The Best of 09 So Far...

The Whitest Boy Alive - Rules

I'm a complete, unashamed Erlend Oye fanboy, so of course I was going to love this. The first album was good, but lacked something. I was never sure what. There was just something that stopped me from being all "WOW, THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER" which usually signals a great album. But this time, BAM, Erlend's back. Obviously he's never going to top the seminal DJ Kicks mix, but I'd put Rules up there with the first Kings of Convenience album. His voice is still pretty weak, but it adds to the appeal. Well, for me anyway. But surely all skinny boys who wear glasses like him? He's sort of like us, but cooler. I think. You tell me.


Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Man, remember the hype surrounding the release of MPP when it felt like Animal Collective were going to be the biggest band on the planet? There was even a feature on them in The Sun! Someone sent me a link to the album on Christmas day. Dedication to the max. I'd heard 'My Girls' before the album leaked and had fallen completely head over heels with it. The album dropped and whilst My Girls is still the standout, the whole thing (pretty much) is incredible. The first day I got back to London after the Christmas holidays, I met a friend for a drink. We got completely, and in my case shamefully, pissed up and went back to mine and listened to My Girls on full blast in my kitchen at least ten times. Then did the same in my room. Pretty much the best night ever. Hearing it at After Skool on Valentines Day made me scream. Quite a lot. Apparently...

Anyway, are there 3 more joyful minutes in music than the second half of 'Brother Sport'? I wish I could replicate it in text


Junior Boys - Begone Dull Care

When I think about Junior Boys I just end up wondering why they aren't a massive commerically successful group. They basically mix Timbaland at his best with sorta wimpy indie boy vocals. God, that sounds awful. I imagine that's the route The Kooks will be going down soon. Ughh. But yeah, Junior Boys have totally nailed the sound Hot Chip are going for when Hot Chip are overtly soulful. This album probably isn't as great as Last Exit but y'know, not many albums are. Still, it's an awesome album. Slap it on late at night with a lover and boom, you're in. Possibly. Actually, can someone try this? If if works let me know.


Other than 'So Bored' by Wavves, I can't think of any other singles that've blown me away. I've recently re-discovered the minimal pop joy of 'Farrah' by Action Biker. That's well worth a listen.

What have YOU been enjoying? I don't care if its from 2009 or 1939. Just let me know.