Journal

Hello, here are my top 20 albums of 2009. I had no intention of mimicking any other end of year lists even though it does look like a lot of other lists i've read with a few critically rated albums. I bought about 200 albums this year and 70 of them were from this year. None of these albums are perfect but that's not to say that they lack brilliance and contain some of the best tracks of the decade and maybe even all time. I apologise in advance at some of my notes and explanations - I am no music journalist and only got a C at GCSE English doing a higher paper so lacking the excuse that I could have done better. Although I did narrowly avoid getting a first for my Uni dissertation! Anyway here's my list…

1. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca (Domino, 7/06)

This is my album of the year because... Their gig at Bristol's Arnolfini gallery was the best thing ever to happen in a place usually full of dull "art" which I can't be arsed to look in*. Needless to say Bitte Orca is the real work of art and is both an aural and experimental success. For some reason (because it is good?) I kept listening to previous effort Rise Above , and somehow they managed to better that album by a long way with an album of original material. Successfully merging different influences such as R&B and african guitar for Stillness Is the Move, my track of the year. Quite simply Bitte Orca is album of the year as it has some of the best vocals, backing vocals, guitar parts and overall music made this year. Dave Longstreth's vocals maybe annoying to some but Amber Coffman and the other female singers are amazing vocalists. I just think that this album covers new ground and sets a standard for ambitious indie music for the upcoming decade. I am eagerly awaiting new material but I am dreading thatBitte Orca was a fluke as parts of it are almost impossibly sublime!

2.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz (Dress Up/Polydor, 8/03)

The pop album of the year no contest. With electro-pop tunesFlorence and The Machine and Ladyhawke could never write and a classic Yeah Yeah Yeahs songwriting sensibility. If a lesser band went Synthpop like this it would be The change to a synthpop sound only affected me on the leading single and only weakfish (for YYYs) track Zero . My favourite track Hysteric is a ballad to rival Maps . Though not as good as Show your Bones, but better than Fever To Tell and the 2 EPs, this is another classic YYYs album and shows a band successfully changing and keeping their sound at the same time. Only time will tell what direction ten next album will take.

3. Dinosaur Jr. - Farm (Pias, 21/06)

The 2nd Dinosaur Jr. reformation album is just as good as it's Predecessor Beyond and even though it's very similar to their other stuff it's still brilliant and is not as disappointing as this years Sonic Youth effort, in fact it's not disappointing at all. The only disappointment is that Lou's songs aren't as good as on Beyond. My highlights are the longer tracks Said The People and I Don't Want To Go There which showcase J Mascis's peerlessly emotional guitar soloing.


4. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion (Domino, 11/01)

In pretty much every end of year list and like Grizzly Bear and dirty projectors it's in all the lists for a reason. The most accessible AC release to date it is a vast improvement on Strawberry Jam and a career highpoint. I was disappointed by their set at this year's Green Man festival like a lot of other people but this album is still amazing. Other people think that My Girls is the high point here but there are at least 3 better songs - Summertime Clothes with its sing-a-long 'I Want to hang around with you' chorus, Blueish with it's woozy yet sublime harmonies and the worldbeat/rave tinged Brothersport. I am excitedly looking forward to hearing/seeing what they come up with next after December's Fall Be Kind EP.

5. Asobi Seksu - Hush (Polyvinyl, 16/02)

An overlooked album by an overlooked band. Somehow this has been my most listened to album of the year but then I have had it since the start of February. I love this band so much I even went to a White Lies gig as they were the support act. I should have left after Asobi though as White Lies' Editors-meets-Spandeau Ballet Dirgefest couldn't possibly follow Asobi's shoegaze genius. Although this album is quieter and less thrilling than it's predecessor Citrus it is a well rounded album with it's fair share of beauty

6. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Slumberland, 9/02)

Even though this album is relatively simple with similar chords and songs, it's still a piece of indiepop genius. Listening to the vinyl through headphones rang in my ears after every listen but it was worth it every time and still is. The only real non reverb drenched song is A Teenager in Love which is reminiscent of the band Black Kids and features lyrics about ' A teenager in love with christ and heroin' An EP Higher Than the Stars was released in October but to me their Self titled LP is their best release and I get a buzz whenever I still listen to it.

7. Bat for Lashes - Two Suns (Echo, 6/04)

Apart from the Blur reunion at Glastonbury, Natasha Khan and her amazing live band's two Bristol gigs were my best gigs of the year (with great support from School of Seven Bells and Yeasayer). Two Suns is although not as good as the live show a bloody good album. Coming across as a mix of Kate Bush and a tiny bit of Bjork she mixes childhood wonder with adult emotion and maybe a hint of sadness. Lovely stuff

8. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (Warp, 24/05)

Dubbed This years Fleet Foxes before the Lp was released, Veckatimest has lived up to the hype although I hope that it won't be liked by Jeremy Vine on radio 2 like FF (although they should be on every Radio station if people's idea of a beautiful record wasn't Susan Boyle. Moving onwards and upwards from the excellent Yellow House, Veckatimest is probably the best crafted and arranged record of the year. I love the way in which the band utilise silence to make every instrument matter and also some lovely harmonies and (non head or pubic) hair standing on air moments like when the keyboards play on Ready, Able. Also features one of my tracks of the year Two Weeks.

9. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South (Wichita, 4/05)

A surprise for me was that this album as so good after last year's disappointing solo debut. Easily better than Conor's Monsters of Folk project (although they were/are amazing live). Most of the album is countryrock/pop and my favourite track is Roosevelt Room, a song performed by but not recorded (at least released) by Bright Eyes.

10. Alela Diane - To Be Still (Names/Rough Trade 16/02)

I borrowed this album off a work colleague and was instantly impressed. Alela's lovely voice and songs have soundtracked many a relaxed working spring or summer morning.

11. Sonic Youth - The Eternal (Matador, 9/06)

I was really excited about this album when i'd heard the internet previews but was disappointed when I heard the full Lp. Obviously it's good as it's Sonic Youth but there's no real element of surprise as it's all ground which has been covered by the band before. Hearing their last album Rather Ripped was a bit like that as well,l after following Sonic Nurse which is possibly the bands best album to date and Murray Street which is also some of the band's best work. Despite this, if this album was by a new band it would probably be higher up this list. Let's just hope that their next album will hold more surprises.

12. BLK JKS - After Robots (Secretly Canadian, 21/09)

When i downloaded album opener Molalatladi from RCRDLBL.com it was the freshest most thrilling piece of rock music i'd heard all year. When I got this LP I was not disappointed and although the production is a bit murky at times and in no way as funky as the live show. There are loads of thrilling moments that sound like The Mars Volta at their best with vocalist and guitarist Linda Buthelazi's almost endless soloing. Album highlight Skeleton is the only track which sounds vaguely like TV on the Radio who they've bizarrely been compared to, and even then it's TVOTR gone reggae.

13. Eels - Hombre Lobo (E Works, 1/06)

It's good to have E (Mark Oliver Everett) back doing what he does best. This is one of Eels' rockier albums and is a lot better than their last Rock album Shootenanny. New album End Times is out in february and I hope that it's the Daisies of the Galaxy to this LP's Souljacker.

14. The Dead Weather - Horehound (3rd Man, 12/07)

Jack White's third best and Allison Mosshart's best band's debut Lp was a little disappointing on first listen but after seeing the live show I have listened to the album more. Like a lot of music it sounds better up loud.

15. Alessi's Ark - Notes From The Treehouse (Virgin/EMI, 4/05)

Producer and Folk monster Mike Mogis' overproduction couldn't stop Alessi's Ark from producing a nice folky pop record. I look forward to hearing her new material and hope it's a bit rawer sounding.

