BEST ALBUMS OF 2009!

#1) It’s Blitz!- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

This is the album that really proved the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s were as good as people had been saying they were for years. I always thought they had created some brilliant songs, like the gorgeous “Maps” and rough rock “Gold Lion” but not a full out LP that was as good as their potential. It’s Blitz! does this. The album rocks heavier and is catchier than anything before it with the remarkable “Heads Will Roll” and “Zero” but could also be as calming and powerful in “Runaway.” The best I’ve heard this year, and also a good representation of 2009 with the use of synths, rock, indie, ballads.-a mix- just like this year in music was.

#2) Rated R-Rihanna

This album gets better with every listen. It is a mature, dark, and intelligent pop album and the best pop album of the year. Rihanna’s voice is at its most powerful ever and same goes for her artistry and creativity. This is how a young female pop singer transitions to adulthood, Britney and Christina had it all wrong earlier this decade.

#3) No Line On The Horizon-U2

U2 went back to the crazier and experimental times of the 1990s with this album and succeeded in stirring it in with the powerful arena rock they had been creating this decade. Although it didn’t end up being their most successful record, it created breathtaking songs like “Moment of Surrender” and showed U2 still hadn’t settled down.

#4) Lungs-Florence + the Machine

Lungs is folksy pop perfection. You can picture yourself running through a forest, or in an english manor in the countryside listening to this album. Florence’s voice is a staggeringly powerful instrument that can be used with the biggest divas. 13 songs that never bore the listener, which can be a challenge for this kind of pop music.

#5) La Roux-La Roux

Another British singer (there is not shortage of them this year) with a strength to her music, this LP leans heavily on the 1980s. This album doesn't sound like a rip off of the 80s, or an influence, but that it was actually made in that decade. “Bulletproof” and “I’m Not Your Toy” show La Roux’s strength and independence with love. “Quicksand” shows her love of the 80s the most. The album as a whole is a cold but strenght-filled album that is a perfect cure for a breakup.

#6)Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix-Phoenix

Indie-rock-pop that just works from beginning to end. “Lisztomania” and “1901” being to of the stand outs.

#7)The Fame Monster-Lady Gaga

Pure sugar pop. No guilt. No faults. Just 8 straight pop songs that never miss a beat.

#8) Fixin To Thrill- Dragonette Dragonette created another perfectly quirky and catchy album that deserves bigger audiences then they receive.

#9)Miike Snow- Miike Snow

Bloodshy and Avant, the producers behind huge hits like “Toxic” by Britney, are 2 thirds of this band and it is a killer that should only grow, their songs hook you in. “Animal” is one of the best songs of the year by far.

#10)Manners-Passion Pit

A great debut that shows a funky indie band getting started, all dance and synths, an album that could have only been made in 2009.

Honorable mentions (The next 10, in no order)...

It’s Not Me, It’s You-Lily Allen

Thank Me Later-Drake

Music For Men-The Gossip

The Blueprint 3-Jay-Z

Where the Wild Things Are-Karen O and the Kids

Man On The Moon-Kid Cudi

Hands-Little Boots

Far-Regina Spektor

In and Out of Control-The Ravonettes

She Wolf-Shakira

Rihanna HARD

Rihanna's new video for "Hard" is a hot-couture-gangsta-army boiling pot of divaness.

Her newest album Rated R is her best work yet too.

Somebody to Love

I know this sing has been out for a minute already but Its been steadily growing on me and I love the couture video. check it out

Leighton Meester may not have the strongest vocals but creates atmosphere and knows a good song and how to work it, see her Bette Davis Eyes cover for another example.

Spin's Albums of 2009

Animal Collective's "Merriweather Post Pavillion" was the album of the year. I haven't made my list yet, but I would expect no other choice from Spin magazine. Animal Collective out did themselves with this album, and it is nice to see recognition. Other notable albums on the list...

#35 Miike Snow-Self Titled

I love some of the songs on this album, "Animal" is one of the best songs of the year for sure.

#22 Tegan & Sara- Sainthood

Another fantastic album by the duo.

#19 Lily Allen- It's Not Me, It's You

This album came out early in the year and I had almost forgotten about it, after another listen to it I fell in love with it again. The production on the album is one of my favourites right now.

