BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

December 11th, 2009

I choose you.

At this point I’m sure you’ve already read a plethora of lists chronicling every “Best of 2009″ possible so I will refrain from adding to the collection. Regardless, there are a few noteworthy albums that have been released in late 2009 worth mentioning.

Each of these four albums have something in common: they are brought to you by bands with vast discographies, innumerable hits and years of experience under their belts. Now, in predictable form, these seasoned professionals have delivered highly anticipated new material and the results are impressive.

Yo La Tengo – Popular Songs
While in 1984 the world did not become the dystopian society that Orwell portrayed, it nevertheless marked the inception of something great. 25 years, 12 studio albums and a cult following later, Yo La Tengo conquered longevity with their newest release, Popular Songs. Despite consistency over the years in producing similar mellifluous and serene music, they are far from becoming irrelevant. Popular Songs has, just as their past albums did, a distinctive autumn ambience and tracks that switch genres quicker than they change notes. Yet somehow they have the ability to keep their sound unceasingly engaging. Just as their name “Yo La Tengo” translates to in Spanish, they’ve got it!

Notable Tracks: “If It’s True”, “Here To Fall”, “Periodically Double or Triple”

Dinosaur Jr. – Farm
Ever since their reunion in 2005, Dinosaur Jr. have been better than ever, and what a relief that is. I can’t think of one band whose comeback was triumphant, aside from them. Farm is far from being a pathetic attempt at regaining former glory; it’s like Dinosaur Jr. have never been gone. Without doubt, their 9th studio album has proven that the original lineup of J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph, is how Dinosaur Jr. was meant to be. Catchy, melodic and playful, Farm is just about better than 2007′s Beyond, if that is even possible.

Notable Tracks: “Pieces”, “I Want You To Know”, “Over It”

Brand New – Daisy
Though Brand New began their musical career as a pop punk band with each album they have evolved into the mature alternative rock geniuses they are today. Stylistic changes aside, Daisy is at its core characteristically Brand New. Deprived of speedy tempos, power chords and post-breakup angst, this ripened album still possesses that Jesse Lacey charm. Unconfined by genre restraints, the experimental 11 track album seems to contain an unidentifiable motif that has appeared throughout their work. If The Devil And God Are Raging Inside of You was shocking, just wait until you hear this. Listeners are immediately initiated into its startling content with a gospel hymn which begins and ends the album (Vices and Noro, respectively). Complex and progressive, Daisy is their most complete album to date.

Notable Tracks: “Vices”, “At The Bottom”, “Daisy”

The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
Their twelfth studio album, a double album, is entirely unlike anything The Flaming Lips have made thus far. Embryonic debuts a revised aesthetic nearly breaching new wave territory. In fact, the track “Sagittarius Silver Announcement” sounds suspiciously like Joy Division. Dark, ambient, hypnotic and heavily distorted, it seems to be much more organic and less formulaic than albums like Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots. They may have altered their style but still continue to be as innovative and abstract as the rest of their prolific repertoire. Easily one of the best albums of the year.

Notable Tracks: “Convinced of the Hex”, “The Sparrow Looks Up At The Machine”, “Powerless”

Tags: 2009, albums, correspondents, good tunes, holiday wrap, music