Yet another Records of the year List, so far

Before we set our focus on the best records of this decade, it is time to talk about those who made it to our heart in 2009, so far. If you don´t like subjective Lists, then you should go away;)

2009 is in its last quarter and brought mainly great Debut Albums from the likes of Florence and the Machine, White Lies, Big Pink and many more. It wasn´t a good year for the Major Acts. Franz Ferdinand & U2 tried a bit too much and Depeche Mode too less. Only the Space Rocker of Muse let the stars shine bright when it comes to their fifth Studio Album called “The Resistance”. And that is the reason why I´ve chosen them for Album of the year, so far. But that is not the opinion of all S.K.i.R Hosts.

Anyway, so here is my List.

1. Muse - The Resistance

Bombast Rock as its best and comeback of the year and Fat cats should have a heart attack!
+ They are ready to enter the next Level of Stardom. Ready for the Stadiums.
+ “The Resistance” is a great Anthem , “Undisclosed Desires” will be there first No.1 in the United States. I promise.
+ The Album Concept is a winner with great Artwork and interesting Topic
+ “Exogenesis 1-3″ is an astonishing Symphony with the bottom line that mankind should start over again. Definitely not from this world.
- “Guiding Light” have no clear direction.
? Is Matt Bellamy an Ancient Alien who will show us the way? Should we follow him?

2. Florence and the Machine - Lungs

Louder than Silence and harder then hell.
+ Except the dirty rock n roll hit “Kiss with a fist” and some other songs, this Record is full of epic cosmic Love.
+ Kiss with a fist for some dirty rock n roll
+ Her style is golden.
+ Her hair is red. I love red hair.
+ The Videos are like irish fairytales.
- Album Title “Lungs”. Don´t understand the meaning;)
? Is Florence the Siren Himeropa from the Greek Mythology?

3. White Lies - To lose my life

Ambitious, dark, melodic and very catchy Indie Post Punk.
+ Combine the best from Joy Division, U2, Editors etc.
+ “Farewell to the fairground” is one of the best Indie Rock Songs this year.
+ They show us that the 80ies will probably never die.
- The lyrics aren´t that good.
? Their “Summer of Death” Tour. A prediction? ?

3. Passion Pit - Manners

Like Pitchfork said. If you like one Song of them, you´ll like them all.
+ They brought their Skills from the Demos to the Studio production, and the result is feel - good Indie Pop
+ This Album brought me through the Summer, even through the rainy days.
+ Play “Moth Wings” in your car while cruising around on a Summer Night
- They are not the next MGMT because there is no “Kids” on the Horizon.
? How often did you hear “Sleepyhead” or “The reeling” on the radio this year? (It can´t get out of my head)

5. Julian Plenti - Skyscraper

Paul Banks is Julian Plenti is Skyscraper
+ It still sound like Interpol, but only because of his voice
+ Banks as Plenti = Golden
+ A new Interpol record come probably closer.
+ Banks go on Tour as Plenti.
- Album Cover is one of the worst this year
? can you Imagine Banks without Carlos D. on Stage ?

6. The Big Pink - A brief history of love

Now, we know that Girls fall like Dominos. Another terrific Debut Album from a London based Group.
+ “Dominos” , yet another Hit Song for this years “best Songs” list
+ The whole Atmosphere on the Album is mind blowing.
+ Florence Welsh is featured on a B-Side track of the “Dominos” Single
- I haven´t seen them live yet:(
? Will I seem them on stage soon?

7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Its Blitz!

The Disco needs them. Best Dance record of an Indie Rock Act this year.
+ The still play guitar.
+ They´ve started to use electronic and synth in a really good way and much better than Franz Ferdinand
+ Nominated for the Album Cover Art of the Year.
+ Karen O is still one of the most stylish Popstars on the Planet. Thank god for that!
- The “Zero” Video looked like a Nena Copy
? Is it time for all Indie Rock Acts to change into Indietronic Monster?

8. La Roux - dto

The better Little Boots.
+ Her debut set the mark in Pop this year.
+ Forget Lady Gaga, this is the real deal
+ Her red hair
- Sounds better than some 80ie Acts, but it is still very 80ies.
? What is about her hair styling, did she have the same stylist as The Gossip for their “Music for Men” Cover Shoot?

9. Soap & Skin -Lovetune for Vacuum

Suicide Original Soundtrack.
+ Austrian Wunderkind part whatever
+ Suicide Original Soundtrack
+ Anja Plaschgs attitude is frantic, scary but totally authentic
- Suicide Original Soundtrack
? Is there a Duet with Anthony up next?

10. The XX -XX

Laid back & relax. This is the new Indie Generation.
+ These youngsters make MUSIC, not Indie by Numbers
+ For some one, this debut is dull. For me it´s a listening pleasure.
+ Sounds of a Dream.
- If you aren´t in the right mood, don´t listen to this record
? Do I need a bed at their Shows ?

And the rest?  We also salute to (11) Phoenix,  (12) Animal Collective, (13) Major Lazer, (14) Friendly Fires & (15) The Gossip.

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