Not that I’m an expert, but if you care to know, here are my picks for my favorite songs of 2009. Number one deserves number one, the rest could probably be switched around depending on my mood.
1.) Sweet Disposition (The Temper Trap, from “Conditions” and the “(500) Days of Summer OST”)—Absolutely remarkable. I don’t know if I’ll ever get tired of this song. Reminds me of U2, but doesn’t sound like a rip-off, which is usually not the case when a band sounds like U2.
2.) Empire State of Mind (Jay-Z, from The Blueprint III”)—Don’t know why it was Death of Autotune that got the Grammy nomination off Blueprint III. Empire State of Mind deserves it more.
3.) Needle and Haystack Life (Switchfoot, from “Hello Hurricane)—Tremendous song. Not sure it could beat Dare You to Move in a fight, but I’m sure it would make Dare You to Move a little nervous.
4.) Moment of Surrendur (U2, from “No Line on the Horizon”)—U2 reminds us again why they’re the best band in the world.
5.) Zero (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, from “It’s Blitz!”)—I used to not like YYYs. This song changed my mind.
6.) Heartbreaker (MSTRKRFT, Ft. John Legend, from “Fist of God”)—Simple beat, simple piano track, great synth work. It doesn’t get much better than this in terms of sheer groove. I could think of a few other people who I’d rather have sung it than John Legend, but it works.
7.) Kingdom of Rust (Doves, from “Kingdom of Rust”)—I was so stoked when I heard this song in Zombieland. I love Doves. And this song is a killer track.
8.) What Matters More (Derek Webb, from “Stockholm Syndrome”)—Derek Webb pushes the envelope even further. The first time I heard this song, I felt vindicated in being pissed at fundamentalist Christians. The second time I listened, and every time thereafter, I felt convicted.
9.) Uprising (MUSE, from “The Resistance”)—Coming off the heels of Knights of Cydonia, this is exactly what I wanted to hear.
10.) Spaceman (Dave Matthews Band, from “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King”)—Dave Matthews redeems himself after that American Baby crap.
11.) Relator (Pete Yorn, Ft. Scarlett Johansson, from “Break Up”)—Pete Yorn released two albums this year. Back and Fourth, and a duets album w/ Scarlett Johansson. Who knew she could sing? And they go together like bread and butter on this track. Gives John and June Cash a run for their money (yes, I said it)
12.) Heartless (William Fitzsimmons, Single)—I don’t necessarily like it better than the original, but every other cover of the song was half-assed and ingenuine, especially the Kris Allen version. William Fitzsimmons made me believe him when he recorded this, and that’s what greatness is.
13.) Woods (Bon Iver, from “Blood Bank EP”)—I was way too late to hop on the Bon Iver bandwagon. Now they’ve called it quits. Shame.
14.) Nothing to Worry About (Peter, Bjorn, and John, from “Living Thing”)—I love everything Peter, Bjorn and John does. They’re playful and serious at the same time. And it works.
15.) Half of my Heart (John Mayer, Ft. Taylor Swift, from “Battle Studies”)—I was excited about this ever since I heard a little bit of the first cut of the song on Mayer’s Youtube page. This is one of maybe three tracks on “Battle Studies” that didn’t totally let me down.
Least favorite: Party in the USA. Curse you, Miley Cyrus, for your completely generic pop songs that are infectiously catchy, bouncy, and fun. Curse you.
There you have it. What are your favorites?
—mt
