Favorite Song, Album, and Video of 2009 (So Far)

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By Jim Shearer on 03/26/2009

Filed under: ME LIKEY

Whew, 2009 is just flying by, huh? We're already one-fourth of the way through the year. If this were a football game it'd be time to switch ends and start the second quarter.

Because I like to get a jumpstart on things, I've already begun compiling my best-of categories for 2009. If the year ended today (which barring a freakish miracle, is not going to happen), here's how my favorites would stack up:

Favorite Song (So Far):
"Nothing To Worry About," Peter Bjorn and John
Most well known for their 2006 hit, "Young Folks" (aka, the whistling song), Peter Bjorn and John are gonna shake lose that one-hit wonder tag (if that term is even applicable any more), when "Nothing To Worry About" blows up. Its head-bobbing bassline, sing-a-long chorus, and handclap percussion will even win over some hip-hop fans.

Favorite Album (So Far):
March Of The Zapotec & Realpeople Holland, Beirut (above)
I guess "officially" this isn't an album--it's a double EP. But in my book two EP's (extended play) equals one LP (long play), especially when you can get them in the same package. On the first EP, Zack Condon took his European gypsy sound down to Mexico and recorded six tracks with a 19-piece marching band from Oaxaca. On the second EP, Condon crafted five tracks worth of swirling, dreamy indie-pop. If you're looking for something different, you'll get it here. Marching bands mixed with indie rock is a lethally addictive combination.

Favorite Video (So Far):
"Life In Technicolor ii," Coldplay
Thank God, I thought Coldplay lost their sense of humor. I mean, they do wear those funny uniforms on stage, but I don't think they think they're funny. This is the first music video I've seen in a while that had me laughing out loud. Directed by Dougal Wilson, Coldplay's take on the big-rock show--in front of a group of astonished kids and parents--is brilliant!

Tags: Beirut, Best of 2009, Coldplay, Dougal Wilson, Life In Technicolor ii, March Of The Zapotec, Nothing To Worry About, Peter Bjorn and John, Realpeople Holland

petebune

Kudos and thumbs up on all three! Just got the new PB&J and it's great. Beirut is one of my new favorite bands. And I didn't see the new Coldplay video until just now and that was Team America awesome! Hahaha!

Covering the crossroads of music and film.