I’ll admit it – I’ve been a bit dodgy this year. I’ve got about 50 albums released in 2009, but out of those, I’m not sure how many I would have listened to intently, or fallen in love with. But despite that, there were some albums that truly moved and delighted me. These are those albums.

1. Leap Years – The Little Hands of Asphalt

The Little Hands of Asphalt were my favourite discovery of 2009. A dear friend of mine went to Norway on exchange and discovered this delightful band, and suggested I check them out. Sjur Lyseid has an absolutely charming way with words though English is not his native language, and the music is easily listenable and affecting. Album of the year for the mere fact that The Little Hands of Asphalt are chronically under-appreciated – a band with this much heart deserves a place in the limelight.
DOWNLOAD: Highway’s Pull (mp3)

2. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Every hipster’s wet dream, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart were one of 2009′s big ‘it’ bands. And why not? This album sounds like Belle and Sebastian making sweet, sweet love to the shoegaze gods of yesteryear (Ride, anyone) but manages to maintain a level of cuteness that hasn’t been found in any other recent shoegaze release. It’s a curious beast as it’s so raw that it’s almost polished – be sure to check out their show here in Sydney in February.
DOWNLOAD: Everything With You (mp3)

3. Fantasies – Metric

Emily Haines and co. deliver another fine album, this time with 100% more accessibility. Think Paramore with a bit more (shudder) “indie cred” – this album pulsates with danceable electro-synth beats and a pure voice that fluctuates from ethereal to powerful. Through the roof.
DOWNLOAD: Help I’m Alive (m4a)

4. Burgers Frown – Fergus Brown

Sydney singer/songwriter Fergus Brown does a favour for nerds everywhere and releases his first record which is everything a geek could ever want. Laced with clever pop-culture references and gorgeous harmonies, this one’s for the lovers – and Fergus himself is gracious and kind, and a total hoot to see live.
DOWNLOAD: John, She Was Never Only Dancing (mp3)

5. Little Hells – Marissa Nadler

Marissa Nadler is a quaint lady – her music is often so sad that it’s difficult to listen to. But with Little Hells, she has crafted an album that is heartbreaking in its beauty – characterised by her whispers and goth-folk acoustic breeze, this album ranges from creepy to otherworldly. It’s one of those records you can curl up in bed with and fall asleep to, as its dulcet tones send you into another dimension.
DOWNLOAD: Heart Paper Lover (m4a)

6. Daisy – Brand New

This band just keeps throwing curveballs. They’ve gone from pop punk to “emo” to “alternative” to…hardcore? screamo? Who knows – all in the span of four albums. Daisy sees the foursome craft an album unlike any other they’ve done – sampling gospel hymns, employing earth-shattering screams, even switching band duties as guitarist Vin Accardi shoots to the forefront to pen more songs. Whatever the case, this is an album that’s proved to be a real grower – let the songs sink in and uncover something new every time you give it a spin.
DOWNLOAD: At the Bottom (mp3)

7. Merriweather Post Pavilion – Animal Collective

The only reason this record appears relatively far down the list is because I didn’t appreciate its majesty properly until I saw it live. There is so much in this album – creativity, colour, magic. I initially resisted listening to it at all because of the enormous hype surrounding it, but it is one of those rare experiences where the hype and the product are actually perfectly suited. This is Animal Collective’s most listenable album so far, and one that proves that they are a band with a huge future and they could reach even bigger heights that might surprise everyone, including themselves.
DOWNLOAD: My Girls (mp3)

8. Blood Bank (EP) – Bon Iver

This was not exactly what I’d been expecting as a follow-up to 2008′s brilliant For Emma, Forever Ago, but it has some amazing moments. Justin Vernon is only improving his terrific poetry as he continues to write, and in tracks like title track ‘Blood Bank’ it shows – the story is unique but somehow harrowing, haunting. What I can say about this EP is that it shows the other side to Bon Iver that is not Volcano Choir (that is to say, lame).
DOWNLOAD: Woods (mp3)

9. Years of Refusal – Morrissey

Ah, my main man. I’ll admit it – I’m a Smiths tragic. I’ll listen to anything and everything related. But the great thing about Years of Refusal is that it’s not just for Smiths nerds – anyone could pick this up and find something excellent in it. Dude’s over half a decade old and still pumping out stuff that anyone could appreciate. From the high energy of opener ‘Something Is Squeezing My Soul’ to the resign of ‘I’m OK By Myself’, this is proof that the prince of maudlin has still got it. (Although the cover is hideous).
DOWNLOAD: I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris (mp3)

