My Top 25 Albums of 2009 part 2

11. Kid Sister - Ultraviolet

For some reason, I knew I was going to like Kid Sister the moment I heard her name. Not only is the music incredibly fun in every sense of the word, but there. is a unique quality to the way she raps that I cannot quite pinpoint, but that I adore nonetheless.

12. Mirah - (A)spera

The Northwest's own Latin influenced Indie rocker returns and from the very beginning, it is apparent that her lyrical prowess hasn't diminished in the slightest. And though this effort tends to run a bit slower and a bit longer than previous albums, her creative ability to orchestrate underutilized instruments underneath beautiful vocal melodies shines through regardless. Mirah is a talented treasure.

13. N'Dambi - Pink Elephant

There is no way that I can describe this record other than straight up excellent R&B. Think Al Green, think Stevie Wonder. N'Dambi is an artist that I discovered later in the year and I have yet to really delve into her, but this record hooked me instantly. While I enjoy the neo-soul trend that is happening as of late, it is nice to hear someone taking the smooth and genuinely sensual route as opposed to the all-out party route (not that there is anything wrong with the all-out party route. As you will see).

14. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

I am of the opinion that Alt-Country will never have a finer figurehead. With her powerful voice and song-writing prowess, Neko Case is a simply haunting commander in ways that most artists can only hope to achieve. Middle Cyclone is a perfect example of such things. It walks a fine line between somber and joy, but in fin Neko Case fashion, it never gives too much advantage to either.

15. No-Fi Soul Rebellion - Oh Please, Please, Please

I'm still not entirely sure how to classify this husband and wife pseudo-duo but that is part of why they appeal to me so much. It is part electronic funk, part hip-hop, part Indie Rock, somewhat goofy and it all comes together with an accomplished seriousness. I may not agree with their choice for the albums closer, but the nine tracks before it make up for it in all of their dance-inducing gloriousness.

16. Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts

Another easy contender for Album of the Year, the Noisettes represent to me what I most adore about music in this day and age. The best parts of the Neo-Soul Revolution come when bands fuse said soulful antics with other categories. With the album moving quite adeptly between lo-fi Punk, pulsating disco and heartfelt folk, Shingai Shoniwa is free to weave her R&B vocals throughout the tapestry to breathe new life into otherwise tired genres.

17. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

2009 must have been the year for e to reminisce because yet again we have a group that causes me to long for the music of my youth. This album draws heavily from the simplest of simple Indie Pop greats like Crayon, Beat Happening and from legendary alternative pioneers The Vaselines. Lo-fi does not even begin to describe it; everything about it is minimalist and as a result, it could not be more refreshing.

18. People Eating People - People Eating People

I've already mentioned that Converge and the Noisettes were jockeying for Album of the Year and People Eating People easily completes the top 3. This eagerly awaited album perfectly captures the talent within Nouela Johnston; all she needs is her piano and a drummer to back her up and she can write music much more aggressive and technical than that of any Hardcore group. But above all of that, the album is catchy to the point of amazement; she possesses a wonderful ability to make even the most cynical of lyrics sound fun. I'm already pining for her next effort.