Nick of Elvis Perkins in Dearland ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

I have to say,  with such a vibrant year of local music, I spent the vast majority of my 2009 exploring things made in the Pacific Northwest; rather than venturing out in to the vastness of the internets and the rest of America. So most of these are pretty well known tracks, albums, and artists or from Noah’s Daily Choices — though I do hope you discover a new favorite you hadn’t heard before too.  These are the records and tracks recorded outside of the 206 that I most enjoyed and listened to on repeat in 2009.  (The top 10 may be in some sort of hierachal order, but after that the order is not nearly as thought out or meaningful.) 

“Much More Than That” and “For You” by Sharon Van Etten | download ‘For You’ |
“Blood Bank” by Bon Iver | download ‘Blood Bank’ |
“Airplanes” by Local Natives  | download ‘Airplanes’ |
“Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear | listen to “Two Weeks” |
“Eet” by Regina Spektor | watch video |
“Shampoo” by Elvis Perkins in Dearland | download ‘Shampoo’|
“A Violent Translation of Concorida Headscarp” by Emperor X | download track |
“Andrew” by Crystal Antlers | download ‘Andrew’ |
“Kick Drum Heart” by The Avett Brothers | listen to track |
“Lust for Life” (though “Laura” is also tempting me) by Girls | download ‘Lust for Life’ |

Girls at Capitol Hill Block Party ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

“Garble Arch” by Blame Ringo | watch video |
“The Walls are Coming Down” by Fanfarlo | listen to track |
“Flirted With You All My Life” by Vic Chesnutt | download track |
“The Ballad of the RAA” by Rural Alberta Advantage |listen to track |
“Safe Word” by Vampire Hands | download ‘Safe Word’ |
“Future Primative” by Papercuts | download ‘Future Primative’ |
“Tidal Wave” by Thee Oh Sees | download ‘Tidal Wave’ |
 ”Crystalised” by The xx | listen to track |
“Lisztomania” by Phoenix | watch videos |
“Norway” by Beach House  | download ‘Norway’ | 
“Vanderlylle Cry Baby” by The National | listen to track |
“Can’t Talk” by Ty Segall | download “Can’t Talk” |
“Day of Sunshine” by Lee & Willbee | listen to track |
“Summertime Clothes” by Animal Collective | listen to track |
“Save The Day” by Huck Notari