Top Twin Cities Albums of 2009

[graphic by Copycat]

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[list by Jon Behm]

#1) BruteHeart Brass Beads (album review)
The freshest sounding local album I have heard in years—it’s gypsy jazz with a distinct noir flavor.
MySpace

#2) Brother Ali Us (album review)
As usual Brother Ali sounds great, and the production is just outstanding.
Purchase | Official | Twitter | MySpace | Wikipedia

Brother Ali “Us” [MP3]

#3) Michael Yonkers & the Blind Shake Cold Town/Soft Zodiac (album review)
Not quite as good as Carmel in my opinion, but a fantastic release from my favorite local band and their guru.
Purchase | MySpace

#4) Peter Wolf Crier Inter Be (album review)
Really great melodic pop from Peter Pisano’s new project (with Laarks’ Brian Moen).
Official | Twitter | MySpace

#5) Doomtree False Hopes XV (album review)
Some of my favorite work from the group to date, particularly Mike Mictlan whom has never sounded better.
Official | Twitter | MySpace | Wikipedia

Sims & P.O.S. “Coup For The Kings” [MP3]

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[list by Josh Keller]

#1) Red Pens Reasons (album review)
Hands down my favorite local release of the year. The duo have proven to be my favorite local band of the last few years, impressing me initially with their powerful live show and even more with their stunning debut album.
Purchase | Official | MySpace

#2) BruteHeart Brass Beads (album review)
These three ladies surprised me with their concise and eclectic record that seems to show a new twist with each listen. The harmonies and deft rhythms neatly mask clever pop ideas that sound fresh and exciting with each listen.
MySpace

#3) Lookbook Wild at Heart (album review)
A great step forward after their stellar debut EP. The duo create pop music that doesn’t feel cheesy. It clearly has reference points, but it still has a timeless feel.
Purchase | MySpace

#4) Vampire Hands Hannah and the Mansion (album review)
Hopefully not their swan song. This LP shows the warped pop genius of Vampire Hands and really brings together the diverse sounds that the band has dabbled in for the last few years. An immensely talented band at the top of their game.
Purchase | MySpace

#5) Gospel Gossip Drift EP (album review)
Another young band that has wowed local audiences with their live shows the last few years. Of all of their recorded material, their latest EP might best show the whirlwind pop cyclone that the band creates under layers of fuzz and echo. A really massive sounding disc that makes me very exciting to hear what this band has in store next.
Twitter | MySpace

Honorable mentions: Guante and Big Cats! An Unwelcome Guest, P.O.S. Never Better, Brother Ali Us, Michael Yonkers & the Blind Shake Cold Town/Soft Zodiac, No Bird Sing No Bird Sing.

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[list by Chris DeLine]

#1) P.O.S. Never Better (album review)
Innovative, challenging, and oh-so-fresh. Not only a prime candidate for TC album of the year, but a definite contender for hip hop album of the year. Period.
Purchase | Official | Twitter | MySpace | Wikipedia

P.O.S. “Goodbye” [MP3]

#2) Red Pens Reasons (album review)
The best rock duo to arise from the Twin Cities since Gay Witch Abortion, Red Pens’ songs offer a combination of ample riffage and furious distortion, curiously presented without a single hint of bullshit.
Purchase | Official | MySpace

#3) Lookbook Wild at Heart (album review)
The most enjoyable ’80s pop album of 2009.
Purchase | MySpace

#4) Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles Special Party Time For Everybody (album review)
Equal parts buoyant and delicate, Special Party Time is a vast step toward capturing on record the breathtaking abilities of each of the band’s unique talents.
Purchase | Twitter | MySpace

#5) Brother Ali Us (album review)
Chuck D. jumps in to hype and praise Brother Ali in the introduction of his own album, and things only get better from there.
Purchase | Official | Twitter | MySpace | Wikipedia

Brother Ali “Us” [MP3]

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Top Twin Cities Albums of 2008