Zeke’s Top 10 of 09 (When not attending College Zeke is KHOL volunteer programmer!)

1. Dragonslayer —- Sunset Rubdown

Sunset Rubdown, led by Spencer Krug’s (Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes), crafted this year’s finest album. The songs are long meditations loosely centered on some sort of  medieval quest. Repeated listens are must.

2. Post-Nothing —- Japandroids

Two indie rockers from East Vancouver will bring back all of that teenage angst you thought you left behind in college.

3. Wavvves – Wavves

The no-fi pop of Wavves is like an angry bottle of  Sunny-D under the California sun.

4. Merriweather Post Pavilion —- Animal Collective

Salty Balty’s finest indie band deliver a gem full of lush harmonies and choruses that won’t get unstuck. I’m getting lost in your curls.

5. xx  — The XX

The XX’s moody electronica band from Liverpool delivers on the hype. Perfect for one on one nights with your boyfriend/girlfriend.

6. Warm Heart Of Africa —- The Very Best

This collaboration delivers awesomely cheesy 80s synths, 90s G-Funk, and over the top inspiring indie rock. All sung in a language I don’t understand.

7. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart — The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

Brooklyn’s shoegazers POBPAH wear cardigans and sing about teenage love, heartbreak, and getting wasted.  Check out their excellent EP Higher Than The Stars, which was also released this year.

8. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix —  Phoenix

Smooth indie rock but super cool French dudes. Each album from Phoenix gets better and catchier. This is a band you can take home to your mom.

9. It’s Blitz —- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

New York indie royalty the Yeah Yeah Yeahs bring a disco and glam rock edge on It’s Blitz. Karen O.’s wonderful voice anchors the album. I love the slow ballads Soft Shock and Dull Life.

10. The Juan MacLean – The Future Will Come

The indie dance pioneers bring it with their future themed LP. Recommended for intergalactic travel and hipster dance parties. The 12 minute long closing track, Happy House, is one of the year’s best singles.