sound like the rest", The Somali-American proclaims as he sings and raps effortlessly in English and Somali. The driving beat samples the music from the music of the worst and hardest place on earth and the track is hypnotically meaningful and challenging to the ear... I'll never forget seeing him preform this live while I was with Karina in Long Beach back in February.

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6. "Raindrops"- Basement Jaxx

I'll never forget seeing them play in Argentina (of all places!). This was smooth, summer house tune for 2009.

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7. "Empire State of Mind"- Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

This was the hip-hop tune of the year.... and Jay-Z was the king of the world... proclaiming himself "The new Sinatra" and who were we to argue?... Epic tune and a great album....

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8. "Standing on the Shore"- Empire of the Sun

Oh, the melody..... We love Australia!

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9. "Premeditate"- Sizzla

It is notable that for a person who is a hugest reggae fan you know, the highest-ranking reggae song this year comes in at #9. But, that just shows you that maybe reggae maybe took a bit of a back seat this year, but it was still a strong influence. This song from Sizzla's Ghetto Youth-ology album has a throwback sound, but it pure fyah and totally eargasmic to rasta dancehall fans...

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10. "Cheerleader"- Grizzly Bear

A dreamily melodic tune for one of years best albums.

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11. "Seya"- Oumou Sangare

The title cut from the album of the same name...... The songstress of Africa and one of my favorite artists of all time makes another brilliant CD.

12. "Yo No Se Manana"- Luis Enrique

This was the epic salsa tune of the year... I do listen to a lot of Latin Radio....

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13. "1901"- Phoenix

Even this may remind you of a car commercial, this was still a pretty good tune from a band that continues to put out good music...

14. "Pon Di Floor"- Major Lazer

I had to chose one from this eargasmic album, although the crazy daggering video is curiously missing from youtube (?) :(

15. "Ramping Shop"- Vybz Kartel feat. Spice

I love ya, Kartel! The Teacha! Kill me with the cocky!

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16. "Sleepyhead"- Passion Pit

Another song that reminds me of Karina..... I love you pizza sauce!

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17. "Panic Switch"- Silversun Pickups

Remnds me of Karina...... it was rock used to be in the 90's.... it made "alternative" sound good again.

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18. "Life"- G Whizz

The soft-dancehall ode to loving life despite its struggles...

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19. "Calle Ocho (I know you want me)"- Pitbull

Such an anthem.... and inescapable.... I want to visit Calle Ocho next year....

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20. "I Remember"-Deadmua5 & Kaskade

An epic dance tune that makes you remember....... so remember 2009, kids.

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