10. The Bachelor – Patrick Wolf

The little pixie-like Englishman gets more theatrical with each release, and this one is his most daring yet. One half of a concept double album (with The Conqueror set for release sometime in 2010), this record explores themes from the ban of gay marriage to father-son relationships. Featuring Tilda Swinton, it’s ostentatious at times but a thrilling listen, and even more so live.
DOWNLOAD: Hard Times (mp3)

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1. ‘Gimme Sympathy’ – Metric

This song embodied 2009 for me – can’t count how many times I danced around my room to it, or drove home at midnight with it blaring on my car stereo. It’s hard to say exactly what it is that’s so intoxicating – is it Emily Haines’ silky vocals? Those impossibly infectious synth beats? The question of the year – “Who’d you rather be, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones”? I’m not sure either, but one thing’s for certain – nothing else this year came close to beating this.

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2. ‘Blood Bank’ – Bon Iver

This song closed Bon Iver’s performance at the City Recital Hall, one of my first gigs of 2009. The live version was electrifying and made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up; the studio version leaves me feeling cold and alone, but happy. There’s something about the way Justin Vernon tells a story that is so personal and touching, and this was one of the most original songs of the year.

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= 3. ‘Summertime Clothes’ – Animal Collective

A late change in my top five songs to include this song was a must after seeing it live. It’s just so full of the joy of youth and life and energy – the feeling of being alive in every sense of the word. There’s no way anyone can listen to this without wanting to jump off a tall cliff into cool, clear water – to feel invincible. I want to walk around with you.

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= 3 ‘Harry Patch (In Memory Of)’ – Radiohead
This song is beautiful in every way. It cuts to the core and begs for understanding and sympathy. I’ll admit that I’ll swallow most, if not all of the music that Radiohead puts out, but this is a true beauty that I can’t get over. The story of Harry Patch is beautiful, and the music is beautiful. I’m looking forward to seeing what Radiohead does next.

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4. ‘Boundaries’ – Kyte

Alright, alright, so this was released in 2008. But Kyte are one of those rare spectacles that don’t come by often. I was introduced to this band (straight out of Leicestershire, UK) by a friend, and was immediately taken by this song. It’s been the soundtrack to many of my nights this year and possesses a simple beauty in its static message – this is a song that is going to stay with me for a very long time.

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5. ‘You Belong With Me’ – Taylor Swift

“Oh god,” I hear you mutter as you press the “x” in the top right of your screen (or red button if you’re a Mac user, whatever). “She’s completely lost the plot.” Maybe you’re right, I don’t know. But this song is one of the most played in my iTunes for one good reason – it’s just so much damn fun. And I’d be lying if I said Kanyegate (see what I did there) didn’t play a little role in upping the awesome factor of this tune for me. Yeah, it’s moronic, it’s entry level (or even lower than entry level) but you know what? It makes me smile, and that’s what music should do.

2009 was an exciting year for live music. I began my internship at Drum Media in March, and as such, was opened up to the wonderful world of subsidised giggery. I didn’t go to as many gigs as I would have liked, and I did pay my way through for some of them ($285 for a Simon & Garfunkel ticket, anyone?), but I experienced some really fantastic live music this year. These were my favourites.

1. Simon & Garfunkel, Acer Arena, June 20 & 21

Photo: Sam Costello

There’s no way to describe what it feels like to see a band that has affected your entire life. My father used to play Simon & Garfunkel in our household when I was growing up, and every memory I have of my childhood involves them in some way. Though very obviously a rehearsed and scripted act, these two nights were the most magical in recent memory because of one thing – it felt as though my life was coming full circle as I heard the songs I’d grown up with live, and it felt like I was reuniting with two very old, very dear friends. I doubt I’ll ever see them again, but I will always treasure the memory of these nights.

2. David Byrne, Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, February 1

Photo: Jordan Hoffman (not the same gig)

Yes, my top two gigs of the year both feature old men. Call it a fetish, if you wish, but it was truly special to see The Big Suit himself in action. David Byrne is in his mid-50′s and his energy is unbelievable – how someone older than my mother can bounce around in a pink tutu without losing any breath is beyond me. Hearing Talking Heads songs live (‘Burning Down The House’, ‘Life During Wartime’, ‘Take Me To The River’, ‘Crosseyed and Painless’, amongst countless others) was an absolute delight, as was hearing songs from Byrne’s latest outing, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. No one in the audience was in their seat by the end of the night – it was a concert that required energy from not only the performer, but also the spectators. Astounding.

