Fave Albums of 2009

I had a sudden inspiration during my 6000 mile drive over the last 8 weeks to write up some posts covering things I loved during this last year. I'm starting with my favorite albums of 2009. Well, what I loved during 2009, doesn't mean it was released in 2009... These are in no particular order, but they all got quite the playing time on iPod and iTunes.

Glee Volume I (and Volume II, and the unreleased tracks...)
I don't love EVERY song every sung on this show, but there are more that I love than those that I don't. "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Alone" probably have gotten the most play time, followed by "Taking Chances" and Lea Michele's rendition of "Defying Gravity." Can't WAIT to see what else we get this season, with guest stars such as Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff.

Swoon by Silversun Pickups
I can't stop listening to this album. I have Silversun Pickups' first album Carnavas but it never got much play time on my iTunes.  However, I got Swoon this summer and still can't stop listening to it, six months later.  "Panic Switch" is a good song, but it is really over-played.  The rest of the album is certainly worth a listen. I had to listen through it a few times before I could truly appreciate it. Now I hear they will be touring with Muse.  And they don't come to LA on the tour... Devastated.

Until the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns
I saw Casting Crowns in concert last fall for the first time. Most people haven't heard of them, unless they listen to Christian music.  Their live performance was inspirational.  Then I got this album later in the fall and I still can't stop listening to it. Current favs: "At Your Feet" and "Blessed Redeemer."

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack by Various Artists
This was a highly anticipated album, not just for me, but for the legions of Twilight fans and people who enjoyed the first installment.  Chris Weitz didn't disappoint by choosing a bunch of indie bands, only a few well known, to be featured on the soundtrack for the film. My fave songs include "Possibility" by Lykke Li, "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke and "Slow Life" by Grizzly Bear.

The Resistance by Muse
It felt like ages since Black Holes & Revelations came out, and Muse is one of those bands where I constantly check to see when a new album will be released.  So they finally released The Resistance this year and I was super excited.  They never really disappoint me.  I love their sound. They are becoming more mainstream in the US without changing the music they make.  People are just slowly taking notice.  About time.

Singles by Britney Spears
Yep, I put Britney on this list.  Poor thing is a hot mess, but her Singles album has every one of my favorites from her previous albums, plus some I had never even heard before. They aren't all amazing, but Brit songs can always get me pumped up! They make me want to dance...

In Rainbows by Radiohead
This one came out in early 2008 but I didn't get it till it had been out for a while. And it is really good. My husband loves it, too, so it gets lots of play when we are both home.  Radiohead continues to be odd and interesting and original. I can listen to this album over and over and not get bored with it.

Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
This one also came out in early 2008. And, again, I was late to the party.  Sean bought this CD and I had heard a couple of songs on the radio.  But it is quirky and catchy and all around fun.  I just got their new album Contra, so when I have decided what I think, I'll have to post about it.