The 20 Best Songs of 2009

// January 14th, 2010 // audio, lists, music, videos

schoolboy niceI wanted to take a few moments and list my favorite songs from last year. Most of these songs found a niche in my Walkman and never left.  These are songs that mean something to me. These are songs that are so infectious that I can’t get them out of my head. These are songs that rock my face off. These are songs that pull on my heart like a marionette. These are songs I want to sing from the bottom of my lungs. These are songs I want to share with you.

In addition to running down the top songs, I’ll also give out some superlatives of a few songs that didn’t quite make it.  This is primarily a cardinal list, with the exception of the first five.

Manchester Orchestra – The River

The struggle of man. The duality of man. This is a conflicted story of redemption.

¶Cursive – What I’ve Done

Looking back at life’s regrets. Long, drawn out, and potent masterpiece. Watch a live performance here.

¶Desoto Jones – She Hit The Wall

A encouraging song about grieving a loss.

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¶Thrice – In Exile

I hope my head can be filled with song of Thrice forever.

¶Regina Spektor – Eek

A more intelligent, more accurate “Ironic.”

¶Matisyahu – Thunder

The live version, definitely. Watch it here.

Manchester Orchestra – I Can Feel A Hot One

A beautifully tragic story, delivered only as Andy Hull could do.

Thrice – Circles

The best song about circles since “In Circles” by Sunny Day Real Estate.

¶Manchester Orchestra – Shake It Out

The humble yet mighty bridge is what makes this song. The contrast from the aggressive other parts of the song help you understand the turmoil the singer is going through.

Matisyahu – One Day

Shalom. Watch the live version here.

¶Cursive – From The Hips

The freedom of living life in the moment. Spontaneous & Unscripted.

mewithoutYou – Goodbye, I

Aaron speaks in parables.

The Influence – Old Bones

A modern classic rock opus. Somewhat official video.

Phoneix – Love Like A Sunset

A song so good it almost doesn’t need 27 words.

Mae- Seasons

Despite being a 13 minute piano instrumental, I can’t get enough of this song. Part 1 is below. Part 2 is here.

Best Country Song aka, I almost liked it

Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now” (video) Thanks, Carey!

Best Country Song I played on Rock Band and almost enjoyed it

Miranda Lambert – Gunpowder & Lead (video)

Best Song I Rediscovered This Year

Suzanna Daly – Digging Deep

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Best Cover I Heard This Year

“Hallelujah” by Daniel Adams

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Best not-so-new songs I discovered this year

“Heavy Hands” by Desoto Jones (weird fanime video)

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