16. The Wave Pictures - If You Leave It Alone (Moshi Moshi, 3/05)

After seeing the wave pictures' charming yet rough around the edges live show I was pleasantly surprised by how good their albums were and at what a good lyricist and songwriter David Tattershall actually is. Not as rocky as last year's Instant Coffee Baby and featuring Ex Herman Dune Brother Stanley Brinks on woodwinds, this album successfully evokes Brinxes former bands wonky charm as well as still sounding like the new Hefner.

17. Emmy the Great - First Love (Close Harbour, 9/02)

I waited of this the debut from Emma Lee Moss for a while now as i've seen her live 5 times so far. Although no other song here is as good as stand out track - We Almost Had A Baby it's still a pretty good debut album.

18. Wildbirds And Peacedrums - The Snake (the Leaf label, 20/04)

I'd not really heard this band until they played the Arnolfini gallery's Mountain of 8 event in April. Even though for some reason i'd decided to sit upon a balcony far from the action, I was impressed by Mariam's voice and the percussion only sound. I will have to get a copy of their first album and see them live again up close.

19. The Fiery Furnaces - I'm Going Away

Despite being a simpler sounding album, I am not as excited about the Fiery Furnaces as I once was. This is more due to getting used to their sound as this sounds similar to Widow City to me. Nethertheless this is due to me listening to them too much rather than any lack of quality.

20. Taken By Trees - East Of Eden (Rough Trade, 6/09)

This was one of my more successful impulse purchases. I was impressed by how Victoria uses 'world' musicians (from Pakistan) and makes them part of the song rather than as an afterthought. Nice cover of Animal Collective too

*I have an art degree and there barely is anything in the Arnolfini that interests me and I do like GOOD installation art.

28+31/12/009: Ljubljana Holiday Winter Fair
venue: Prešernov trg, Ljubljana (SLO)
: Jan Plestenjak & Daniela
valuation: 10
visitors: Diederik Hoogenkamp, Marieke van Asten, Maarten Dekker, Inge Naaijkens, Michiel Nuyens, Michiel Satink, Dorien Leenders, JV

14/10/2009: Nick Cave
venue: Carré, Amsterdam
support act: -
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Michiel Satink, Diederik Hoogenkamp, JV

04/07/2009: Van Eigen Bodem (From Own Soil)
venue: Ter Pelkwijkpark, Zwolle
: André Manuel & Ketterse Fanfare, Heeren van Oranje
valuation: 5
visitors: Diederik Hoogenkamp, Liseotte van Velzen, Jasper Mulder, JV

29/05/2009 : Mala Vita
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: -
valuation: 7,5
visitors: Jelle van der Heijde, Jasper Mulder, Nanette Huijs, Liselotte van Velzen, Judith van Dijk, Moniek van Dijk, JV

13/05/2009: PJ Harvey & John Parish
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Tom Brosseau
valuation: 9
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Diederik Hoogenkamp, JV

05/05/2009: Bevrijdingsfestival, Zwolle
:
overall valuation: 6,5
visitors: Diederik Hoogenkamp, Michiel Satink, Marc Offenberg, Conrad van 't Erve, Dorien Leenders, Liselotte van Velzen, Judith van Dijk, JV

26/04/2009: Anna Ternheim
venue: Paradiso (upstairs), Amsterdam
support act: The Tiny
valuation: 6.5
visitors: Hans Klaverwijden, Eva Dekker, Charlie Versteege, Maarten Dekker, JV

13/02/2009: Blz. 15
venue: Ambelt, Zwolle
support act: -
valuation: 7
visitors: Diederik Hoogenkamp, Maarten Dekker, Michiel Satink, Dorien Leenders, Inge Naaijkens, Marieke van Asten, JV

17/11/2008: Sigur Rós
venue: Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
support act: For a Minor Reflection
valuation: 9
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, Jelle van der Heijde, Nanette Huijs, Ramses Duindam, JV

19/09/2008: Bon Iver
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Bowerbirds
valuation: 10
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

03-06/07/2008: Rock Werchter (B)
: Sigur Rós(10), Radiohead(9), Grinderman(9), Neil Young(6), dEUS(7), Band of Horses (7), Moby(6), Editors(7,5), Kings of Leon(8), Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, The National, The Verve, My Morning Jacket, MGMT, Duffy, Ben Folds, Mika, Justice, Underworld, Patrick Watson
visitors: Dorien Leenders, Conrad van ’t Erve, Jasper Mulder, Michiel Satink, JV

07/06/2008: Guillemots
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: The Dodos
valuation: 6
visitors: Marieke van Asten, Maarten Dekker, JV

12/05/2008: Eluvium
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Phosphorescent (upstairs)
valuation: 9
visitors: JV

05/05/2008: Bevrijdingsfestival, Zwolle
: Di-rect, Leaf, Krezip, Ferry Corsten, Typhoon, The Girls, Ilse de Lange, Mala Vita, Within Temptation
overall valuation: 6,5
visitors: Guido Versteeg, Jeroen Versteeg, Kirsten Verver, Liselotte van Velzen, Iris van Velzen, Judith van Dijk, Moniek van Dijk, Jasper Mulder, Jelle van der Heijde, Nanette Huijs, Corina Hendriks, Suzanne Rademaker, Inge Naaijkens, JV

02/05/2008: Madrugada
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: -
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Michiel Willebrands, Jasper Mulder, JV

26/04/2008: Chris Garneau
venue: Ekko, Utrecht
support act: -
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

15/04/2008: dEUS
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
support act: The Black Box Revelation
valuation: 8
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Eva Dekker, Gerard Dekker, Michiel Willebrands, Paul Leunissen, Jodi Leunissen, JV

26/03/2008: The National Bank
venue: Paradiso (upstairs)
support act: -
valuation: 7,5
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Marieke van Asten, Maarten Dekker, Eva Dekker, mamma Dekker, JV

01/03/2008: Band of Horses
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: The Cave Singers
valuation: 9
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Michiel Willebrands, Jasper Mulder, Mark van der Heide, Linda Vermeeren, JV

16/12/2007: The Twilight Sad
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam (upstairs)
support act: -
valuation: 7,5
visitors: Marc Offenberg, Michiel Willebrands, Michiel Satink, JV

28/11/2007: The National
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
support act: Hayden
valuation: 7,5
visitors: Gerard de Jong, Conrad van 't Erve, JV

16/11/2007: Great Lake Swimmers
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: Will Johnson
valuation: 8,5
visitors: Jasper Mulder, Michiel Satink, JV

15/11/2007: Beirut
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: NEONBELLE
valuation: 10
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

13/11/2007: The Arcade Fire
venue: Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
support act: Wild Light
valuation: 8,5
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

12/09/2007: Joanna Newsom
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: The Moore Brothers
valuation: 9
visitors: Michiel Willebrands, JV

23/08/2007: Grasweek
venue: Grote Kerkplein, Zwolle
: Moke, a balladeer, Room Eleven & Zuco 103
valuation: 5,5
visitors: Liselotte van Velzen, Judith van Dijk, Nanette Huijs, Jelle van der Heijde, Jasper Mulder, JV

17-19/08/2007: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: The Shins (8,5), The Arcade Fire (10), Tool (8), Kings of Leon (8,5), Editors (9), Interpol (9), Damien Rice (10), Sonic Youth (6), My Brightest Diamond (7), Basement Jaxx, Nine Inch Nails, Devendra Banhart, Loney, Dear, The Killers, Patrick Wolf, Turbonegro, Bernie's Lounge, The Black Seeds, Kaiser Chiefs
overall valuation: 9
visitors: Jelle van der Heijde, Nanette Huijs, Jasper Mulder, Inge Naaijkens, JV

