I usually let my great writers handle the writing on the blog while I just sit back and bring in content, but they all felt like I should be a bigger part of the blog especially when it comes to lists like these, so I decided that they were right and began my first blog post on L.A.M.B.

Now after hours upon hours of listening, and then a few more hours of listening again, I finally narrowed my list down to my Top 15 of 2009. I tried my hardest to stay with Top 10 but there were too many albums that stuck out in my mind. Some I knew would be on my list from the first listen and others grew on me. Then there were the few that came out of left field and made me feel like if they didn’t get a spot I would have nightmares for weeks to come about my lack of commitment to good music. So here it is, my top 15 albums of 2009, and here’s to more posts coming from me and the LA Music Blog team in 2010!

#15. MR. GNOME – HEAVE YER SKELETON

At first, you might think you’re listening to a full band, but once you realize this is a duo you will be blown away by the amount of sound that they can produce! I look forward to seeing where this band goes in the future and hearing other music from them. If you haven’t already, check out our interview with Nicole from the band.

#14. WHITE RABBITS – IT’S FRIGHTENING

Of course we all know the single “Percussion Gun” off of this album, but if that hasn’t gotten you into the band maybe them hitting a few Top of ‘09 lists will! Check out our live review of the band when they played El Rey Theater in November.

#13. SILVERSUN PICKUPS – SWOON

Unfortunately I didn’t “get” Silversun Pickups until recently, but when I did, I really did. Now it leaves me with some time to catch up on their past work.

#12. NATHEN MAXWELL AND THE ORIGINAL BUNNY GANG – WHITE RABBIT

Bassist of Flogging Molly, Nathen Maxwell, released his debut solo album this year and it’s really an album for all occasions. It shows who Nathen is as a person and a musician, more of which can be understood by reading our interview with the artist.

#11. BIG D AND THE KIDS TABLE – FLUENT IN STROLL

In the past week this album went from being on my radar to being #11 on my Top 15 of ‘09. How did that happen, you ask? Listen to the album and you will see. It’s fun and deserves the recognition.

#10. NORAH JONES – THE FALL

Her debut release hooked me, and to this day I can still throw that album on and just listen. The Fall reveals another side of Jones. This album harnesses her bluesy soulfullness, but also bridges into the new age folk scene. I hope she continues on this route.

#9. AUDRA MAE – HAUNT EP

There doesn’t have to be much said about the 23-year-old female singer/songwriter’s debut release other than shut up and listen. Also you Decemberists fans will love the AMAZING cover of “Eli, The Barrow Boy” on this EP.

#8. LUCERO – 1372 OVERTON PARK

I have had multiple discussions with people about this album. Some of them like it and some of them say they don’t like it. I personally think they are confused. What’s not to like? It’s a new Lucero album but with horns. You strip the horns away and you have another Lucero album that is similar in style to some of the others. You add the horns and you get a whole new element. Just give it a shot.

#7. A FINE FRENZY – A BOMB IN A BIRDCAGE

Beautiful, stunning, and completely encapsulating. No, I am not just talking about Alison, the lead singer of A Fine Frenzy who interviewed with LA Music Blog earlier this year. I’m also talking about her release A Bomb in a Birdcage. If I had to compare her to anyone it would be like America has its own Regina Spektor. This album is a must for any music lover.

#6. CHUCK RAGAN – GOLD COUNTRY

I have known of Chuck since his days as frontman for Hot Water Music, but didn’t become a serious fan until the release of his debut solo album. Gold Country is the perfect follow-up to Feast or Famine and a great addition to his growing catalog.

#5. BRETT DENNEN – LIVE SESSION (iTunes Exclusive)

This isn’t a typical Dennen album, but it has to be one of my favorites. It has the feel of the classic Paul Simon album Graceland (if you haven’t a clue about either of these albums then I say shame on you!). You can also check out our recent interview with Brett if you haven’t already.

#4. DIANE BIRCH – BIBLE BELT

If you think that the voices of the 60s and 70s went out with those eras, then you haven’t heard Bible Belt. Check it out and get sucked in by the mix of soul, blues, and gospel choirs that are within the walls of this album.

#3. FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS – SONGS FOR A BREAKUP VOL. 1

This album has made a huge impression on me this past year. I was introduced to Fitz a while back, and when I got my hands on this album, it went into constant rotation for about 3 weeks straight. Fitz really shows his dedication to the Motown style with his upbeat, heartbreaking album. Had a great interview with Fitz a while back so if you want to learn more about the band check it out.

#2. LANGHORNE SLIM – BE SET FREE

I have been a fan of Langhorne’s music for a very long time now. So long in fact that his music is what introduced me to the Avett Brothers while they were still signed to Ramseur Records. So another album from a personal favorite artist is great. This album really shows the artist’s growth from a stripped-down, raw musician to someone who will one day be known worldwide. And as much of a fan as I am, I had to get an interview with Langhorne.

#1. PHOENIX – WOLFGANG AMADEUS PHOENIX

This release has hit the Number 1 spot on several lists, so are you really surprised to see it on here? This is probably one of the most addictive albums I have listened to in a while. As soon as the last hook ends, you are left wanting more.