Top 10 Gigs, Songs and Albums of 2009

It's been a pretty great year in music I think, and it's always fun (and a little tricky. Maybe even pointless) to make lists. These are my 'Top 10' lists, and are my favourites, rather than any sort of critical evaluation. This was on my Wednesday Drive radio show, and it was great fun. I wish I could 'podcast' this, but the recorder machine was not working!

Gigs

I think gigs especially are really variable as to how much you enjoy them - who you're with, the crowd, the band, how you're feeling - all can change your perception of a show.

10 - Bonaparte @ Camp A Low Hum

9 - Tommy @ The Dux

8 - Teacups @ Camp A Low Hum

7 - So So Modern @ Goodbye Blue Monday

6 - Ruby Suns @ Playskool

5 - Mint Chicks @ any of three shows I saw

4 - Metronomy @ Bodega

3 - Neil Young @ Big Day Out

2 - Animal Collective @ Powerstation

1 - The Brunettes @ Als' Bar

This was a tricky list to whittle down. Quite a few good ones didn't make the cut, but these are my absolute favourites.

Songs

10 - St. Vincent - The Strangers

9 - Atlas Sound (w/Noah Lennox) - Walkabout

8 - Tourettes - Letting Go

7 - David Bryne & Dirty Projectors - Knotty Pine

6 - Here We Go Magic - Tunnelvision

5 - Moron Says What?! - Natalie

4 - EAR PWR - Future Eyes

3 - Camera Obscura - French Navy

2 - Los Campesinos! - The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future

1 - Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes

There's been heaps of good albums out this year, and it was tough to pick just 10. Here are my favourites.

Albums

10 - Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

9 - Summer Cats - Songs for Tuesdays

8 - Haunted Love - Darkness in Diamond City

7 - Atlas Sound - Logos

6 - The Gladeyes - Psychosis of Love

5 - Woods - Songs of Shame

4 - Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport

3 - Mint Chicks - Screens

2 - Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

1 - God Help The Girl - God Help The Girl