12-15/07/2007: Dour Festival, Dour (B)
: The National, Bright Eyes, The Frames, Midlake, Two Gallants, My Little Cheap Dictaphone, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Wilco, Vive la Fête, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Mintzkov, Opgezwolle, Mudflow, The Slackers, Motorpsycho, Girls in Hawaii, The Experimental Tropic Blues Band, zZz
overall valuation: 9
visitors: Dorien Leenders, Michiel Satink, Conrad van 't Erve, Marc Offenberg, JV

08/07/2007: Björk
venue: Westerpark, Amsterdam
support act: Jamie Lidell, DJ Wiekes
valuation: 8
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, JV

04/06/2007: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
venue: Paradiso (upstairs), Amsterdam
support act: -
valuation: 4
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Marieke van Asten, JV

28/05/2007: Band of Horses
venue: Tivoli, Utrecht
support act: Wayne Robbins & The Hellsayers, The Apples in Stereo
valuation: 9
visitors: Michiel Satink, Jasper Mulder, Gerjos, JV

16/05/2007: Great Lake Swimmers
venue: Vliegende Paard, Zwolle
support act: Cool Genius
valuation: 8
visitors: Michiel Satink, Jasper Mulder, Marc Offenberg, Conrad van 't Erve, JV

05/05/2007: Bevrijdingsfestival
venue: Wezenlandenpark, Zwolle
: Zita Swoon, Normaal, Racoon, De Dijk, Postman, Roosbeef, La Troba Kung Fu, Delain, Van Velzen
valuation: 7
visitors: Corina Hendriks, Liselotte van Velzen, Jelle van der Heijde, Inge Naaijkens, Jasper Mulder, Linda Vermeeren, Mark van der Heide, Annemarie Schouw, Nanette Huijs, Judith van Dijk, JV

25/04/2007: Thomas Dybdahl
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Washington
valuation: 8,5
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Eva Dekker, Marieke van Asten, JV
www.fabchannel.com

25/03/2007: Anna Ternheim
venue: Cultureel Podium Roepaen, Ottersum
support act: Barbara Breedijk
valuation: 10
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Michiel Satink, Moniiq, Gerard de Jong, JV

07/02/2007: Razorlight
venue: Vredenburg, Utrecht
support act: Taxi to the Ocean
valuation: 7
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Linda Vermeeren, Mark van der Heide, JV

26/11/2006: Guillemots
venue: Tivoli, Utrecht
support act: Roosbeef
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

20/11/2006: Midlake
venue: Ekko, Utrecht
support act: -
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

17/11/2006: Crossing Border
venue: Theater aan het Spui, The Hague
: Midlake, TV on the Radio, Joan as Police Woman, The Films, Niels 't Hooft, Stephen Emmer & Sylvia Kristel
valuation: 9
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

27/10/2006: Thomas Dybdahl
venue: Paradiso (upstairs), Amsterdam
support act: -
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV
www.fabchannel.com

25/08/2006: HBO-introdag
venue: Grote Kerkplein, Zwolle
: The Sheer, Infadels e.a.
visitors: Liselotte van Velzen, Judith van Dijk, Jasper Mulder, JV

11/08/2006: Straatfestival
venue: Kerkbrugje, Zwolle
: Jovink & De Voederbietels
visitors: Liselotte van Velzen, Jasper Mulder, Judith van Dijk, Sandra Dumont, JV

08/07/2006: Van Eigen Bodem festival
venue: Rode Torenplein, Zwolle
: Ellen ten Damme & The Wild Romance, Van Dik Hout & Nou En?
visitors: Liselotte van Velzen, Linda Vermeeren, Jasper Mulder, Jelle van der Heijde, Nanette Huijs, Inge Naaijkens, JV

25/06/2006: Death Cab for Cutie
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Styrofoam
visitors: Michiel Satink, Maarten Dekker, JV

09/05/2006: Radiohead
venue: Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
support act: Willy Mason
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

05/05/2006: Bevrijdingsfestival
venue: Wezenlandenpark, Zwolle
: Heideroosjes, La Kinky Beat, Infadels, Roosbeef, Spinvis e.a.
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Corina Hendriks, Liselotte van Velzen, Jelle van der Heijde, Jasper Mulder, Linda Vermeeren, Annemarie Schouw, Nanette Huijs, Michiel Satink, Mark van der Heide, JV

28/02/2006: dEUS
venue: Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
support act: Elbow
visitors: Øystein Sverresen, Jeroen Versteeg, Domien Wauters, Conny Reinhoud, Maarten Dekker, Carin Doyer, JV

23/11/2005: Ane Brun
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: The Tiny
visitors: Øystein Sverresen, Maarten Dekker, JV

21/10/2005: dEUS
venue: Nighttown, Rotterdam
support act: Absynthe Minded
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

27/08/2005: HBO-Introdag
venue: Grote Kerkplein, Zwolle
: Racoon, Lange Frans & Baas B, Beef e.a.
visitors: Liselotte van Velzen, Judith van Dijk, Jasper Mulder, Jelle van der Heijde, Nanette Huijs, JV

19-21/08/2005: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: The Arcade Fire, Death From Above 1979, Foo Fighters, Franz Ferdinand, Incubus, De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, Kaiser Chiefs, The Magic Numbers, Marilyn Manson, Millionaire, Morcheeba, The Polyphonic Spree, Queens of the Stone Age
visitors: Øystein Sverresen, Liselotte van Velzen, Corina Hendriks, Jasper Mulder, Michiel Willebrands, Michiel Satink, Dorien Leenders, JV

02/07/2005: Soulwax
venue: ’t Paard, Den Haag
support act: 2nd Place Driver
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Gerard Dekker, Charlie Versteege, JV

07/06/2005: 100 years Independence of Norway
venue: Rådhusplassen, Oslo (NO)
: Turbonegro e.a.
visitors: Øystein Sverresen, Eirik, Ida, JV

30/04/2005: Koninginnedag
venue: Café De Koe, Amsterdam
: Ellen ten Damme e.a.
visitors: Øystein Sveressen, Liselotte van Velzen, Jelle van der Heijde, Nanette Huijs, Corina Hendriks, Inge Naaijkens, Jasper Mulder, Judith van Dijk, JV

01/11/2004: Soulwax
venue: Oosterpoort, Groningen
support act: -
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, JV

23/10/2004: Zita Swoon
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: Sleepingdog
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Michiel Satink, Léon Wieringa, Maarten Dekker, Gerard de Jong, JV

16/07/2004: 5 Days Off
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
: 2 Many DJ's, Erol Alkan, James Murphy, !!!,
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

10/06/2004: PJ Harvey
venue: Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
support act: Morris Tepper
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Bastiaan van Druiten, Danny, JV

01/04/2004: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: 2 Many DJ's, LCD Soundsystem
visitors: ?, JV

12/03/2004: Tom Barman & Guy Van Nueten
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: -
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

17/01/2004: Mintzkov Luna
venue: Paradiso (upstairs), Amsterdam
support act: Kamino
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, JV

12/12/2003: The Strokes
venue: Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
support act: Har Mar Superstar
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Maarten Dekker, JV

30/11/2003: Radiohead
venue: SECC, Glasgow (UK)
support act: Asian Dub Foundation
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

