Throughout 2009, I’m offering my snobby musical suggestions
so that you can create the greatest 24-song “Best of ’09” comp to give as a
holiday gift (or just hoard to yourself). If you missed part one of this
four-part series, you’ll have to visit www.stuffboston.com to find the first
six songs, which include everything from Passion Pit (they’re from here, kid)
to U2 (they might as well be from here, kid). Here are the next six
essential songs of 2009.
Glasvegas – “Geraldine”
Glasvegas earned major hype in UK music publications last
year. This year, they brought their wall of “shoe-gazey” sound to the
States with this single. Their show at the Paradise was one of the loudest I’ve
ever attended … and yes, I’ve seen the Who.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Zero”
I know what you’re thinking: “Fletcher, how 2004!” Shut
it. The band shook up their sound by adding more electronics, and “Zero”
should by all means be a mainstream hit. It won’t turn out that way. Still,
add this to the mix.
Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”
She’s a phenomenon. The song is a
phenomenon. Don’t act like you haven’t sang it out loud in your car at
least once.
Ida
Maria – “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked”
Ida Maria kind of came out of nowhere when we weren’t
looking. The entire new album is full of fun garage pop. Oh, and she’s
nuts!
Phoenix – “1901”
You have to include this in the mix for a couple of
reasons. First, it’s actually great. And this band has been around
since I was a high school freshman, so it’s good that they’re getting their
due. Most importantly, their album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
will top end-of-the-year lists from everyone from Spin
to the Boston Phoenix.
Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Cyndi Lauper, The Beastie Boys,
Adam Levine, Mary J. Blige, Clay Aiken, and Michael McDonald – “The Kidney
Song”
If you missed 30 Rock this season,
you’re a jackass. The season finale brought us this all-star tribute to
Jack’s father and his failing kidney.
Get to downloading and start on that cover art. A CD-R
covered in Sharpie is a deal breaker, people!
Hear more of Fletcher's picks and rants on 101.7 WFNX's The Sandbox every weekday morning from 6 to 10.
