So far, 2009 has been a great year in music. Among huge releases from a number of well-known bands, there's always going to be those albums that slide in neatly under the radar, eluding a large audience despite how much they deserve one. In order to remedy this, I've decided to compile a list of five albums released this year that, if you haven't heard, you desperately need to.
1. Miike Snow - Miike Snow
Miike Snow, a Swedish electro-pop band in the vein of Passion Pit, (who also released a pretty hyped up album this year), released its first formal LP earlier this year in May. The self-titled disc is getting quite a bit of spin in its home country, but has yet to really cross over into the States. Songs like the single "Animal" and "Plastic Jungle" have potential as both catchy pop tracks and something more sincere, giving Miike Snow the potential to be a band with a huge crossover fan base if it ever manages to break into an American market.
Choice cuts: "A Horse is not a Home;" "Plastic Jungle"
2. Grammatics - Grammatics
Grammatics is an English group spearheaded by singer Owen Brinley. The debut self-titled album is a 12-track expedition through avant-garde pop. Brinley's marvelous voice and excellent lyrics are constant companions throughout the album's ups and downs, showcasing his operatic vocal style brilliantly. The production is excellent as well; crisp guitars and varied instrumentation are balanced perfectly to create an album that plays unbelievably smoothly.
Choice cuts: "Broken Wing;" "Relentless Fours"
3. Castledoor - Shouting At Mountains
Ah, California, the state of dreams, more celebrities than we know what to do with and Castledoor. While most people have never heard of the latter, they're certainly one of the best things to emerge from the Golden State since the Terminator took office. Castledoor brilliantly bridges the gap between accessibility and quality by creating indie-pop gems that run on lush instrumentation and Nate Cole's unique timbre. Shouting At Mountains is the first LP, on which they balance their trademarked hushed tracks with more upbeat numbers, creating an album that flows easily. The musicianship is top notch, and Cole pens impressive lyrics that fit the energetic nature of the tracks perfectly. I've yet to find a person that can claim they actually dislike this band, and I doubt you'll be the first.
Choice cuts: "Skipping Stepping Stones;" "Hidden Treasure"
4. Ladyfinger - Dusk
Ladyfinger's second full-length, Dusk, balances a '90s rock and roll attitude with today's indie-rock scene to create an album that spins on pure adrenaline. It may take a little getting used to, especially with vocalist Chris Macmuller's fairly one-sided approach, but once Dusk sinks in, it's hard to get away from. Ladyfinger's real craft lies in their adept combinations of catchiness with a sharp edge. If it's any indication, this album has been sitting with me since about last Christmas, and it still receives a regular play or two a week.
Choice cuts: "A.D.D;" "Let's Get Married"
5. Andy Shauf - Darker Days
Andy Shauf's new album is easily the most charming release I've heard in quite awhile. Tracks like "You Remind Me" and "The Greatest Moments" show Shauf has a penchant for simple, heartwarming songs while "The Darker Night" and "Give Me the Words" show a more dramatic side to his writing. The album is extremely cohesive without a single throwaway track; each of Shauf's songs work great on their own merit. If you're a fan of singer-songwriter types, Darker Days is not an album to miss; fans of anyone from Conor Oberst to Jason Mraz can find some interest in this album.
Choice cuts: "You Remind Me;" "Your Heart"
Obviously, these aren't the only albums this year you should be checking out, but they are five albums that deserve at least a casual glance from anyone who considers themselves an avid music fan.
