The Stars of 2009 Mixtape
Be on the lookout for these artists in 2009.
2009 is already off to a good start musically. With everyone going apeshit over the new Animal Collective release, many new and impressive artists are releasing a slew of catchy gems that are sadly being shoved behind the highly anticipated giants of indie rock. This week is a mixtape to educate the music nerd masses of the tracks they should search and download now so when they are standing around at one of the numerous festivals this summer they'll be able to say to their friends, "Yeah, I liked this band when they first came on the scene, but they are getting a bit too big now." Granted some of these tracks may have come out at the tail end of 2008, but take in mind this list is for tracks that are going to be noteworthy or finally get some damn recognition in 2009. So open up your musical textbooks, and let's get cracking on the tracks that are starting 2009 off right.
Peter Bjorn and John - Nothing to Worry About - Those Swedish guys that did the song with the whistle part a few years back are releasing a new album. This handclap heavy children sing along tribal beat track proves that this band is more than just a one trick dog and pony whistle show.
AC Newman - Submarines of Stockholm - AC Newman have been making infectious pop hits for a while now, and they continue to release driving and danceable tracks with "Submarines of Stockholm."
Big Science - My Career As a Ghost - The Chicago outfit released their new wave tinged EP at the end of 2008, and it made the year end list of numerous local music writers. The songs are simple, yet have a heavy layered sound that cements Big Science as a band to pay attention to in the coming year.
Office - Sticky Dew – Midwest mainstay Office had a tricky year in 2008. Their latest release, Mecca, has finally seen the light of day despite conflict. Although rumors swirl that the band may be finished, Mecca offers up a heaping serving of decadent pop rock.
We the Living - Sound of Love - We at HEAVE are fans of We the Living, the pop rock group from the Midwest that now live in sunny California. And who wouldn't be when they keep writing lush catchy pop tracks like their single "Sound of Love" from their new album Depths of the Earth. Add in the swoon worthy vocals and you've got a band competing to be the next best thing in the pop world since Coldplay.
Company of Thieves - Oscar Wilde - HEAVE may have readers all over the globe, but we love our bands from our hometown Chicago. Company of Thieves were a band I championed early on after attending college with the drummer, and I'm glad I got on the bandwagon back then because the band is doing mighty fine these days. They just re-released their debut album, are heading out on a cross-country tour and iTunes picked them as the free download of the week recently.
Lily Allen - Womanizer - Lily Allen did an amazing cover of Britney Spears and why more people aren't digging this song I'll never fully understand. I found this track over at Stereogum a while back, and has been in heavy rotation ever since.
VV Brown - Crying Blood - If Amy Winehouse was actually black instead of just sounding like it, didn't have a horrible drug and alcohol problem and looked like a model - then she would be VV Brown. And any girl that does a 1950's style girl group pop song titled "Crying Blood" and it isn't a metal song is all right in my book.
Dan Black - Yours - Another indie equation for this track: Jamie Lidell - the Target commercial song + strong British accent - gold tuxedo jacket = Dan Black. This track is smooth and sexy, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead - Passion Pit are primed to be the next indie rock band to play at all the cool festivals in the summer and to make year end lists in 2009. A mix of electro, obtuse synthesizer and odd vocals somehow add up to a very enjoyable track that helps guarantee that 2009 is going to be an awesome year in music.
Posted by Lisa White on Jan 15, 2009 @ 7:00 am
