I'm sure these ladies have talent in spades.

Well, it has been an embarrassingly long time since I last blogged (or even logged in!). To try and make up for it, I’ve put together a list of what I think is some of the best music released so far this year. No matter what anyone else says, 2009 has been a weak year compared to 2008. January will likely be viewed as the best month for new releases for the year, at least by scanning the calender of releases. Animal Collective, Antony and the Johnsons, Andrew Bird, A.C. Newman (hey, all As so far!), and Bon Iver all released new material in January.

It’s a sad year, though, if the pinnacle of the releases was in the first month. Now, I realize several other good albums have come out in the six months hence, but if Dave Matthews Band takes a spot in my list for 2009 so far (spoiler alert), you gotta hope 2010 has something better up its sleeve. Maybe Fleet Foxes will put something out next year. Or perhaps a Ra Ra Riot sophomore effort? Or, maybe the Descendents might want to do something as a tribute to Frank Navetta? (hint, hint, Milo Aukerman).

Anyway, this list isn’t in a specific order besides the order that I rattled off in my mind. What else am I missing? Don’t say Animal Collective or Wilco. The jury is still out on both. Seriously.

Discovery, LP – I am quite certain that I’ll get a lot of shit for this. There is a substantial amount of garbage on this album. Tacky, 80s Miami club synths, electro beats, and stupid lyrics, but, BUT! Wait don’t leave yet – there are some legitimate flashes of brilliance. For your consideration, I present “So Insane” below:

There are some other terrific tracks, too — see “Can You Discover,” “Carby,” and even the awkwardly appropriate”I Want You Back.” Definitely some talent working on this album, even if it’s annoyingly unfocused.

Dave Matthews Band, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. Again, I’ll get shit for this. Has DMB been relevant since the 90s? Perhaps not, but this album at least proves that all the time away from critical circles hasn’t hurt their collective talents. And, with the unfortunate passing of LeRoi Moore, the band has responded with focus, creativity, and a mission to put together a fitting memorial for such an important band member. The album is strong all the way through, and it is surprisingly tight considering the band’s longstanding reputation as a jam band (but so tight and focused as to remember the near-disaster Everyday. I’ll always remember Carter Beauford exclaim on TV, “We got charts!” as if that was a good thing for them). Anyway, check out “Why I Am” and “You and Me” for an intro into the album. Brass instruments on a DMB is a welcome addition, for sure.

Mos Def, The Ecstatic.  Admittedly, I was not psyched for this album at all. Mos Def has been sort of on the periphery of interesting hip hop artists for me, and while I liked him, his music didn’t really ever speak to me. On a lark, I got it from eMusic and gave it a shot. It is diverse, catchy, and I totally undervalued his talents as a lyricist. Parts of it remind me of DOOM (as in MF, not the game), particularly in the sound production and samples. This is a good thing of course. Check out “Quiet Dog,” which YouTube tells me is his second single (what was his first?).

Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. This one should come as no surprise. It’s incredibly catchy and currently satisfies the same part of my brain that dug Blog Party’s first album and Vampire Weekend. It’s a little more diverse than the other two, perhaps, but it should be since it’s not Phoenix’s debut album. There is a reason that it has ascended other mid year “best of” lists.  It’s just good, old fashioned catchy dance rock. Check out “1901″ below:

Dinosaur Jr., Farm. Yeah, this one’s my favorite so far. Really glad the original band is making music again. Farm proves that Beyond wasn’t a fluke, and the dudes take the energy and tight song craft from Beyond  and turn it up to 11 (“yes, but this one goes to eleven.”). 90s grungepop still matters thanks to these guys (where is candlebox these days, anyway?) and they bring it in spades. Check out “See You” below:

So, what’s on your list? What do I absolutely have to listen to before the year ends?