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Everyone loves a list. So without further ado, here’s my list of the top 10 Indie albums that 2009 has produced thus far.

10. Passion Pit- Manners
(released on Frenchkiss)

Oh how I debated this inclusion! Passion Pit is a toughie for me. I love and worship The Chunk of Change EP and found myself ever-so slightly disappointed with the group’s debut LP. However, I myself said that we can’t judge the band’s experiences as their circumstances change, and truth be told I have listened to this album an awful lot. “Moth’s Wings” alone might have earned it a spot, not to mention “Little Secrets.” Let’s face it. You just want to kind of cuddle with this entire band, don’t you? Yes, you do.

9. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
(released on Fat Possum)

If I had to choose one word to describe Bird it would be very simple: elegance. Or perhaps grace. He embodies both quite poetically and although this particular album will probably not end up as my favorite amongst his others, it none the less captured my attention for quite some time. “Fitz and Dizzyspells” was a constant inclusion on a lot of play lists and the pleading insistent tone of “Nomenclature” was outstandingly beautiful. I would find it hard to be disappointed in anything Bird produces. His melancholy touch provides soulful insight. ‘Nuff said.

8. St. Vincent - Actor
(released on 4AD)

As I take a look at this list, I woefully notice the lack of representation from the female sector. But I can’t choose music solely based on gender, that in itself is inherently sexist, and there is no doubt that the noble Ms. Annie Clark makes up for this in spades. Playing as St. Vincent, she is brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, BRILLIANT. Can’t say that enough really. As soon as I heard the chorus of “Marrow” there was no doubt this album would hold a place in my heart for a good long while. Probably forever. This is a woman who unapologetically bears her heart and looks good doing it. She is one classy babe. And a hell of a musician to boot. Bow down.

7. Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
(self-released)

My first huge surprise of 2009. Every music blog was writing about them. Everyone was talking about them. (Including Taylor.) I thought to myself, “Crap, I’ll probably hate them” and went on to snub them for a bit. Well, let me eat my words. (Get it?! Cause cymbals EAT guitars, oh whatever. You get it.) As soon as I sensed the full-power of Joseph D’Agostino’s voice, right around the 3:36 mark of “And the Hazy Sea,” I was utterly blown away. By the time I got to other single “Wind Phoenix” I was a smitten kitten. The fact that this is a self-released album only stands to make it a more impressive debut. I regret that I have not yet seen this band live, but rumor has it they’re even better when performing for an audience. I must rectify this oversight.

6. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
(released on Warp)

I’m not sure what can really be said about Grizzly Bear that has already not been written a thousand times over and then re-blogged a couple million. (I asked Ed Droste via Twitter if he wanted to weigh in, but he hasn’t gotten back to me yet.) After struggling with Yellow House, I wasn’t convinced that I would fall in love with Veckatimest. That was, of course, before I heard “Two Weeks.” And “All We Ask.” And most of all “Dory.” It was before I saw Christopher Bear behind his kit and realized he might be the best drummer alive. This is THE album you want to put on when you’re sitting on the back porch, drink in hand, settling down to watch the sunset. It is music that will lull and relax all of your senses.

5. Dark Was the Night
(released in 4AD)

I was tsk-ed by several of my blogger buddies (AHEM Nate) for including a compilation on a “best of” list but you know what? This was streaming through my headphones for a solid three months straight, the concert at Radio City Music Hall was an experience I shall never forget (and my first time seeing David Byrne LIVE) so I am going to go with a rally cry of “make ‘em to break ‘em!” here and include this album on my list. It was a stand-out amongst the stand-outs and Zack and I spent a good amount of time arguing about our pick for best track. I just couldn’t let it slip by unnoticed. (BTW, my pick was “Lua” and Zack promptly responded that Conor Oberst could go drown in his own tears. Yes. Zack really said this. But you will notice the Mystic Valley Band is nowhere to be found here so I suppose Zack does make a point.)

4. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
(released on Domino)

Dave Longstreth used to make me roll my eyes at what I perceived to be an insufferable amount of hipsterish-ness. Then he finally settled down and made a relatable album without betraying his penchant for experimental music and I shrieked, “EUREKA! HE’S DONE IT!” Granted, some very lovely ladies came aboard to help him do so. From the moment I heard the opening bars of “Useful Chamber” at the aforementioned Dark Was the Night show, I was pretty transfixed by this whole group. However, Amber Coffman remains the shining star for me and “Stillness is the Move” is a true genuine love song in my opinion. The public consensus of this album seems to be split down the middle, some saying genius while others claim it is over-hyped, but in a year where so many were coming into their own Dirty Projectors proved no one could really do it quite as well as they could.

3. Fanfarlo - Reservoir
(self-released)

I really owe a debt to my blogger boys here, both Taylor and those two crazy kids over at IGIF, for introducing me to this wonderfully adorable band. Another self-released miracle, they constantly garner any number of comparisons to Arcade Fire but I really think they’re talented enough to stand alone without that annoying label. My favorite track off the album happens to be “If It Is Growing,” not one of the very-strong singles but the piano intro tugs at my heart. This whole album is stellar and if you find that you don’t enjoy “Harold T. Wilkins, or How to Wait For a Very Long While” then honestly. Something is wrong with you. Just listen to those delicate little bells!

2. Harlem Shakes - Technicolor Health
(released on Gigantic)

I declare Harlem Shakes the happiest band in the universe! This whole album is… well. Happy. I dare you to listen to either “Niagara Falls” or “Sunlight” and try to feel sad. You can’t do it. They are such a treat. I want to wrap them up in a little bow and make a little present of them to everyone. They also put on a tremendous live show; the rest of the band displaying crazy amounts of energy while Lexy Benaim plays it cool. And not for nothing, Todd Goldstein is a phenomenal guitar player. Probably one of the best I’ve ever had the chance to see. Buy this album. Use it as a prescription for those times when you’re feeling low. Doctor’s orders.

1. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
(released on Glassnote)

I bet that everyone will be afraid to put Phoenix in the top spot because it’s like… too cliché or something now. WHATEVER. Of all the albums that I’ve listened to thus far, this was the one that I played the most, craved the most, and genuinely adored the most. I literally have no criticism whatsoever when it comes to this LP. To me, it’s flawless. Every track flows seamlessly into the next; the lyrics are just nonsensical enough to put your own translation upon them without dwelling too far from the ever inescapable collective experience. Even when Thomas Mars is crooning about heartbreak on “Rome” all I could think was, “this is so frickin’ catchy that I’m happy right now.” The whole album is an utter delight. “1901″ makes your head spin it’s so good.

And with that I leave you this playlist and several honorable mentions below.

Honorable Mentions:

More about: Andrew Bird, Arcade Fire, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Dark Was The Knight, David Byrne, Dirty Projectors, Fanfarlo. Harlem Shakes, Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit, Phoenix, St. Vincent

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