Top 10 Debuts of 2009

Some bands shot for the moon and came pretty damn close with their debut albums. Where will they go from here?

10. The Very Best – Warm Heart of Africa – You can’t help but smile when you hear Esau Mwamwaya sing, even though I have no idea what he is saying, it exudes light and joy.

9. Discovery – LP – VW + Ra Ra Riot get all R & B with it.

8. tUnE-yArDs – Bird-Brains – Merrill Garbus’ is intense and fearless.

7. The xx – xx – Subtle and sexxy.

6. Washed Out – Life of Leisure EP – Nostalgic music for the 80′s? This hits all of the best parts of that decade.

5. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms – Washed Out + the future.

4. Micachu & The Shapes – Jewellry – At once a mash up of so many types of music, but also completely its own thing.

3. Memory Tapes – Seek Magic – Dayve Hawk is a true composer. The layers build, recede, flow and melt from one song to the next.

2. Girls – Album – Maybe Christopher Owens’ voice isn’t for everyone, but I love it. The squeaks and quirks make me believe that he has lived what he sings about. Sweet sincerity.

1. The Antlers – Hospice – This is how a concept album should be done. It tells a story from beginning to end, but leaves space for the listeners interpretations. Heartbreaking and haunting.