With 2009 drawing to a close, I felt it appropriate to pick my five favorite songs of the year. This was a great year for music, with several established bands releasing new work, as well as great new bands popping up.
Without further ado, here are my five favorite tracks of 2009:
5. “Airport Surroundings” by Loney Dear
Loney Dear’s Dear John was one of the best records of the year. It’s lush, beautiful composition made it a low-fi record for the ages, and “Airport Surroundings” was its best song. The upbeat, almost electronic drums ticked along with singer Emil Svanängen’s heartfelt vocals. Hopefully this record will introduce his music to the States.
4. “Nothing to Worry About” by Peter Bjorn & John
What do you get when you mix a quasi-futuristic hook, dancing Japanese bikers and a downright fun song? Why, PB&J’s “Nothing to Worry About,” of course.
The song is hooky from start to finish, and bristles with a unique European swagger. I dare you not to dance along. No really, I do.
3. “Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit
Okay, so it didn’t technically come out in 2009. Sue me. The majority of the world hadn’t heard this unbelievably catchy tune until the summer, and it’s even made it into a Blackberry commercial. The song is fun and upbeat, and is the best song on an album filled with great cuts.
2. “Sink” by Brand New
Quite the departure from the other songs on the list, Brand New’s “Sink” is one of the strongest songs on their latest album, Daisy. Its sinister opening gives way to singer Jesse Lacey’s howling vocals and screaming guitar lines. If you like to rock–and rock hard–this song is a must.
1. “Panic Switch” by Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups have, in my humble opinion, written one of the best songs of the decade with “Panic Switch.” It’s been stuck in my head nonstop since June, and with good reason. The ambiguous vocals mix perfectly with the fuzz-drenched bass, rhythmic drums and etherial keyboards to make what is, without question, the best rock song of the year.
