Top 3 Albums of 2009: 
- The XX – The XX
Great debut from the young Londoners but I’m wondering where they’ll go next — definitely on the shortlist for most over-hyped of the year too.
- Peter, Bjorn, and John – Living Thing
Loved it, loved them live too, got a whole new appreciation for the band and their music.
- Fever Ray – Fever Ray
Dark, foreboding, icey. Electronic folk songs from the female half of the Knife — no beards, acoustic guitars, or whimsy necessary, thanks very much.
- Worthy mention goes to a compilation that’s probably advertised on UK TV channels — Ministry of Sound’s 3-CD Anthems: Electronic 80′s set. Chock full of great tunes, it might not be indie-cool but it definitely brings multiple smiles to the face (how could it not with the tracks by Heaven 17, Ultravox, New Order, Blondie, the Pet Shop Boys and just about every other great 80′s keyboard act out there?). Thanks to my London-based brother for sending it this way.
Best Show of 2009:
- Show of the year for me was the Prodigy on their return tour. They sold out the 930 Club here in DC, but luckily I found a decent deal on Craigslist. I found myself partying with a crowd full of 30 somethings reliving their late 90s teenage raving in a big way. Every song got the crowd jumping and I now know that being old can mean having a massive grin on your face while your old fave band plays your old fave tracks. There was definitely a danger that they’d be a mockery of their former selves, and that the new tracks would be a let down. As it happened their timing was perfect and their live show was just as tight as in their heyday. My only complaint? They didn’t play “No Good.” Maybe next time?
- Other highs: Movement Detroit, Tindersticks, Cut Copy