29-31/08/2003: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: Interpol, Moloko, Eels, The Polyphonic Spree, Stereophonics, Beck, Starsailor, The Rapture, Suede, PJ Harvey, Foo Fighters, 2 Many DJ’s
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, Michiel Satink, Jeroen Versteeg, Conny Reinhoud, Sabrine Christenhuis, JV

14/20/2003: Boo!
venue: Mercury, Cape Town (ZA)
support act: -
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Hedwich Tulp, Christo LeRoux, Bram, JV

07-09/02/2003: Up The Creek Festival, Swellendam (ZA)
: Moodphase 5, Freshly Ground, Sons Of Trout, Rudimentals, Valiant Swart e.a.
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Hedwich Tulp, Bram, Jeannette, JV

26/12/2002 : Ozark Henry
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: -
visitors: Gerard de Jong, JV

05/11/2002 : Coldplay
venue: Ahoy, Rotterdam
support act: Idlewild
visitors: Gerard de Jong, (Maarten Dekker), JV

21/09/2002: Bazar Curieux
venue: Nighttown, Rotterdam
: Daan, Millionaire
visitors: Janneke Mol, Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, JV

23-25/08/2002: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: Röyksopp, The Notwist, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Bees, Beef, Ozark Henry, Project Pitchfork, Millionaire, The Breeders, Dandy Warhols, Motorpsycho, 2 Many DJ’s, Mount Sims
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Jeroen Versteeg, Conny Reinhoud, Cedric Reinhoud, Maarten Dekker, JV

11/08/2002: We Love The 80s
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, JV

06-07/07/2002: Beach Rock, Oostende (B)
: Doves, Gorki, Paul Weller, Muse, Garbage, The Prodigy, Flip Kowlier, Primal Scream, No Doubt, Jamiroquai, Vive la Fête, David Bowie
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Joni Prescher, Jeroen Versteeg, Conny Reinhoud, Joyce Prescher, Guido, Kevin Rispin, Ollie, JV

26/06/2002: dEUS
venue: Nighttown, Rotterdam
support act: -
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Hedwich Tulp, JV

25/06/2002: dEUS
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: -
valuation: 10
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Jeroen Versteeg, Conny Reinhoud, JV

15/06/2002: Festival Mundial, Tilburg
: IM, Boo!, Beef
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Joni Prescher, JV

30/05/2002: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Gerard Dekker, Merel Moor, Maarten Dekker, JV

25/05/2002: Festival aan de Werf
venue: Neude, Utrecht
: The Dollybirds
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Joni Prescher, JV

18/05/2002: Millionaire
venue: Kelder, Amersfoort
support act: -
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, Janneke Mol, JV

25/04/2002: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Gerard Dekker, Michiel Satink, Maarten Dekker, Liselotte van Velzen, JV

21/03/2002: Millionaire
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Starfighter, Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Merel Moor, JV

15/03/2002: Millionaire
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: Wealthy Beggar
visitors: Janneke Mol, Jurriaan Meeuws, JV

28/02/2002: The Strokes
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Stereo Total, Fucking Dewaele Brothers
valuation: 10
visitors: Gerard de Jong, Maarten Dekker, Janneke Mol, JV

27/02/2002: Zita Swoon
venue: Stadsschouwburg, Amsterdam
support act: geen
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

16/02/2002: Tom Barman & Guy Van Nueten
venue: Stadsschouwburg, Amsterdam
support act: Daryll-Ann
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Janneke Mol, Michiel Satink, JV

24/01/2002: Boo!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Kopna Kopna
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Inge Naaijkens, Joni Prescher, JV

28/12/2001: 10 Hours Of Fucking Dewaele Brothers
venue: Nighttown, Rotterdam
support act: -
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Janneke Mol, Michiel Satink, Gerard Dekker, Maarten Dekker, JV

21/12/2001: Zita Swoon,
venue: Tivoli, Utrecht
support act: Beef
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

15/12/2001: Zita Swoon
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
support act: Beef
valuation: 9,5
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Guido Versteeg, Tiki Beijering, JV

19/10/2001: Millionaire,
venue: Waterfront, Rotterdam
support act: Starfighter
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

09/10/2001: Jamiroquai
venue: Ahoy, Rotterdam
support act : Shaznay Lewis
valuation: 2
visitors: Maarten Dekker, Guido Versteeg, Tiki Beijering, JV

05/10/2001: 30 jaar OOR
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
: Human League, Zoot Woman, Röyksopp, Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Inge Naaijkens, Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Gerard de Jong, JV

07/09/2001: Antwerp=Burning
venue: Club Geluk, Antwerpen (B)
: Louis Katorz, Fucking Dewaele Brothers, Mo & Benoeli
visitors: Janneke Mol, Liselotte van Velzen, Inge Naaijkens, Corina Hendriks, Hedwich Tulp, Maarten Dekker, Gerard de Jong, JV

01/09/2001: Boo!
venue: Magazijn, Gent (B)
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, Inge Naaijkens, Léon Wieringa, JV

30/08/2001: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

24-26/08/2001: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: Hooverphonic, Zoot Woman, Muse, Afro Celt Sound System, Fucking Dewaele Brothers, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Zita Swoon, DAAU, Eels, Pulp, Manu Chao
visitors: Janneke Mol, Hedwich Tulp, Inge Naaijkens, Corina Hendriks, Liselotte van Velzen, Jasper Mulder, Jeroen Wiegman, Michiel Willebrands, Jelle van der Heijde, JV

15/08/2001: Marktrock, Leuven (B)
: Frank Black & The Catholics, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, James Brown
visitors: David Bauwens, Laurence, Patrick, JV

06/08/2001: Lokerse Feesten, Lokeren (B)
: Roland Gift, Soulwax
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

31/07/2001: U2
venue: Gelredome, Arnhem
support act: Kelis
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Guido Versteeg, Tiki Beijering, JV

26/07/2001: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, JV

08/07/2001: Werfpop
venue: Burgemeester Van der Werfpark, Leiden
: Das Pop
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, JV

21/06/2001: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Fucking Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

02-04/06/2001: Pinkpop, Landgraaf
: Queens of the Stone Age, Johan, Papa Roach, Zita Swoon, The Hives, Anouk, Manic Street Preachers, Limp Bizkit, Radiohead
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Gerard de Jong, Michiel Satink, JV

05/05/2001: Bevrijdingsfestival
venue: Turfmarkt, Zwolle
: Brainpower, Zita Swoon, Novastar
visitors: Janneke Mol, Liselotte van Velzen, JV

14/04/2001: London Calling
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Superheroes, Snow Patrol, Ladytron, South, Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

12/04/2001: Muse
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: JJ72
visitors: Janneke Mol, Michiel Satink, JV

05/04/2001: Labels Nights
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Rob, Turin Brakes, Phoenix, Laidback Luke, Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Gerard de Jong, Maarten Dekker, JV

01/04/2001: Zita Swoon
venue: Oosterpoort, Groningen
support act: Boo!
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

30+31/03/2001: Motel Mozaïque
venue: Nighttown/Rotterdamse Schouwburg, Rotterdam
: Das Pop, Zita Swoon, Tom Barman and Guy van Nueten, Kung Fu's Discothèque, Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Michiel Satink, JV

03/03/2001: Das Pop
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: Wealthy Beggar
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Michiel Satink, JV

03/03/2001: Das Pop
venue: Plato, Zwolle
support act: -
visitors: JV

23/02/2001: Zita Swoon
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

22/02/2001: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Inge Naaijkens, Janneke Mol, Michiel Satink, Maarten Dekker, Gerard de Jong, Gerard Dekker, JV

01/02/2001: Das Pop
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Seedling, Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

27/01/2001: Novastar
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
support act: Miss Universe
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Michiel Satink, JV