3. Bon Iver, City Recital Hall Angel Place, January 21

Photo: Wayne Massingham

You’d think someone who poured so much raw, painful emotion into an album like 2008′s For Emma, Forever Ago would be introverted and quiet, but not so – Justin Vernon, main man of Bon Iver, was surprisingly gregarious in a live setting, often stopping to chat to the audience. But the main point of the gig – that is, the music – cut straight to the bone and created the same chilling effect that the album does. Bon Iver is a live experience that simply cannot be missed – Vernon’s wavering falsetto is even more heartbreaking live, and it’s touching to see a man transition from heartache to modest fame whilst sharing the hurt that got him there.

4. Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, Enmore Theatre, January 29

Photo: Sean Owen

Ryan Adams is a moody little man. The first time I saw him, in August 2007, I cried after the show because he was so obnoxiously mannered and he didn’t play any of the songs I wanted. I was very, very hesitant to shell out $75 to see him again – but boy, am I glad I did. A Ryan Adams and The Cardinals show when the man is in good spirits is akin to a religious experience – he has so much life and vigour in him when he wants to, and shit – dude can sing. Highlights were songs from Heartbreaker and Gold, including a heartfelt ‘La Cienega Just Smiled’ and his elusively chilling cover of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’.

5. Ratatat, Manning Bar, May 8

It’s definitely interesting that an electronic act has made its way into my top five. I’m a self-confessed electronic music noob – I’ll admit that I know close to nothing about it. But what was incredible about this show was that that didn’t even matter. Mike Stroud and Evan Mast mix electronic equipment with some crazy guitar work, and the result is something intoxicating – normally I go for ‘beautiful’ music over anything else, but the pulsating rhythms of Ratatat live are impossible to ignore. It was a night I’ll never forget, because for the first time in so long, I remember thinking, “shit, I really feel alive.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Metro Theatre, September 22
Jens Lekman, a backyard in Five Dock, October 17
Animal Collective, Metro Theatre, December 11

Photo: Wayne Massingham

Supported by: Bachelorette

Tonight’s gig was one of 2009′s most anticipated and, right at the end of the year, no doubt a killer way to finish the decade for many punters. Attracting a mixed crowd of the expected hipsters and a few surprisingly older faces, there was no question about the fact that Animal Collective – returning to Australia for the first time since 2006 – have skyrocketed in both profile and popularity, especially in the wake of this year’s enormously successful Merriweather Post Pavilion.

New Zealander Annabel Alpers, better known as Bachelorette, started the evening with her electronic noise pop. In front of her on stage were two old-school computers on which projections of heart monitors buzzed, matched by the larger projection behind her. Alpers, sweet in both voice and demeanour, alternated between a guitar and keyboard whilst her laptop played accompanying loops, in a set that charmed some and isolated others.

The stage soaked with colour as Animal Collective emerged, gradually easing into the dream-like swirl of Also Frightened, drenched in rich reverb. A psychedelic backdrop of a mermaid lined the back of the stage, exploding in lights and colour throughout the show. Keeping their spoken interaction to a minimum, Avey Tare, Panda Bear and Geologist scurried between keyboards, electronic equipment, guitars and two sets of drums, showcasing new songs (the beautiful ‘What Would I Want? Sky’ was an early highlight) as well as material from their older albums. What was particularly impressive about their light show was that it matched up exactly with the music, with ‘Daily Routine”s intermittent sparkle in perfect sync with lights as swift and blinding as ‘Fireworks’. The latter resulted in fist-pumping and crowd singalongs, things you probably wouldn’t expect from usually apathetic indie kids – but Animal Collective, with their huge echoing sounds, inspired all sorts of emotions, from the pulsating dance floor that sprung from ‘Summertime Clothes’ and ‘My Girls’ to the wordless awe that accompanied tracks like ‘Slippi’ and ‘Leaf House’, more technical than melodic.

Considering that the band is taking an indefinite break from touring after this Australian leg, the audience was lucky in more ways than one to witness Animal Collective in action tonight. As a triumphant ‘Brother Sport’ ended the night, an air of euphoria engulfed the Enmore as everyone, hipsters and oldies alike, revelled in the ultimate climax of the aural and visual spectacle that had unfolded before them.