#15 Neko Case- Middle Cyclone

No surprise, everyone knew this would make the end of the year lists as soon as it came out.

#10 The Dead Weather- Bloodhound

I know it's a sin to not love Jack Black, but I don't think this is his best.

#9 Drake- So Far Gone

I was surprised to see this EP on the list, but it defiantly has been a good year for Drake.

#8-Florence + the Machine-Lungs

Agree.

#6 Bat For Lashes-Two Suns

This album was a great debut for Bat for Lashes, no argument.

#3 Phoenix- WOLFGANG AMADEUS PHOENIX

A must have for 2009.

#2 Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz!

I love this album.

Rolling Stone Best Song and Album of the Decade

Rolling Stone recently announced that their vote for album of the decade goes to Radiohead's Kid A. This would not be my pick, by far, I don't even think its the best Radiohead album this decade, I'm prone to In Rainbows personally. It is not a surprising choice though, it has faired well on other best of the decade lists also. The album is sonically mesmerizing and art, there is no argument there, I just don't know if it's the best of the decade. On the other hand, I am probably not going to release a best of the decade list because I just don't feel Ive collected enough music over the whole decade, maybe the second half, but not the whole decade to make a fair decision.

"Crazy" by gnarls Barkley was their song of the decade. This is a tougher choice to criticize, "Crazy" is no doubt a brilliant song....but so is "Bombs Over Baghdad" which would probably be my choice, or maybe "Hey Ya"(Outkast had a good decade). Rolling Stone's choice is rather good though and "Crazy" can defiantly be argued as the best of the decade.

She & Him Are Back Soon!

She & Him will be releasing their second LP according to Rolling Stone. The album will be released on March 23rd and the first single will be "In The Sun." Zooey Deschanel can not do wrong in the mind's of indie fans and I'm sure their second album will live up to the bar they set with their first CD. The track listing can be seen at Rolling Stone. For now, here is a taste from their first album

Miike Snow Remixes

I love Miike Snow's debut album first of all, how could I not when Bloodshy & Avant are involved? but now "Animal" has been remixed by 2 of the other best producers out there, Peter Bjorn & John, and Mark Ronson. How cool is that?! Both take the song to very different places, I love hearing what amazing producers like Ronson will do to a song and make it their own.

Mark Ronson Remix of "Animal"

Peter Bjorn and John REmix of "Animal"

Leona Lewis

I've been listening to some of Leona Lewis' songs from Echo, I was enticed to when I heard what her second single is and thought I might as well give it a listen.

Leona Lewis is an interesting pop star because she would've been God in the nineties. She really is exactly like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston were then. She's not crazy, eccentric, really artsy, or have a huge "out there" personality. Leona Lewis is normal, she is a real girl next door. Reviewers sometimes say that she lacks personality in her music. Her personality is there, it's just not exaggerated and gigantic like, say a Lady Gaga or La Roux. Some of her songs are boring, I agree. Her lack of controversy is what stops her album from being huge States side though, not any boring songs. "I Got You" and "Outta My Head" are produced by the mastermind Max Martin and are really good. I enjoyed them and would listen to them the same as a Kelly Clarkson album (Actually Max Martin has produced for both of them now). Im curious to see where Leona goes in America, whether she stays a hit or fizzles.

"The Decade in Indie"-Read It

Nitsuh Abebe's article "The Decade in Indie" is a phenomenal piece of writing. This article covers Indie music this decade perfectly. My hat is off to you for this article.

http://pitchfork.com/features/articles/7704-the-decade-in-indie/

2010

2009 had had awesome new albums by mainstream like U2, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, etc. It also had big debuts from the likes of Florence + the Machine, La Roux, Little Boots, Kid Cudi, and Miike Snow. Other big albums from Annie, Metric, The Gossip, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. 2009 kicked ass in the music world.....except maybe if you work for a major label.

2010 is looking just as good. Albums in the spring being released is an indie dream including....

Ke$ha- Animal

TiK ToK is already an international hit and this hot mess of a singer seems to have more singles up her sleeve, expect a mess of Katy Perry meets Gaga.

