I’ve told many people that this year is far better than 2008 was for music releases. Maybe it has to do with just getting this blog up and going so I am more aware of releases and new musicians but it’s been a fun ride so far.

Below are my contenders for album of the year and at this point they are in no particular order. This gives record labels enough time to start buying my influence.

Taking a break from the New Pornographers, Carl Newman, released his long over due  follow up to 2004′s The Slow Wonder. It’s been difficult separating AC Newman from the New Pornographers as Newman takes lead vocals in both acts. So if you’re a fan of one you will more than likely be a fan of the other.

It is a bit of a faux pas to put Barcelona’s Absolutes on the top ten list for 2009 seeing as it is a re-release from 2007 but this is my list so my rules. My only concern with this band is that they are going to turn into the next Fray and end up on all the tween drama shows. Then I’ll have to stop listening and say that they are too main stream for me in order to keep my indie snobbery and that will be a sad day.

I don’t say this very often but Other Lives S/T album is just beautiful music. Definitely not road trip music but it is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon. You can watch an intimate live performance over at Hear Ya Sessions.

Mastodon’s Crack The Skye is my surprise album of the year. I am not fond of their previous releases but on their latest release they seemed to have brought the crunch down a little in order to make some great prog-metal.

It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that I am smitten by Silversun Pickup’s Swoon. It has been on continuous play in my car for the past few months and there is no sign of wearing out it’s welcome any time soon.

Loney, Dears’ Dear John was the first album to make the list this year which really ends up putting it at a disadvantage as I have been listening to it the longest so the excitement might wear off by the end of the year.

And we still have some great releases expected through the end of the year from The Dead Weather, Imogen Heap, Muse, Arctic Monkeys and Mew just to name a few.