Music is something I am very passionate about. So passionate, in fact, that it is getting me to do something I never do...blog. With the New year quickly approaching, every website and magazine known to man will start releasing their "Best of 2009" lists. I figured I would try to get the jump on them.

The list below comprises of my favorite songs released in 2009, as well as a few honorable mentions. For those who don't know, I am very open to all genres, but I tend to dwell mostly in Indie and Dance/Electronica. What do you think? Did any of your favorites make my list? Did I miss any?

(10) Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

Grizzly Bear's third album, Veckatimest, came out in late May this year and quickly became one of my favorites. "Two Weeks" was the first single released and it stood out as one of the more popular tracks on the album. Unfortunately, it was accompanied by what I think is one of the weirdest fucking music videos I have ever seen in my entire life. The video consists of all four members uncomfortably sitting in a church while the camera slowly pans the group. Halfway through the video, they begin to glow and eventually spontaneously combust in a Forth of July celebratory manner. The song is top notch, as is the rest of their album, but this video just creeps me the 'f' out!

(9) Animal Collective - My Girls

"My Girls" was the first single off of Animal Collective's critically acclaimed "Merriweather Post Paviion" album released at the beginning of the year. This song has been deemed the best song of 2009 by Pitchfork, and for good reason. It has a deep psychodelic beat, like most of the album, set to very catchy lyrics. I find myself singing along everytime I hear this song.

(8) Owl City - Fireflies

Now before I get any shit about having Owl City on here, I reserve the right to play my Indie douchebag card and say "I was listening to Owl City before it became popular!" Maybe I'm Dreaming was an incredible album, and when I heard that Ocean Eyes was coming out in July, I knew it was going to be big. This is one of the few albums in which every single song is good. I had a tough time choosing between "Fireflies," "The Saltwater Room," and "The Bird and the Worm."

(7) Cascada - Fever

The first song in the Dance genre comes from German group, Cascada, led by blonde hottie Natalie Horler. Their album Evacuate the Dancefloor debuted with the title track in late June. It was a catchy song, but no where near as good as "Fever." I've literally had mornings where I would put this song on repeat and sing it at the top of my lungs. Don't picture that...just accept the fact that it is awesome. The video is classic symbolism of "sticking it to the man" in corporate America, but the soul train line section of the video has some amazing dance moves.

(6) Phoenix - 1901

Prior to Cadillac picking this song up for every commercial they will be releasing this year, Phoenix was still a little under the radar in the United States. Their fourth studio album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,
sits as easily my favorite album of 2009. "1901" was the first single for what will probably be many; as every track on this album, much like I mentioned with Ocean Eyes above, is freaking amazing!

(5) & (4.5) La Roux - In For the Kill / Bulletproof

When I decided to make this list, I knew that I would be putting La Roux on here. Their self-titled debut album, which released in June, is, hands-down, the best Electronica/Dance album of 2009. And in a year which had albums from Dance veterans likes of David Guetta, DJ Tiesto, and Paul Oakenfold, this was not any easy task. Elly Jackson, who is responsible for the revival of the Flock of Seagulls look currently sweeping London, has an amazingly powerful voice. In the video for "Bulletproof" you get to see what I am talking about. Alas, I was not able to chose between their two latest singles "In For the Kill" or "Bulletproof"...so I just picked both.

(4) The Bird and the Bee - Diamond Dave 

I quickly fell in love with The Bird, Inara George, and the Bee, Greg Kurstin, when I saw their video for "Again & Again" a couple years ago. Their latest album, Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future, dropped in late January and went unnoticed by myself for a few months. It wasn't until mid March, when I happened to hear "Love Letter to Japan," that I realized they were back. "Diamond Dave" and "Meteor" are the two tracks that caught me the most, and I was excited to see "Diamond Dave" will be their next single to be released. The video is pretty clever, and features cameos by Eric Wareheim (Tim and Eric) and Ken Jeong (The Hangover, Role Models).

(3) St. Vincent - Actor Out of Work

"Actor Out of Work" was the first single to be released on St. Vincent's second album, Actor. The song is a mere 2:15 (2 minutes, 15 seconds) long, but it packs quite a punch. Besides me wanting to kiss Annie Clark's freaking face off everytime I see it, the video is pretty awesome as well.

(2) The xx - Crystalised

I found out about The xx a month and a half ago and I haven't looked back since. Their debut album, xx, is the epitomy of 'chill.' Their music is so relaxing and catchy, I don't know how I lived without this album for as long as I had. They are currently on their third single off the album, and I am hoping they get "Shelter" out there in rotation sometime soon.

(1) Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move

I know I am not alone when proclaiming my love for this song. Dirty Projectors have been around for a while, and continue to amaze me till this day. Their album, Bitte Orca, has captured the hearts of many critics, earning them the #2 spot on both TIME Magazine's and Pitchfork's "Albums of the Year" list. "Stillness is the Move" is the first single off the album, and it quickly blew me away. Everything from the hypnotic beat to the catchy chorus, makes this my favorite song of the year. The video, on the other hand, makes no sense at all. But I forgive them.

Honorable Mentions

Award for "OMFG Make My Ears Stop Bleeding" goes to The Black Eyed Peas - "I've Got a Feeling"

I understand that "you've got a feeling," but try to have that feeling make some damn sense. Fergie has slowly migrated from hot to gross over the last few years as well.

Award for "I'm Not Original, Just Lucky. Thank you, Autotune Gods." goes to Jason Derulo - "Watcha Say"

My slow-building, loss of faith in all things Hip-Hop and R&B hit an all time high this year when I heard Jason Derulo on the radio. Who the fuck does this guy think he is? 1) Autotune is catchy, yes...but when you have to use it for your ENTIRE song, you are NOT a singer. 2) LEAVE IMOGEN HEAP ALONE! "Hide & Seek" was a masterpiece. I die a little everytime I hear the chorus of this song.

Award for "Shhh...Don't You Dare Tell Anyone I Like This Song" goes to Miley Cyrus - "Party in the USA"

Look...just STFU and accept it, okay? It's a catchy song. It's okay for dudes to like it. In fact, in a poll consisting of 12 of the manliest guys I know, 9 of them said they had no problem with it. Granted, I don't "nod my head like 'yeah' or move my hips like 'yeah'" when it comes on, but Miley does her job well in making sure the song stays stuck in your head for hours after it is over.