05/01/2001: Eurosonic
venue: Huize Maas, Groningen
: Das Pop, Arling & Cameron, Phoenix
visitors: Janneke Mol, Inge Naaijkens, Michiel Satink, Gerard de Jong, Maarten Dekker, JV

21/12/2000: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Flying Dewaele Brothers, Richard Cameron
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

23/11/2000: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, Gerard Dekker, JV

02/11/2000: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Hedwich Tulp, Maarten Dekker, JV

05/10/2000: Arid
venue: Tivoli, Utrecht
support act: Gorki
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

01/10/2000: Richard Ashcroft
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

23/09/2000: Abel
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: ?
visitors: Janneke Mol, Inge Naaijkens, JV

16/09/2000: Radiohead
venue: Goffertpark, Nijmegen
support act: Sigur Rós
valuation: 10
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

15/09/2000: Radiohead
venue: Goffertpark, Nijmegen
support act: Sigur Rós
valuation: 10
visitors: Janneke Mol, Michiel Satink, Maarten Dekker, Gerard de Jong, JV

08/09/2000: Antwerp=Burning
venue: Club Geluk, Antwerpen (B)
: Louis Katorz, Flying Dewaele Brothers, Tom Barman
visitors: Janneke Mol, Inge Naaijkens, Maarten Dekker, JV

25-27/08/2000: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: Coldplay, Max Pashm, Vive la Fête, Sigur Rós, Underworld, Paddy Casey, Him, An Pierlé, Limp Bizkit, Muse
visitors: Janneke Mol, Liselotte van Velzen, Hedwich Tulp, Corina Hendriks, Michiel Willebrands, Jeroen Wiegman, Pim Besseler, Jelle van der Heijde, Jasper Mulder, JV

27/07/2000: Noodlanding!
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
: Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Michiel Satink, Silent Mike, JV

02/07/2000: Rock Werchter, Werchter (B)
: A Perfect Circle, Soulwax, Eels, Live, Travis, Lamb, The Cure
visitors: Janneke Mol, Liselotte van Velzen, Michiel Willebrands, Annemarie, JV

10-12/06/2000: Pinkpop, Landgraaf
: The Tea Party, Bush, Oasis, Tracy Bonham, Novastar, Krezip, Junkie XL, Madrugada, Muse, Arid, Gomez, Travis, Moby
visitors: Janneke Mol, Michiel Satink, Guido Versteeg, Tiki Beijering, JV

08/06/1999: Bang On A Can: Music For Airports
venue: Schiphol Plaza, Amsterdam
:
visitors: Gerard de Jong, Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

01/06/2000: Novastar
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, Jurriaan Meeuws, Rachel Egberts, Michiel Willebrands, JV

25/05/2000: Doe Maar
venue: Ahoy, Rotterdam
support act: Eboman
visitors: Janneke Mol, Roos Wisse, JV

21/04/2000: Novastar (cancelled)
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: An Pierlé
visitors: Janneke Mol, Jurriaan Meeuws, Rachel Egberts, Michiel Willebrands, JV

08/04/2000: Howie B
venue: Groninger Museum, Groningen
support act: Anton Corbijn - WERK
visitors: Maarten Dekker, JV

24/03/2000: PIAS 10th Anniversary Party
venue: Tivoli, Utrecht
: DJ Eddy De Clerq, Boots, Gorelev, DJ Hepcat, Soulwax, Flying Dewaele Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Diederik Hoogenkamp, JV

18/03/2000: Travis
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
support act: Keith Caputo
visitors: Janneke Mol, Gerard de Jong, Maarten Dekker, Diederik Hoogenkamp, Stefanie Rotard, JV

08/02/2000: Ocean Colour Scene
venue: Oosterpoort, Groningen
support act: Pale
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

03/12/1999: Suede
venue: Vredenburg, Utrecht
support act: Arid
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

27/11/1999: Arid
venue: Hedon, Zwolle
support act: Pieter-Jan de Smet
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, Gerard de Jong, JV

13/11/1999: Travis
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

08/11/1999: Supergrass
venue: Vredenburg, Utrecht
support act: Snow Patrol
visitors: Janneke Mol, Diederik Hoogenkamp, JV

03/11/1999: Ocean Colour Scene
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: J. Perkin
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

08/09/1999: Soulwax
venue: Tivoli, Utrecht
support act: U-Gene & Oh-Jay
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

27-29/08/1999: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: Lit, Cornelius, Super Furry Animals, The Cardigans, Suede, Fountains of Wayne, Kashmir, Postmen, Soulwax, Supergrass, dEUS, Flying Dewaele Brothers, Reef, Zita Swoon, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Kula Shaker, Chemical Brothers
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maaike Mol, Liselotte van Velzen, Corina Hendriks, Jeroen Wiegman, JV

27/06/1999: Flying Dewaele Brothers
venue: ‘t Paard, Den Haag
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

27/06/1999: Parkpop
venue: Zuiderpark, Den Haag
: Supersub, Ceasar, 3 Colours Red, Ky-Mani, Soulwax, Blondie
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maarten Dekker, JV

13/06/1999: Tibetan Freedom Concert
venue: RAI, Amsterdam
: Luscious Jackson, NRA, Joe Strummer, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Thom Yorke, Urban Dance Squad, Alanis Morissette, Garbage, Blur
visitors: Janneke Mol, Maaike Mol, JV

27/05/1999: DAAU
venueHedon, Zwolle
support act: ?
visitors: Janneke Mol, Gerard de Jong, Jelte Arntzen, Maarten Dekker, JV

22-24/05/1999: Pinkpop, Landgraaf
: Right Direction, Band Zonder Banaan, Idlewild, Frank Black & The Catholics, DAAU, Luka Bloom, Urban Dance Squad, Underworld, Ilse de Lange, Soulwax, Manic Street Preachers, Robbie Williams, Skunk Anansie, Lauryn Hill, Kula Shaker, Faithless
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

06/05/1999: Kula Shaker
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Furslide
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

21/04/1999: Jurriaan
venue: Vliegende Paard, Zwolle
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, Gerard de Jong, Maarten Dekker, Paulien Nengerman, Roos Wisse, JV

13/04/1999: dEUS
venue: Oosterpoort, Groningen
support act: The Notwist
visitors: Janneke Mol, Gerard de Jong, Maarten Dekker, Ramses Duindam, JV

29/03/1999: Manic Street Preachers
venue: Vredenburg, Utrecht
support act: The Dollybirds
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

05/03/1999: Pigmeat
venue: Eureka, Zwolle
support act: -
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

20/01/1999: The PER
venue: Stairway to Heaven, Utrecht
support act: -
visitors: Karina Noziglia, JV

09/11/1998: Manic Street Preachers
venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam
support act: Mansun
visitors: Janneke Mol, Gerard de Jong, Jurriaan Meeuws, JV

07/10/1998: Kent
venue: Tivoli, Utrecht
support act: ?
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

28-30/08/1998: A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, Biddinghuizen
: Supergrass, Kent, Green Day, Beastie Boys, Apocalyptica, Acda & De Munnik, Skik, Moonspell, Therapy?, Faithless, Metal Molly, Heather Nova, Monster Magnet, Caesar, Deftones, Fun Lovin’ Criminals
visitors: Liselotte van Velzen, Corina Hendriks, Sandra Goerree, Margriet, Jeroen Wiegman, Pim Besseler, Janneke Mol, Wouko, JV