Vampire Weekend- Contra

I loved the first album and expect more awesomeness in the second.

Spoon- Transference

Spoon's last album was their best so far, Transference seems like it is taking another turn, possibly back to their roots and original sound.

Hot Chip- One Life Stand

The brilliance of the tile alone wins me over, but who doesn't love Hot Chip?

Drake-Thank Me Later

Im excited to see what Drake can pull off on a full LP.

Goldfrapp- Head First

This is Goldfrapp's return to the dance floor!!! Popjustice gave a hint at what the first single "Rocket" sounds like, and it's gonna be the Goldfrapp we all love.

Christine Aguilera-TBA

She worked with M.I.A, Sia, Goldfrapp, Tricky Stewart and Santigold to name a few. I love all of the collaborators, I can't wait to see what they can do with Aguilera's voice.

MGMT-Congratulations

Hello? It's MGMT, 'nough said.

Arcade Fire- TBA

The third, most likely, brilliant god-like album by the Canadian band.

The Strokes-TBA

Let's hope they actually release it.

No Doubt-TBA

I love this band and can't wait for a follow up to Rock Steady.

Grammy Nominees

MGMT, Grammy nominees...

The Grammy nominees were announced last night and I am surprised by the ridiculously commercial list. Now I know that the Grammys have always been primarily for commercial artists, but there tends to be the one newcomer who is still not known by the world (Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae), or the older artist coming back with a great album for the first time in a while (Robert Plant & Allison Kraus). Besides Best New Artist nominees, the closest thing to indie is Kings of Leon who were everywhere this year and have put out a number of albums, not to say that they're not deserving, they are. I love that MGMT are nominated for Best New Artist along with the Ting Tings. I am disappointed that U2 did not receive nominations for No Line On The Horizon, although the first single was not my favourite, it is a powerful album as a whole. Regina Specktor, who was commercial enough to get on SNL, and Neko Case also were shut out unjustly. Let's just hope when the Grammys come, that Black Eyed Peas don't preform... Check out the full list here.

http://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/52nd_show/list.aspx

The Monster Ball Tour

Wow.

Gaga knows how to put on a show.

The concert consisted of 20 songs including all the hits and 7 of the 8 songs on the new The Fame Monster. The concert had everything you would expect from Gaga, multiple wardrobe changes of fashion that does not disappoint, live singing, amazing dancing, acts of sexuality and stripping, etc. All the usual from Gaga and I loved it.

The openers are Semi Precious Weapons, who I was not a fan of until I saw them live, and Kid Cudi. Kid Cudi knew that it was a room full of Gaga fans because it was a very techno/electronic set that breathed new life into some of his songs, if this is the next style Cudi is going into, then it will be a good one. I really enjoyed "Embrace the Martian" by Crookers feat. Kid Cudi in the set.

When Gaga came on, nothing I had seen so far that night could compare. Dance in theDark started the set, not a huge opening for Gaga, but a consistent one. Once Just Dance and Lovegame came on though it was a full blown Lady Gaga fest that had the crowd pumped and thrilled as Gaga demanded screaming and hands up. At one point Gaga even laid down on the stage saying she was Tinkerbell and needed us to clap for her so she'll live.

Speechless and Poke Her Face went beautifully, I must say that I'm proud to have been at one of the concerts that her father attended, (Speechless was written for him). After her acoustic set came more glamour with Gaga coming onto the stage dressed as cleopatra for the song, Fashion. Paparazzi was another interesting song/art installation curing the show as she sang it with lengthy braids as long as the stage being carried by dancers. Bad Romance ended the show on a high note as her dancers and herself gave all they could even though they hadn't stopped through the whole show really.

If you're going to go to a pop concert. This is the one to go to. The Monster Ball will make a fan of any Gaga haters left out there.

Be Mine Cover

Robyn created one of the best albums of the decade, in my opinion, with her self titled Robyn. Erik Hassle and Ellie Goulding have created a glorious and beautiful cover of "Be Mine" from that album. Erik is a swedish indie singer, new to the scene still, and Ellie is a British singer who has toured with Little Boots and been on remix's of Passion Pit. It is a simple acoustic song that just reminded me how awesome Robyn is....and made me more interested in these two up and coming acts.