Set:

Also Frightened
What Would I Want? Sky
Summertime Clothes
Leaf House
Slippi
My Girls
Who Could Win a Rabbit
Guys Eyes
Lablakely Dress/Fireworks
Daily Routine
—
In The Flowers
Bleed
Brother Sport

Photo: Natalie LeCompte for Kluster Magazine

Supported by: Kyu

Local band Danimals had been advertised as the opening act, and so when there was an almost half-hour delay in opening the main doors of the Metro, punters seemed confused – wasn’t the support act supposed to be playing by now? It turned out to be Kyu, not Danimals, who took the stage a little past 9pm. The female duo has been sweeping the local scene lately with their strange blend of soaring vocals and tribal drums, and audiences across Sydney always seem enamoured with their live show. Their songs, though, are hit and miss – some are amazingly intricate and melodically challenging, others are just overdrawn and tired – and this does affect their performance.

Patrick Wolf arrived on stage 40 minutes late but, when the elfish Englishman emerged, wrapped in a black cloak, the crowd didn’t seem to care about the time. Standing against a dark forest-like backdrop, Wolf – accompanied by a four-piece band – opened with the brooding ‘Who Will?’ before tearing his cloak off to reveal a white dress robe and a garish gold neckpiece. Over the course of the night he wore a total of three costumes, each more outlandish than the last. The audience was treated to a smattering of songs from his latest album The Bachelor, as well as a healthy dose of old material, including the hugely popular ‘Tristan’ (in which the audience eagerly shouted the refrain “and I am alive!”). Wolf is a born performer, prancing around in his costumes and makeup in a manner that would give Lady Gaga a run for her money. He entertained the crowd with banter ranging from meaningful (a spiel on gay marriage) to silly (jokes about…boy parts), and also replaced words in songs with Sydney-related phrases. Leaping from viola to ukelele to electric guitar to keyboard and always flaunting his stunningly pure voice, Wolf was just as comfortable playing the gorgeous dual string opening of ‘Damaris’ as he was ripping his clothes off for a sweaty ‘Battle’ and sitting at the keyboard for the heartfelt ‘Blackdown’. Closing the set with a joyous rendition of ‘The Magic Position’ that had the whole crowd on its feet, Wolf ventured into impromptu covers of ‘Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree’ and ‘Like A Virgin’ mid-song before re-emerging for an encore performance of ‘Vulture’ wearing a skin-tight sparkly gold number with matching eye makeup and a large ornate coat. The word is overused, but there’s really no other way to say it – Patrick Wolf is totally fabulous.

Set:

Who Will?
The Bluebell
Bluebells
Damaris
Wind in the Wires
The Bachelor
The Libertine
Count of Casualty
Tristan
Battle
Blackdown
Theseus
The Stars
Paris
Hard Times
The Magic Position
—
Vulture

Nettwork/Shock – August 25 2009

Nate Ruess wasted no time after his former band, The Format, split up, getting together with Andrew Dost (formerly of Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (Steel Train), under the simple moniker fun. to craft an album that continues The Format’s legacy, whilst also expanding it.

Ruess has learned quite a few tricks about writing a mean melody over the years and this album bursts with inspiration and imagination, from the string-laden cabaret pop of ‘Be Calm’ to the radio-friendly first single ‘All The Pretty Girls’. The thick harmonies have drawn comparisons ranging from The Beach Boys to Queen to Panic at the Disco, and to an extent all these comparisons are accurate – fun. manages to inject a healthy dose of intellect into solid and accessible pop music that has all the compositional value of the greats.

Unlike The Format though, the music on this album is quite a lot thicker and incorporates more elements, with a heavy focus on strings and brass throughout and a venture into keys for the showtune-like ‘I Wanna Be The One’. The album also features guest vocals from Antonoff’s sister Rachel, the femininity of which adds another layer of interest to the already luscious blend.

From upbeat pop songs to the Randy Newman-esque ‘Light A Roman Candle With Me’, there’s nothing overly complicated about Aim and Ignite, but all it intends to do is to provide smart songs that also sound great, which it does perfectly. If you never got over the demise of The Format, pick this up and it’ll do the same for you.

TRACK LISTING:
01. Be Calm
02. Benson Hedges
03. All The Pretty Girls
04. I Wanna Be The One
05. At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)
06. Light A Roman Candle With Me
07. Walking the Dog
08. Barlights
09. The Gambler
10. Take Your Time (Coming Home)

DOWNLOAD: All The Pretty Girls (m4a)