30/05-01/06/1998: Pinkpop, Landgraaf
: Supersub, Primus, Caesar, The Posies, The Dandy Warhols, Skik, Van Dik Hout, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Imaani Coppola, Ocean Colour Scene, Anouk, NOFX, K’s Choice, Smashing Pumpkins, The Verve
visitors: Janneke Mol, Michiel Satink, Gerard de Jong, Liselotte van Velzen, Hedwich Tulp, JV

15/03/1998: Shane MacGowan & The Popes
venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam
support act: Pigmeat
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

13/02/1998: The PER
venue: Brooklyn, Middelburg
support act: -
visitors: Niels Bootsma, Fabiola Inostroza, Karina Noziglia, JV

27/11/1997: Oasis
venue: Brabanthallen, Den Bosch
support act: The Seahorses
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

02/11/1997: The PER
venue: Stairway to Heaven, Utrecht
support act: -
visitors: Karina Noziglia, JV

30/10/1997: Bush
venue: Ahoy, Rotterdam
support act: 3 Colours Red
visitors: Janneke Mol, JV

13/10/1997: Radiohead
venue: Ahoy, Rotterdam
support act: Sparklehorse
visitors: Karina Noziglia, Angelo Noziglia, Michiel Satink, Gerard de Jong, Janneke Mol, Linda Vermeeren, JV

19/07/1997: U2
venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam
support act: Skunk Anansie
visitors: Karina Noziglia, JV

04-05/07/1997: Torhout/Werchter, Torhout (B)
: Suede, David Bowie, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Supergrass, Spearhead, Live, Sheryl Crow, Radiohead, Jamiroquai, dEUS, Smashing Pumpkins, The Prodigy
visitors: Sander van Elteren, Jeroen Versteeg, Marie-Louise, Tamara, JV

26/06/1997: The PER
venue: Braderie, Middelburg
support act: -
visitors: Fabiola Inostroza, Karina Noziglia, JV

19/05/1997: Pinkpop, Landgraaf
: Fountains of Wayne, Cake, Eels, Supergrass, Dodgy, Kula Shaker, Counting Crows, Live, Bush, Beck
visitors: Karina Noziglia, JV

26/04/1997: The PER
venue: De Piek, Vlissingen
support act: -
visitors: Fabiola Inostroza, Karina Noziglia, JV

04/09/1996: HBO-Introdag
venue: Wezenlandenpark, Zwolle
: Hans Dulfer, Skik, Pater Moeskroen
visitors: Karina Noziglia, JVMala Vita

Title is pretty self explanatory, no? Definitely some discrepancies with my year end lists but hey, we all evolve (or devolve). As usual it's my favorite albums, not what I think are the BEST albums. The list is a little weird, I was 12 when the decade started, I started to buy CDs regularly around the age of 8. Probably the only list with Wilco and The Unseen. Also it made me realize all the jazz I listen to is pre-1977 (except John Zorn, natch).


50. Andrew Wk - I Get Wet (2001)


49. Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)


48. Radiohead - Kid A (2000)


47. The Velvet Underground – Bootleg Series, Vol. 1: The Quine Tapes (2001)


46. Aphex Twin – Drukqs (2001)


45. Alkaline Trio – From Here To Infirmary (2001)


44. Lemuria – Get Better (2008)


43. Be Your Own Pet – Be Your Own Pet (2006)


42. The Thermals – Now We Can See (2009)


41. The Hives – Tyrannosaurus Hives (2004)


40. Paint It Black – New Lexicon (2008)


39. Against Me! – As the Eternal Cowboy (2003)


38. The Thermals – Fuckin A (2004)


37. blink-182 – Take Off Your Pants And Jacket (2001)


36. Paul Baribeau – Grand Ledge (2007)


35. Cryptopsy – Once Was Not (2005)


34. The Gaslight Anthem – Sink or Swim (2007)


33. Danger Mouse – The Grey Album (2004)


32. Animal Collective – Feels (2005)


31. Mister Monster – Over Your Dead Body (2001)


30. The White Stripes – White Blood Cells (2001)


29. OutKast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2005)


28. Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out Of This Country (2006)


27. Lifetime – Lifetime (2007)


26. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend (2008)


25. The Unseen – Explode (2003)


24. New Found Glory – New Found Glory (2000)


23. NOFX – Pump Up the Valuum (2000)


22. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven (2000)


21. Saves the Day – Stay What You Are (2001)


20. Elliott Smith - From a Basement on the Hill (2004)


19. The Gaslight Anthem - The ’59 Sound (2008)


18. Leftover Crack – Mediocre Generica (2001)


17. Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam (2007)


16. Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning (2005)


15. Rancid – Rancid (2000) (2000)


14. Ted Leo and The Pharmacists – The Tyranny of Distance (2001)


13. The White Stripes – Get Behind Me Satan (2005)


12. The Strokes – Room on Fire (2003)


11. Death From Above 1979 - You're A Woman, I'm A Machine (2004)


10. Tom Waits – Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards (2006)


9. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)


8. Weezer – Weezer (The Green Album) (2001)


7. The Bouncing Souls – How I Spent My Summer Vacation (2001)


6. Green Day – Warning (2000)


5. The Bouncing Souls – The Gold Album (2006)


4. The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine (2006)


3. The Ergs! – Dorkrockcorkrod (2003)


2. Against Me! – Reinventing Axl Rose (2002)


1. The Strokes – Is This It (2001)



Year Count:
2000: 7
2001: 13
2002: 2
2003: 4
2004: 5
2005: 5
2006: 5
2007: 4
2008: 4
2009: 1



Almost Interesting Facts:
- Love at the time the record came out is factored in, for example I don’t listen to The Unseen’s Explode that much now but it was one of my favorite records for a while after it was released.

- The band with the most albums is The Thermals with three.

- There are 7 bands with multiple albums (The Strokes, The Thermals, Against Me!, Animal Collective, The White Stripes, The Gaslight Anthem, and The Bouncing Souls) representing 15 albums of the 50.

- Out of my four 2008 albums, only one made it on my Top 10 of 2008 post at the time (All 5 records from 2006 made my Top 10 at the time, 2 out of 4 from 2007 and the only album I have from 2009 was my #1 for that year)

- Unsurprisingly, it looks as if the longer an album stays with me it’s more likely it would wind up on the list as 44% of the albums are from the first 3 years of the decade alone. Also, no album in the Top 16 was released after 2006.

Just the new day has started I chose a new fantastic tune:
Bright Eyes - Method Acting especially the version on Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground

Jan 3, 2009 - Jan 3, 2010

TOP20ARTISTS
1) Belanova 1299 plays
2) Bright Eyes 967 plays
3) Zoé 671 plays
4) ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 606 plays
5) GReeeeN 486 plays
6) The Killers 441 plays
7) Bloc Party 402 plays
8) Patrick Wolf 382 plays
9) AFI 233 plays
10) Stars 211 plays
11) Coldplay 195 plays
12) Lily Allen 194 plays
13) Minus the Bear 184 plays
14) Oasis 175 plays
15) Enanitos Verdes 160 plays
16) Gorillaz 156 plays
17) 宇多田ヒカル 156 plays
18) 浜崎あゆみ 154 plays
19) Death Cab for Cutie 148 plays
20) The Beatles 147 plays

TOP10SONGS
1) Baila Mi Corazón - Belanova 163 plays
2) Paso El Tiempo - Belanova 121 plays
3) キセキ - GReeeeN 104 plays
4) Dulce Fantasía - Belanova 90 plays
5) Barco De Papel - Belanova 85 plays
6) Rosa Pastel - Belanova 79 plays
7) 歩み - GReeeeN 75 plays
8) Por Ti - Belanova 74 plays
9) Tus Ojos - Belanova 73 plays
10) Luna - Zoé and STEP you - 浜崎あゆみ 67 plays (tie)