Check it out here...

http://hypem.com/track/965186/Erik+Hassle+and+Ellie+Goulding+-+Be+Mine+Robyn+Cover+

Review: Lady Gaga-The Fame Monster

The finest pop of the year. Eight perfect pop songs, ranging from Euro-pop to Seventies piano rock, its all covered immaculately. Gaga has definitely taken her artistry to another level. The major influence on this album seems to be Madonna because she plays with "La Isla Bonita" in "Alejandro" and the "Vogue" rap in "Dance in the Dark." Unlike her fashion, Lady Gaga's music is VERY mainstream, it is perfect sugary pop, and only Gaga does it this well. My hat's off to you Gaga, 2 brilliant albums in 2 years.

A

Download....

Buy it.

Awesome Songs This Weekend

Hollywood Holt- "Freshman"

A funky song that makes you move with swagger, "cause I'm fresh man." This song really is all about moving through the party with swagger, all I can say...

http://www.myspace.com/holtgoestohollywood

Ke$ha- "Fuck Him (He's a DJ)" and "Boots and Boys"

Screw "TiK ToK," the Ke$ha has a whole bunch of kick-ass party songs waiting to rule your speakers! They're both catchy, upbeat, and 100% hot-mess sexiness. This girl is obviously the new Katy Perry.

http://www.myspace.com/kesha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiHEbpHb41o

Shakira feat. Kid Cudi- "Did It Again Remix"

The Kid Cudi rap doesn't do much for me, but the the remix is sexier and better than the original. A definite party starter.

http://www.myspace.com/shakira

Lil Wayne- "Sweet Dreams"

From the No Ceilings Mixtape, this version almost puts Beyonce's to shame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOdxSauIiGs

Review: Shakira- She Wolf

Shakira is the strangest pop star currently in the mainstream. How she bends her unusual voice, that has been compared to a goat, is so fascinating and interesting to the ear. I love Shakira for being a little quirky and just outside the mainstream norms, she continues this trend by having both indie producer John Hill (Santigold's album) and Pharrel on the same album. It also works somehow with good results.

The title track has been out now since the summer so most have heard it by now, it is a thrilling, catchy, and odd song, in which, Shakira howls. John Hill produced this track along with "Men in This Town" and "Mon Amour;" they are the best of the album. Especially "She Wolf" and "Men in This Town," a sexy and upbeat song that has Shakira as the mature dominant female demanding "where are all the men in this town? whats a girl suppose to do?" In a trend of Shakira it has its quirk though, this time the lines "Im fresh, so fresh and so clean" which is in contrast to the rest of the song. I love it, "Men in This Town" will be one of my favourite tracks of the year.

"Gypsy" is a cute break from the other beat driven songs on the album. The music without the vocals is almost reminiscent of Joni Mitchell's "Free Man in Paris" era. The Wyclef duet "Spy" is a classic back and forth duet, the twist being Shakira's vocal instrument mimicking a saxophone. If it weren't for that, this would be a boring song. The track that is most similar to Oral Fixation would have to be "Mon Amour" because of the use of guitar here, unlike the rest of the album. "Give It Up To Me" is a late American only Timbaland production. I was not thrilled with the song at first, jaded because it seemed like a tainting of the album to gain success. It has grown on me, I can't resist the catchiness of the song. It will not be a lasting song, but a hit for a while.

Shakira's She Wolf covers a wide range of sounds and textures. It is a universal album covering Timbaland American beats, to middle eastern and Parisian accordions. Somehow Shakira's unique presence and voice makes it all work together so well.

B+

Download these now.

She Wolf

Men in This Town

Did It Again

Review: Rihanna- Rated R

Rihanna is grown up now. She wants you to know that. If Good Girl Gone Bad was her last album, than this is where girl will never be associated with Rihanna again.

Rated R is a remarkably cohesive album that is clearly Rihanna's best, but still shows that better might still be to come form the still young pop star. The first three songs are the roughest and most gangster. "Wait your Turn" and "Hard" is Rihanna bragging like a rapper over heavy bass. "Hard" may be the closest thing to "Umbrella" on Rated R with its "I, I, I, I'm so hard" chorus, the only thing similar to "Umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh."After "Hard" Rihanna brings up Chris Brown quite obviously for the first time with a ballad titled "Stupid in Love."

