With this, now that it’s January 2nd, we’re done with our Best of 2009 series.  It’s gone on entirely too long, and is probably more self-congratulatory than necessary, but here’s the last one:

I decided to go a more general route with my favorite songs of 2009, and focus more on what I actually listened to over the course of the past 12 months.  A lot of times I am struck by songs long after they are a part of my library, and my listening habits are often products of the time of year, my mood, etc., rather than just what I find to be good.  There’s nothing right or wrong here – and, in fact, each of the Top 5 songs on this list weren’t from albums that made my Best of the Year.  It’s easier to find a song to like rather than an album, and so what I listen to is more an exercise in what has endured, continues to be personally affecting, and ultimately strikes a chord.

1. Local Natives – Airplanes (mp3)
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Local Natives this year; their debut album Gorilla Manor has already been released in the UK, and is set to come out here at some point in 2010 (I would assume.) From what I’ve heard from the band so far, the album should be incredible.

2. Discovery – Orange Shirt
Discovery’s album held a lot of promise after I first heard “Orange Shirt.” And while it didn’t particularly live up to what I built it up to be, “Orange Shirt” is so perfectly a 21st-Century love song – synthesized, vaguely egotistical, global – that it can’t possibly be ignored.

3. Empire of the Sun – Walking On a Dream
Chalk EotS‘s debut up as another one I was disappointed by after hearing the lead single. Regardless, “Walking On a Dream” is catchy as hell, and its swirly falsetto sticks in my head each time it comes on.

4. Vetiver – Everyday
My first real repeat listen of 2009, “Everyday” is adoring in its simplicity. Mix one part sentimental lyrics, an easygoing guitar and tambourine, and you’ll have a recipe that gets me every time.

5. Blitzen Trapper – Furr
Dave and I interviewed 3 of the 6 members of Blitzen Trapper back in February when they were in town, and to prepare, I listened to Furr non-stop in the weeks prior. The title track is a folk-story set to music, and it’s pretty damn perfect.

6. White Denim – Radio Milk How Can You Stand It
7. The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
8. Cut Off Your Hands – You and I

9. Scott Matthews – Eyes Wider Than Before (mp3)
I picked this song out of an episode of Friday Night Lights early on in the year, and its understated vocals and acoustic guitar made it impossible for me to not listen to.

10. Andrew Bird – Anonanimal
11. Jamie Lidell – Another Day
12. Dirty Projectors – Cannibal Resource
13. Florence + The Machine – Dog Days Are Over

14. Kid Cudi – Simple As… (mp3)
I run to this one. It matches my current pace – but even better, it’s an excellent song.

15. Mayer Hawthorne – Maybe So, Maybe No
16. Dan Auerbach – Whispered Words (Pretty Lies)
17. Modest Mouse – 3rd Planet
18. Tokyo Police Club – Be Good
19. Mark Ronson – Valerie (feat. Amy Winehouse)

20. Darwin Deez – Radar Detector (mp3)
This song came out of nowhere for me. I picked it up from RCRD LBL, and it knocked me over with its almost childlike love story, and its ability to work its way directly into my brain.

21. Ray LaMontagne – Trouble
22. Annuals – Confessor
23. Q-Tip – Gettin’ Up
24. Mayer Hawthorne – Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out
25. Girls – Lust For Life

Today we continue our look at some of our favorite EPs from the past year; we’ve got one more of these set for tomorrow as well.

Animal Collective – Fall Be Kind

As if 2009 wasn’t busy enough for AnCo, their Fall Be Kind EP was released at the end of November.  (The EP, interestingly, contains the first licensed sample of The Grateful Dead on “What Would I Want? Sky.”)  It’s signature Animal Collective – space-y, psychedelic rock that’s cementing them a place at laser light shows across the nation twenty years from now when our kids are getting stoned.

Animal Collective – What Would I Want? Sky (mp3) from Fall Be Kind EP EP

Death Cab for Cutie – The Open Door

Since their move away from Barsuk, reviews of Death Cab’s material has gone steadily downward.  It may just be coincidental, but the indie goodwill they’d built up prior seems to have been waning.  With The Open Door, the band released a few of the tracks from the Narrow Stairs sessions.  A little less produced and polished than what ended up making the cut for that album, the songs sound much better.

Death Cab for Cutie – My Mirror Speaks (mp3) from The Open Door EP

Josh Rouse – Valencia

After a quiet couple of years, Josh Rouse took the unconventional route with his recent Valencia EP.  Comprised of the leftovers from his forthcoming LP, Valencia is an excellent pre-cursor to what should be an excellent album.  It’s upbeat, influenced by his current residency in Spain, and warms up the long winter nights with hints of the impending spring.

Josh Rouse – Easy Street (mp3) from Valencia EP