Top Albums 2009

After watching this video continuously for a month, I wondered if I would be disappointed by an album that wasn’t just “Two Weeks” on an endless loop, but many of the songs on Veckatimest are catchy and full of texture. That also sets the album apart from its excellent predecessor, which feels a little more experimental and contemplative.

2009 was the year that the mainstream noticed Matt & Kim, much to our chagrin here in Pittsburgh. I now worry they won’t repeat their 2008 visit here at the University of Pittsburgh – easily one of the best concerts I’ve attended (why is Pittsburgh like some kind of space warp that sends awesome bands directly away from it?). They played an amazing, enthusiastic, high-energy show for somewhere between 50 and 70 people; and they seem to play this way whether they’re at some college or on MTV’s Woodie awards.

Feels like the ’80s, but like a version of the ’80s that never actually existed, except only as a fuzzy lo-fi dream. The wistful pulse and vaporwave background synth of “6669 (I Don’t Know If You Know)” is what clinched it for me.

Dreamscape represents a push away from their more rock-influenced Bloodsongs, into the more synthy dancy territory now being frequented by many bands. While that could have made Dreamscape sound uninspired, it shows its power in songs like “Get Sirius” and “Ballerina,” my personal winter jams. These new songs fit right in with their euro-trash inspired striptease live show. Plus, we could all learn a few things from Gil’s dance moves, right?

Released just before the untimely death of band member Charles Cooper, Immolate Yourself is also a departure for Telefon Tel Aviv, but their trademark stutters and blips become something else entirely: impactful, atmospheric, yet still full of energy.