There are six modern-day ballads, meaning slow songs, but still with beats, (most famously done by Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around/Comes Around" and Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love"). They all work, some better than other, "Cold Case Love" being the best overall, followed by "Russian Roulette." "Photographs" started off brilliant, orgasm for the ears came to mind, it thrilled me, until, sadly, Will.i.am. started rapping. That rap ruined the song for me after that. "Te Amo" surprised me in the fact that I wanted to compare it to "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga (both albums are being released the same day). What is most important about the ballads for Rihanna's new album is that they show off how strong her voice has gotten over the past years, this is her fourth album and Rihanna has never sounded better.

"Rude Boy,""Rockstar 101," and "Fire Bomb" are fill out the rest of the album, I'm ignoring "G4L" because it is the least exciting song in an otherwise good attempt at an amazing album. "Rude Boy" should be a single because it will be a number one for sure. It is a touch of the old Rihanna, being the funnest and sexist song on the album. "Rockstar 101" has great verses, but the "I'm a Rockstar" chorus seemed silly to me. "Fire Bomb" is an excellently written pop song that could be performed by anyone in the pop world, very radio friendly, maybe Kelly Clarkson even singing it. It's simple beautiful pop.

Rihanna has truly developed with this album and has created a more interesting and adult record. The same dark, mature atmosphere flows throughout the album. This album will be, hopefully remembered, as a step into the direction of a mature and pop-savey artist.

A-

Download these...

Rude Boy

Hard

Cold Case Love

Fire Bomb

Saga-Basement Jaxx feat. Santigold

Santigold is one of my favourite artists and can do no wrong in my opinion. Her contribution to Basement Jaxx's new LP Scars is called "Saga". This crazy song is classic Santigold, meaning unusual, a little dub, a little electro, a little awesome! It is reminiscent of "Creator" with the odd vocals from Santigold that aren't really words just another beautiful instrument.

Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndOvhIhvuG0

Review: Dragonette-Fixin to Thrill

Dragonette's first album, Galore, was a perfect, pop meets glam rock meets synth pop meets a million other things. "Take It Like A Man," and "Jesus Doesn't Love Me" being two of the most outstanding songs of the year. This time around though the extremes are even greater. The rock is bolder with the lead single, "Fixin to Thrill," but the soft synth pop is calmer and more beautiful, such is the case with "Easy." The album as a whole seems more coherent and shows how Dragonette has grown. They can still do weird, just listen to "Gone Too Far," possibly the oddest song they're done yet and also the most interesting use of Banjo I've ever heard. Dragonette is convincing me that they will be one of the best pop bands never to become popular. It is a shame because they have the talent and balls to pull it off.

B+

Download these now!

Fixin to Thrill

Pick Up the Phone

Liar

Gone Too Far

Alicia's REAL comeback single

"Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" is Alicia Key's newest single of the December 15th's Elements of Freedom. It is a compelling and edgier single than the first. Although the video leaves a lot to be desired, the song is pure 80s/prince sound that made "No One" a hit. Hopefully the new album leans on songs such as this one, and not the prior single, "Doesn't Mean Anything."

See the video for "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" here....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm0R5XB2CWk

Ra-Ra-Ah-Ah-Ah

As Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster draws near I can't help but be excited. Having already heard half the tracks on repeat for a month....(Alejandro, Dance in the Dark, Telephone, and Bad Romance) It is looking to be one of the pop albums of the year. Although some are arguing that Gaga should've added a track or two and just created her sophomore album, instead of this EP. I believe she is doing the right thing, EPs are becoming popular again for one thing (Miley Cyrus's new EP is doing well on the charts), and why add filler to a perfect record? So many reviews discuss about "if only the album had a few less filler tracks...." well this one takes care of that issue. November 23rd can't come fast enough....

Welcome

Welcome to Sleepyhead, the blog about the newest in music.

The title of the blog was created because of the song by Passion Pit, and also because I am....a sleepy head. The photo with the title is three of my favourite artists right now. La Roux, Little Boots, and Florence and the Machine.