Top five albums of 2009

2009? Aren't you a bit late?
LUMINOUS Plectrum is busy compiling its end of year lists for 2010 and, while we're at it, here's a reminder of what tickled the fancies last year.

5. Wild Beasts – Two DancersI FEEL far too guilty to be putting this incredible piece of work at number five but, alas, that’s life. Wild Beasts have matured from 2008’s spellbinding Limbo, Panto, to release the beautiful Two Dancers, one of 2009’s greatest highlights. Hayden Thorpe has one of the most definitive, erratic and distinguishing voices in indie rock and clearly sets this band apart from the rest. They’ve grown from the rough and ready hits from Limbo Panto, which included Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants – arguably one of the greatest songs of the century - to produce immaculate, if a little unfashionable, masterpieces. Bassist Tom Fleming shares more of the vocals on this release and his deeper tones are welcome, but it will always be Thorpe’s punishing vocals that will propel this band to greatness. Think Kate Bush mixed with a little Sparks.
Stand out track: Hooting and Howling

4. Girls – AlbumWE had been waiting a while for Girls’ debut album and it hasn’t disappointed. This could have been my album of the year and it is a clear surf-rock classic for the 21st century (not in the way The Thrills were billed to be a few years back) but I guess I am just fonder of the three above it. Girls are exciting and Album is a joy to listen to. Its androgynous, drug-induced lyrics will push you deeper under Album’s skin with each listen. This is one enjoyable discovery.
Stand out track: Laura

3. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus PhoenixPHOENIX'S latest effort is pop music at its finest. The French rockers have built up a reputation as a band who can put a smile on anyone’s face with hook-driven Summer rock tunes and have put in a stellar effort in trying to succeed their previous and flawless release It’s Never Been Like That. The album is just over 30 minutes long but don’t let that put you off. It’s quality, not quantity and there is a hell of a lot of quality crammed into this beauty. Up-beat opener Lisztomania is one of the catchiest tracks of the year and sets a high precedent but 1901, Fences, Rome and Girlfriend ensure the sun is always shining when listening to this.
Stand out track: 1901

2. Future of the Left – Travels With Myself and AnotherTHIS album is visceral, vicious, vivacious and oh so victorious. We are all mourning the death of Mclusky but this confirms they really are dead. Explosive front man Andy Falkous is on absolute form screaming through alarmingly tight punk rock tracks such as Arming Eritrea, Chin Music and You Need Satan More Than He Needs You. If you haven’t checked out Future of the Left (formed of members from Mclusky and Jarcrew), you really must. FotL are definitely my favourite live act of this year and Travels With Myself and Another is album you won’t be able to take out of your stereo for some time. Prepare to be gripped.
Stand out track: You Need Satan More Than He Needs You

1. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post PavilionPICKING the number one slot was the most difficult part of this list. I thought long and hard as to whether Merriweather Post Pavilion deserved it…and it does by a long shot. To have been released in January and to still hold a significant of playing time on my iPod is something to be commended. It truly is their best effort yet and is a supersonic assault on the senses. They have released countless efforts prior to this but it seems AC have finally created a concise, majestic sound that could easily see them become one of the most important outfits in the past ten years. The wonderful opener, In The Flowers, is arguably one of the greatest music moments of the year. It starts off lazy but explodes into something utterly breathtaking. This is a special album and from the sound of the Fall To Be Kind EP, released earlier this month, it seems as if AC are going to get better and better.
Stand out track: Bluish