Top 9 of '09

In no particular order, here are 9 albums worth checking out, if you haven't already:

Wale - Attention Deficit
Maybe there is still hope for up and coming artists. Backed by an array of producers, including Mark Ronson and The Neptunes, Wale is coming on strong. The DC based rapper actually has something to say, speaking out against the problems of today's pop culture and still having a good time doing it. His beats are big and make you want to dance instantly. And he's joined by some great guest artists such as Pharell, Gucci Mane, Lady Gaga, and J. Cole.

Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
Not just any other supergroup, Them Crooked Vultures takes three decades of influence with each of it's members: Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss), and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). A fan of any of these guys will enjoy the album as a whole. It's loud, entertaining, memorable, and well-done. It's modern rock, classic rock, alternative, grunge, and blues at it's finest. Most of the time supergroups think they'll put out a good product just because of big names (Monsters of Folk anyone?), but Them Crooked Vultures actually works.

Doves - Kingdom of Rust
It's been four years since we've heard from the Doves, but with an album like Kingdom of Rust, it was worth the wait. They haven't lost their sound though, with their catchy indie pop appeal surrounded by atmospheric soundscapes. Kingdom of Rust is full of emotion, from orchestral strings to ambient guitars to layers of harmonies. Their songs are powerful and deserve to be played loud, the perfect way to escape from all the world's troubles.

Jay-Z - Blueprint 3
Jay-Z is arrogant but has every reason to be. And he makes sure everyone knows on his newest record. Fortunately, the Blueprint 3 is just that good. Jay-Z is and always will be relevant, and he's not afraid to say so. He protests the auto-tune fad, samples Justice, and works with some of the biggest names in the music scene. Yeah, it is a change from his older music, but as he says, if people want his old music, "Buy my old albums."

The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die
As most electronic artists these days are trying to create the most complex and inaccessible beats, The Prodigy has taken it old school. Invaders Must Die combines the big beat and heavy guitars of their last album with the breakbeat rave style of their early albums. And unlike a few modern artists who are unsuccessful in their attempts to bring back club music (Moby), The Prodigy knows what they're doing. Of course, Dave Grohl leaves his mark on yet another album, playing live drums on a few tracks. Dance music should make you want to dance. That's exactly why the Prodigy is still around today.

Zero 7 - Yeah Ghost
Despite leaving their trip hop sound behind, Zero 7 has created a great electronic pop album, and possibly their best. It's alternative; it's indie. It's just plain good. It's a huge step forward for the duo, and proof that pop can still be good.

Brand New - Daisy
Upon first listen, it sounds like Brand New have lost their minds. Daisy is something else. It's a departure from their past, but still has all the same emotion. It's an album that definitely grows on you, and fortunately once it has, it's just sheer brilliance. From the start to finish, there isn't a dull moment. The lyrics are still deep and heartfelt, and they still have a good grasp on their soft to loud formula.

MuteMath - Armistice
After their debut masterpiece, MuteMath have pushed themselves even further. Combining contagious melodies with more electronics, Armistice is a bit more experimental than before, though it's not to say the band is any less impressive. It is a mature step forward, and opens the door to endless possibilities on their next album. They touch upon rock, alternative, indie, electronic, and even incorporate a bit of dance rock into the mix, except they seem to do it in a way that doesn't follow the stereotypical trend of most artists today.

Blakroc - Blakroc
This one snuck in just before the year ended. It's the Black Keys collaborating with a variety of hip hop and R&B artists. Ludacris, ODB, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Pharoahe Monch, Mos Def, and Nicole Wray all show up on the tracks, among others. It's altogether an innovative record that fuses hip hop and blues rock. Even if hip hop isn't your forte, Blakroc is an album worth checking out.


Hope you have a chance to check out new music.