TOP10ALBUMS
1) Fantasía Pop - Belanova 568 plays
2) Dulce Beat - Belanova 370 plays
3) Cocktail - Belanova 351 plays
4) Reptilectric - Zoé 321 plays
5) あっ、ども。おひさしぶりです。 - GReeeeN 286 plays
6) Memo Rex Commander y el Corazón Atómico de la Vía Láctea - Zoé 258 plays
7) Intimacy Bloc Party 252 plays
8) Digital Ash in a Digital Urn - Bright Eyes 205 plays
9) World World World ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 195 plays
10) Cassadaga - Bright Eyes 183 plays

1. Tori Amos, "Scarlet's Walk" (2002)
2. Gillian Welch, "Time (The Revelator)" (2001)
3. Brooke Waggoner, "Heal for the Honey" (2008)
4. Arcade Fire, "Funeral" (2004)
5. Dixie Chicks, "Home" (2002)
6. The Innocence Mission, "Befriended" (2003)
7. Björk, "Vespertine" (2001)
8. Tori Amos, "American Doll Posse" (2007)
9. Bright Eyes, "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" (2005)
10. Sufjan Stevens, "Seven Swans" (2004)
11. Laura Veirs, "Saltbreakers" (2007)
12. Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris, "All the Roadrunning" (2006)
13. Regina Spektor, "Begin to Hope" (2006)
14. The Acorn, "Glory Hope Mountain" (2007)
15. The Swell Season, "Once (Music from the Motion Picture)" (2007)
16. Bic Runga, "Beautiful Collision" (2002)
17. Tori Amos, "The Beekeeper" (2005)
18. Midlake, "The Trials Of Van Occupanther" (2006)
19. The Shins, "Chutes Too Narrow" (2003)
20. Woodpigeon, "Treasury Library Canada" (2008)
21. Frightened Rabbit, "The Midnight Organ Fight" (2008)
22. Alanis Morissette, "Flavors of Entanglement" (2008)
23. The Swell Season, "Strict Joy" (2009)
24. Mates of State, "Re-Arrange Us" (2008)
25. Tori Amos, "Abnormally Attracted To Sin" (2009)
26. Dan Bern, "New American Language" (2001)
27. Dixie Chicks, "Taking The Long Way" (2006)
28. Sam Phillips, "A Boot and a Shoe" (2004)
29. Joanna Newsom, "The Milk-Eyed Mender" (2004)
30. Joan as Police Woman, "Real Life" (2006)
31. Sufjan Stevens, "Come On! Feel The Illinoise!" (2005)
32. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, "Raising Sand" (2007)
33. Anaïs Mitchell, "The Brightness" (2007)
34. Coldplay, "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" (2002)
35. Horse Feathers, "House With No Home" (2008)
36. Neil Young, "Silver & Gold" (2000)
37. Loretta Lynn, "Van Lear Rose" (2004)
38. Tori Amos, "Strange Little Girls" (2001)
39. Kate Bush, "Aerial" (2005)
40. Vienna Teng, "Warm Strangers, (2003)
41. Aimee Mann, "@#%&*! Smilers" (2008)
42. Rufus Wainwright, "Poses" (2001)
43. Cat Power, "You Are Free" (2003)
44. Laura Veirs, "Year of Meteors" (2005)
45. Ron Sexsmith, "Retriever" (2004)
46. Antony and the Johnsons, "I Am a Bird Now" (2005)
47. Martha Wainwright, "Martha Wainwright" (2005)
48. Ani DiFranco, "Revelling/Reckoning" (2001)
49. The Innocence Mission, "We Walked In Song" (2007)
50. Kate Tucker & the Sons of Sweden, "Kate Tucker & the Sons of Sweden" (2007)

As well as doing my own, I got 28 of my friends to vote for their top albums of the decade. I collated the lists, and these are the results, along with what people said about them. Yes, it is quite Radiohead-centric.

1. Arcade Fire - Funeral

"At once familiar and foreign, hysterical and blissed-out on mortality and vampirism, I’m jealous when I listen to it because I want to be in the gang. Whether that’s Arcade Fire’s gang or the long haired kids in the snow who forgot everything’s names I’m not so sure. Either way, as a balanced and intelligent response to mortality it sure beats most other artist’s attempts that I can think of. That would be another list with a lot of Warren Zevon on it."

"I think Arcade Fire are one of the most interesting bands to come out of the past ten years. Funeral is just a beautiful record, and I love the fact that it was the first album I listened to with violins being used as an ‘indie’ instrument as opposed to a classical instrument."

"This album has such a passion to it, it's like a baroque march to celebrate life in its good and evil aspects. I think Tunnels might be the most touching song of the decade."

"Brilliant, obviously. Sounds amazing and there’s not a bad song."

"Simply awesome. The instrumentation is brilliant. It ushered in a new era of music as the sound was unique in my opinion. Deservedly number two in my list."

"Lovely stuff. I can still vividly remember where I was when I first heard it."

"Massively skillful multi-instrumental sing-a-long sounds, best listened to in a
stadium or field with as many people as possible."

"This is my favourite album of the decade because it was the start of a new sound that was unmistakably Arcade Fire. Listening to each tune on here is like eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away because you just feel better after listening to it. Love it. And as Mr Hot Chocolate might have said (and he's a man that knows his music): "Every song’s a winner, baby. That’s the truth.""

2. The Strokes - Is This It

"Yes, it is. Can't really say much that hasn't been said. Astonishing and 10 years ahead of its time maybe?"

"This is by no means the best album musically-speaking on my list. However, it deserves its number two placement for the fact that it changed my music taste forever. ‘Trying Your Luck’ and ‘Barely Legal’ were the songs that soundtracked my early teens and started my love for all things guitary. Pretty boys are also a plus here. Lovely times."

"Every single song is a tune! Never get bored of it."

"The noughties would have sounded completely different had this album never been made. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that at least a third of the albums that make it into this list would never have been made without this."

3. Radiohead - Kid A

"What can be said that hasn't already?"

"Whatever they did after OK Computer was going to be successful, but who'd have known it would be as brilliantly original as this? It's a cliché, but every time I hear this I find something new and it still sounds as fresh as the first time I heard it. Oh, and I'll never get tired of spazzing out to Idioteque."

"Still brilliant (despite Treefingers)."

"Hot bed after a luke-warm evening."

"Music from my other home planet."

"The new decade had just begun and Radiohead basically created a sonic environment for it, which contained all the social/political feelings soon to be reaffirmed - such as alienation, uncontrolled fears, confusion, lies."

4. Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights

"Summer 2003. A Golden Summer."

"The best from the New Wave revival: stunning vocals, bass and guitar plus blinding darkness at the right intensity."

"Three words: New York cares."

5. Elbow - Asleep In The Back

"This should have been the album that propelled them to greatness, but I'm kind of glad it didn't. It still feels like my little secret and I feel like Guy Garvey's singing to me and only me every time I hear it. This album means more to me than any other record by any other band, and my world would be much worse off without it. There was no way this was going to be anything other than my number one."

"These are good, aren’t they? The vocals are so joyously broken and the music so textured, it’s like falling in love and breaking up at the same time. Each time I have seen them live I have had a big cry with a smile on my face (at the air-punch bit in Newborn) which sounds like a voiceover from The Wonder Years but is actually true."

"Mis$pent youth & Guy Garvey hug fullness."

"One of the first albums to introduce me to music so moving, it makes you cry. All four of Elbow’s albums are fabulous, but this is the one that stands out sonically and emotionally. I always find you can listen to this album at any time of day and it just makes sense, whether it’s dark and the street’s dead, or it’s the hottest afternoon of the year and you’re driving somewhere nice."

