Top 5 New Acts of 2009

There's nothing that defines the Holiday season and year-end celebrations then a long list of things. Why have a ten best when you can have 50? Let's do 100, because as we know, there's a huge difference between No. 36 and No. 37 or No. 88 or No. 99.

That's why I keep it to the Rob Gordon defined Top 5, although I hike it to ten for the albums of year.

In any event, this was a cut and dry list for Best New Acts of the year. One of the best things that music blogs do is discover new music that mainstream media will come to eventually. My definition of a Best New Act is if their full-length album was released in 2009, not the stupid Grammy way where they nominate an act for their second album.

Let's light this candle.

5. Fanfarlo: It's always nice to see a band progress, gradually come into their and grow comfortable into their own skin. When I hear the first tracks from Fanfarlo in early 2008, I had a feeling that with a little production and polish, they can became solid songs. Then seeing their first NYC show during CM 2008, I can tell they were still figuring out the live show. Now in 2009, Reservoir was an album that burst with energy and innovation. Then their live show was what made them a complete band. Sure, they sound like other popular bands (Beirut, Arcade Fire), but their orchestral pop style is just as invigorating as those bands.

4. Paloma Faith: When I write about new acts, It's usually because I like a particular song or I think they have a interesting sound. With Paloma, I thought her first single "Cold Stone Sober" had hit written on. Then I gradually saw her evolve into a dynamic performer, an interesting personality and stage presence that's fun, theatrical and extravagant. To the common listener, she might come off as one in a long line of female singers benefiting from the success of that performer who shall not be named. I've always found her more of Tina Turner type who struts around stage with strength and sass. I'm curious to see what the U.S. reaction will be in 2010.

3. The Mummers: You couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the world then on the Jools Holland show. The performance of "March of the Dawn" was nothing like I've seen in popular music. Inspired by the film music of Nino Rota and orchestra dream pop, the Raissa Khan-Panni fronted collective has musical prowess brimming from every pore. I was excited to see how they would catch on in Europe. Unfortunately, the later half of the year proved to be difficult. The death of keyboardist, arranger and core band member Mark Horwood in September put the band on temporary hold.

2. Passion Pit: Not since LCD Soundsystem has their been a U.S. act that brought down the house with big, plump beats and songs that set the party off. There's a few acts that I like to define as "dance music for people who don't like dance music." You know what I'm talking about? The boom-chicka boom processed cheese that is thrusted upon our youth. Well, Passion Pit made a debut album with smarts and originality. Children as backing vocalist? Sure, why not? What I also like about them is how current they are, you don't get that crappy 80s retro synth beats that seem to be a standard in the genre now.

It's also ironic that I didn't even see them this year. Next month, I'll revisit them again. Also, make sure you catch the Mummers cover of Sleepyhead.

1. Florence and the Machine: Well, duh. How a great a year was it for Florence Welsh? The album, the performances, the Mercury Prize nomination, the U.S. TV appearances and adoration on both sides of the Atlantic. It was so well-deserved for the young lady whose been gearing-up for this success since released Kiss With a First in early 2008.

Let me quote myself from her set in July:

When I saw her opening set for Blur, I took to the music that is steeped in classical fantasy. She can paint pictures where she blends and bends musical styles that would make Kate Bush and Bat for Lashes jealous. Each song has a full, lush feeling that has a steady beat flowing through. Even though I was hearing songs like "Drumming" and "My Boy Builds Coffins" for the first time,  I instantly knew that Florence has something to say, and she's going to do it by enchanting you.

Then when I saw her on Saturday at Hop Farm, where she's standing five feet from me, I noticed how she moves around the stage, as if the music is commanding her. It's not necessarily performance art, because between songs she cracks jokes and makes observations. She climbs on speakers, dances barefoot around in her flowing dress and strikes poses as if she's a work of art.

So Florence joins M.I.A. (2005), The Guillemots (2006), Kate Nash (2007) and The Ting Tings (2008) on my not coveted by anybody list of No. 1 Best New Acts.

The runner-up, not quite making the list this year goes to White Lies. That's fifth spot was either going to be Fanfarlo, White Lies, VV Brown or Slow Club. For White Lies, their doom and gloom might have been to dark for all tastes, but I found them to be inspiring and grand. Just like Fanfarlo, White Lies got better as live performers this year with their tour with Friendly Fires.

More Best of the Rest:

-- VV Brown: A new pop diva is our mix from the U.K. Hopefully this year, she'll get those visa issues straighten out.

-- Slow Club: Yeah haw, their debut album delivered more simple ditties and fun, hoe-down type of tunes.

-- Phenomenal Handclap Band: The New Yorker brought attitude, funk and disco grooves back into your mix.

-- Mumford & Sons: Their folk beatdown got my feet jumping this year

-- Cold Cave: Finally, Philadelphia has an electronic band worthy for the rest of the country. The album more highs then lows, but they have solid tracks in "Life Magazine," "Theme from Tomorrowland" and "Youth and Lust". New Order would be proud.

-- Imelda May: The Irishwoman isn't going to take any gruff from you, so just rock hard with her rockabilly goodness.

-- Those Darlins: Just plain ol' goofy honky tonkin, white trash fun

To end this post, here's an advert Flo did for Stella Artois beer.

Comments

[Andrew]

What the hell happened to Guillemots? I played Through The Windowpane to death, then their second album never appeared over here.