Georgy's top 10 albums and songs of 2009 (so far)

Hi folks. Georgy here. Dave asked me to shimmy on over (h'yuk) and share some of my favorite musical items from 2009 thus far. I haven't added an excessive amount of commentary, but hopefully enough to get you interested.

Note: I deliberately picked songs that are not on any of the top 10 albums. I cast a much wider net for MP3s than I do for albums, so I think there are some interesting picks in there.

If you like what you read, you can catch me blogging regularly over at Safe Digression.

Without further ado...


Albums:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
- YYY albums always sneak up on me. I think they'll just be alright, and then Karen O never fails to blow me away. 'Blitz' is no different.
Eels - Hombre Loco
- A concept piece revolving around the concept of desire, the inimitable Mr. E leaves it all out on the table once more, and you can't help but be affected.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
- Yes, their band may have the most precious/pretentious name ever, but they put out a heck of a fun record, poppy with a hint of 80s throwback.
Hello Saferide - More Modern Short Stories From...
- My favorite quirky Swedish chanteuse
Bob Mould - Life and Times
- The man, the myth, the legend - he's not quitting anytime soon. Another solid effort.
Bishop Allen - Grrr...
- These guys continue to be some of the most inventive popsmiths out there. Another Boston(-originated) band makes good.
Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
- What more can be said? She is simply captivating. This album is a compelling work that demands your attention.
A Camp - Colonia
- Another rec from the DP himself. I love me some Cardigans, and while the slower tempo on this record took some time for me to adjust to, I soon fell hard.
Passion Pit - Manners
- Yay, another Boston band makes good! Some of the most fun, well-crafted music I've heard in a while.
AC Newman - Get Guilty
- I always feel like AC is better off sticking to his other life as a Pornographer, but his solo work is pretty enjoyable, and this is no different -- probably better than his solo debut, actually.

Songs:
Phoenix - 1901
- Just a fun electro-poppy cut from some hipper-than-thou French dudes.
Baby Dayliner - You Push, I'll Go
- I imagine this song playing in the car when you're heading out to the bar. Gonna get a vodka soda, with a lime, with a lime.
The Decemberists - The Rake's Song
- Was not a fan of this album, but this song just kicks ass. Deliciously spiteful.
St. Vincent - Marrow
- A fun, dark and crunchy offering from the lovely Ms. Clark.
Mary Onettes - Dare
- This song is a delightfully fuzzy new wave throwback.
Owl City - Hot Air Balloon
- The DP actually turned me onto this. He described it best: Postal Service Lite. Still fun, though.
Nickodemus - Sun Children
- An awesomely catchy summer jam, complete with a great horn section.
Thunderheist - Sweet 16
- Here's your dirty club cut of the summer.
Paper Moon - What Are You Going to Do with Me?
- This Canadian band has not got enough props for their solid head-bobbing pop.
Brighton Port Authority feat. David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal - Toe Jam
- Probably my favorite song of the year. The video is a must-see. Censorship was never so much fun.