6. Radiohead - In Rainbows

"Every. Song. Is. Amazing."

"Not fair to write this good an album at this stage of a career."

"10 delicate and perfect pieces of genius. Not my favourite Radiohead album, but the best."

"Not Radiohead's best album of the decade, but certainly their most melodic. Thom's voice has never sounded so good."

7. The Postal Service - Give Up

"An album that always makes me want to dance!"

"The album that opened my eyes to a whole new type of music. Such Great Heights is always guaranteed to fill a dancefloor. Somewhat perversely, I hope they never make another album together again. This one – and especially the story behind it – is just too perfect."

8. The Streets - Original Pirate Material

"Urban poetry set to garage beats. Sounds like it should be shite. It certainly isn't."

9. The National - Alligator

"I probably listen to this about once a week. I want to be in The National."

"I love this album the most. The one thing I realised while making this list (other than how many good albums came out in 1999) was that while the other 29 choices were hard this was not. The playing, the lyrics and the mood of the album fit perfectly and it sounds like the soundtrack to all things bloody and good."

"My favourite song changes every time I listen to it. And I like it when he swears."

10. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

"I was 16 and in my last year of school when this came out, it was all I listened to for a good few months, and it sold shitloads for a reason, it’s a great album, even if you old fuckers probably don’t like it."

11. Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

"Proof that A&R men really are fucking stupid. The brilliance and subsequent success of this album left Reprise Records with egg on their face. This album completely transformed Wilco from alt.country also-rans to the American Radiohead."

12. The Libertines - Up the Bracket

"Still sounds raw and fresh today, Pete might be a twat, Babyshambles and Dirty Pretty Things shite, but this album is quality. Time for Heroes in particular is one of the best songs of the decade."

"I hate what they spawned (Razorlight, Dirty Pretty Things, The Kooks, etc), but this is a perfect example of great British lad rock."

13. Radiohead - Amnesiac

"Patchy, but when it’s good it is very, very good."

"Cold bed after not enough sleep; icy itchy dream."

"Probably Radiohead's most overlooked album, due to it being seen as you-know-what's inferior counterpart, but this definitely deserves acclaim in its own right. Pyramid Song is probably the most perfect piece of music ever put to record."

14. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

"Simply beautiful."

"If you let it, this album can take over your life. Achingly brilliant. Words can’t do this album justice."

15. Radiohead - Hail To The Thief

"Dusting off the guitars and pushing the electronics to the background, Radiohead made their most accessible album of the decade so far. Possibly overlong and a bit disjointed, but Sail To The Moon, Where I End And You Begin and Wolf At The Door meant that it was unwise to write this off as their worst album since Pablo Honey."

16. Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid

"At last, some recognition for a great band who have strived for years for success. When I first heard them, reminded me of early prog rock, but not as morbid. With Seldom Seen Kid, they kept their musicianship and superb singing of previous albums, but added the extra quality to make the album my overwhelming choice as number one."

17. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

"Almost as good as their debut, but not quite. Still all the songs are brilliant, a different sound to most bands."

"I'm glad they didn't try to make Funeral II, because loads of other bands had tried to do that already, without much success. This didn't have quite the same impact on me as Funeral, but it had just as many top tunes, and deservedly propelled them to the top. They should make another album. NOW!"

18. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

"Who cares if it's not the authentic sound of Africa? Music is all about taking other people's ideas, changing them and taking them to new places, and this album's all about the music. It's got tunes by the bucketload and if it doesn't make you happy, then nothing will."

19. Coldplay - Parachutes

"This might actually deserve to be number 1, but is devalued by subsequent drivel."

"Not bedwetter music, just some brilliantly honest and accessible tunes. They deserved success after this, but they should have done better with it."

20. PJ Harvey - Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea

"Perfectly constructed and heart felt pop songs."

"This album will always recall walking around Manhattan being completely overjoyed at just being there. PJ Harvey was my first introduction to strong girl singers, with This Is Love soon becoming one of my personal angsty anthems. Everything about it is just brilliant; from the romanticism of Good Fortune, which always makes me want to sing along and smile like a maniac, to the warming, no-holds-barred confessional We Float. There’s nothing better than an album that takes you back to the best moments of your life, which simply has to mean that Stories... is my honorary album of the past ten years."

21. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm

"If, like me, you were 15 when this came out and into your indie music, this album was essential listening. They may have gone shit, but this deserves a place in the top five."

22. Modest Mouse - The Moon & Antarctica

"Whoa. Post-existentialist rock at its best, Isaac Brock is definitely one of the most effective lyricists around. I need not say more."

"I love how little musical themes keep reappearing throughout this album. Wonderfully overblown."

23. The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

"Possibly better than the genius Soft Bulletin. When I listen to this album bright colours jump out at me like being a kid at the fair!"

24. Kings of Leon - Because of the Times

"Just top-to-toe a superb album."

"They went from the Southern Strokes to the Southern U2 within four albums, but before they went all Bono and self-righteous and shit they made sure they released the best album of their career. They should have stopped here."


25. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Fever To Tell

"I originally wrote these off as annoying yelpy scenesters, but then I heard Maps and everything changed. Date With The Night and Y Control will always remind me of spaz dancing in Leeds."

26. Deftones - White Pony

"The metal Radiohead..."

"Probably the first - and maybe only - metal album I ever loved. They'd never top this."

27. Sigur Rós - ( )

"The best thing Sigur Ros ever did."

"I love how they reigned back their sound on this, so rather than each song developing into a climax, the whole album does. This is a record that should be heard in one sitting, preferably while having a bath."

28. Sigur Rós - Ágætis byrjun

"I first heard Svefn-g-englar on a free Melody Maker cd, but preferred the JJ72 song that was on there, so didn't really pay them much attention. I went back to them a few months later and realised what I'd been missing out on. This album is just excellent from start to finish, and Starálfur should have done what Hoppipolla eventually did for them a few years later."

29. Bright Eyes - Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground

"Oh I’m Sorry…” “No, it’s okay, it’s okay… One, two, three, one two three…"

"As a latecomer to Bright Eyes – I didn’t hear this album until 2005 – I’ve made up for lost time by devoting endless hours of listening over the past few years. This is my favourite Bright Eyes album, despite its flaws (annoying lyrical asides… “That was really great!”, “Can I get a GODDAMN timpani roll???”…) The last 25 minutes of this album are particularly special."

30. Queens of the Stone Age - Rated R

"This is so much better than Songs For The Deaf, whatever other people think. Better Living Through Chemistry is the standout track, but it's all great. Even the discordant horns at the end couldn't put me off. A brilliant, straight-up rock album."

As difficult to choose as 2005 was...

1. Our Earthly Pleasures - Maxïmo Park
2. Boxer - The National
3. An End Has a Start - Editors
4. Kapitulation - Tocotronic
5. Neon Bible - Arcade Fire
6. Cassadaga - Bright Eyes
7. Let's Stay Friends - Les Savy Fav
8. Voxtrot - Voxtrot
9. It's Not How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land - Soulsavers
10. Music From The Motion Picture Once - Once (Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Runners-up: The Stage Names - Okkervil River, Untrue - Burial, Boys And Girls In America - The Hold Steady, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon, Raising Sand - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Sink or Swim - The Gaslight Anthem, Cryptograms - Deerhunter, Cross - Justice, In Rainbows - Radiohead, Reunion Tour - The Weakerthans, Everything Last Winter - Fields, Sound Of Silver - LCD Soundsystem