Top 10 Albums Of 2009 Finally

NUMBER ONE: Jamie T- Kings & Queens



Jamie T returned with an album better than his (excellent) debut in 09. And like the Wimbledon boy's first disc it took a few listens to get into.

But once it clicked there was much to discover in the raps, shouts, screams and hollers. With nods to the Beastie Boys, Billy Bragg, The Strokes and The Clash the musical mish mash worked on just about every song. From the UK hip hop of Castro Dies' to the forlorn folk song Emily's Heart.

With layers and layers and layers of stunning production and lyrics that mean nothing and everything at once Kings And Queens is near perfect.

And then in no particular order...

Raekwon- Only Built for Cuban Linx 2
Mos Def- The Ecstatic
Lily Allen- It's Not me, It's You
La Roux- La Roux
Speech Debelle- Speech Therapy
Bat For Lashes- Two Suns
Major Lazer- Guns Don't Kill People Lazers Do
Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
The Maccabees- Wall Of Arms

Mercurys

Here are my two cents on the longlist announced today. I think Speech Debelle or Bat For Lashes should win. Those are definitely two of my favourite albums of 2009. I told you about Speech back in May and talked about my love for Bat For in March. Plus I think Natasha Khan stands a good chance of winning it too after missing out for her debut.

Elsewhere La Roux is good but not as good as Lily Allen's It's Not Me, It's You. The Mercury judges could have been braver and put her up for the prize. Metronomy should be there too.

Glasvegas' debut is gloomy but grew on me and Friendly Fires definitely deserves to be on there. I must confess I haven't heard the full Horrors, Kasabian or Florence records. But I do need to.

Bat For Lashes Mk II

Been living inside the new Bat For Lashes album Two Suns recently. It's fucking dark and dreamy. And even better than her debut. And out April 6.

The unsettling mood of the music reminded me of PJ Harvey's essential breakthrough record To Bring You My Love. I've interviewed Brighton girl Natasha Khan at a couple of events. She is one of the most beguiling, naturally beautiful and modest people in 'the biz.'

Check out the gorgeous new single Daniel here