“The iPod completely changed the way people approach music.”
-Karl Lagerfeld

The New York Post just named their top 200 songs of the year. AM’s “A Complete Unknown” made number 55.

1. “Billie Jean,” Michael Jackson. Sure, it’s 26 years old, but when he died this June, the entire universe moonwalked again.

2. “Be A Bee,” Air

The French electronic-pop duo slips into prog rock with guitar-synth sounds.

3. “Laughing With,” Regina Spektor

Her take on a powerful and funny God. God, she’s good.

4. “I Gotta Feeling,” Black Eyed Peas

More shamelessness from the Justice League of pop.

5. “D.O.A. (Death of the Auto-Tune),” Jay-Z

If only they would listen.

6. “The Pharoahs,” Neko Case

Drown in Neko’s aching vocals in this disappointed-love song.

7. “California,” Joey Ryan

Folky undertones and soothing vocals make this jingle calming and catchy.

8. “Fallin’ For You,” Colbie Caillat

Bouncy pop about the game of love.

9. “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out,” Mayer Hawthorne

Modern retro soul with vocals that recall Smokey Robinson.

10. “First Train Home,” Imogen Heap

Deliciously spooky electronica from former lead of Frou Frou.

11. “Stone Cold Sober,” Paloma Faith

This will do fine while Amy Winehouse’s still out.

12. “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho),” Pitbull

It’s all about a good sample.

13. “Bourgeois Shangri-La,” Miss Li

Predictably catchy latest iPod Nano ad.

14. “Kingdom of Rust,” the Doves

Hookiest track off the Brit trio’s disappointing effort.

15. “500 Miles,” Rosanne Cash

She shows her sultry side in Hank Snow classic.

16. “Let This Trucker Go,” Dale Watson

This country tearjerker sends a message from heaven.

17. “Sister Sinead,” Kris Kristofferson

Craggy-voiced Kris’s tribute to O’Connor.

18. “Ignorance,” Paramore

Clean-cut emo with a femme twist.

19. “I Never Said I Was Deep,” Jarvis Cocker

Clever self-awareness wrapped in overblown pop.

20. “DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake,” Art Brut

The perfect online dating combo wrapped up in a punchy punk song.

21. “Brick,” Ben Folds Presents: The Ohio University Tones

A brilliant a cappella version by college singers of the “abortion song.”

22. “All the Plans,” Starsailor

Why aren’t these guys as big as Coldplay again?

23. “Birthday Sex,” Jeremih

Even Stephen Colbert got a kick out this terrible song.

24. “Dimestore Diamond,” the Gossip

Bare, but it sure shines like the real thing.

25. “Brother Sport,” Animal Collective

If you can’t dance to this, find a therapist.

26. “For Emily, New Year’s Day,” Anthony D’Amato

Acoustic tranquility.

27. “Help, I’m Alive,” Metric

Beat it with rock pulsations!

28. “Rats,” Devendra Banhart

Floating his Led Zeppelin on this drive down the Utopia Parkway.

29. “Southern Point,” Grizzly Bear

Gorgeous, transporting pop.

30. “Rainbow,” Emilie Simon

This French eccentric sounds more like Kate Bush than Kate Bush herself.

31. “Fugitive,” David Gray

David, meet a drumbeat. Drumbeat, meet David.

32. “Remedy,” Little Boots

The electro whiz’s album is full of synth-pop gems like this one.

33. “Bulletproof,” La Roux

Looks like Tilda Swinton, sounds like Yaz.

34. “The Strangers,” St. Vincent

Pain has rarely sounded more enchanting.

35. “More of Fire Than Blood,” Anaal Nathrakh

Like putting your head in a meat grinder. Awesome!

36. “Omnos,” Eluveitie

Possibly the only hit ever sung in Gaulish.

37. “Tyrant,” Black Math Horseman

This slow-burner blooms into majestic Sabbathy riffage.

38. “Never Forget You,” the Noisettes

The Brits deliver retro-cool girl group sounds.

39. “Gives You Hell,” All-American Rejects

Getting dumped has never been this catchy.

40. “Party in the U.S.A.,” Miley Cyrus

Spring-break anthem.

41. “The Reeling,” Passion Pit

Synth-pop disco wrapped in a soaring falsetto.

42. “Use Somebody,” Kings of Leon

Driving arena rock referencing the U2 sound.

43. “F— You,” Lily Allen

And that’s the clean version.

44. “Live Like We’re Dying,” Kris Allen

Say it before it’s too late.

45. “Wicked Blood,” Sea Wolf

Like a refreshing glass of earnest pop lemonade.

46. “Sweet Dreams,” Beyonce

Dreamland booty call.

47. “Who Says,” John Mayer

Melancholy let’s-get-stoned song.

48. “Russian Roulette,” Rihanna

Forgiving Chris? Not with one bullet still in the gun.

49. “Uprising,” Muse

Part Blondie’s “Call Me,” part creepy circus music.

50. “Funhouse,” Pink

Funk syncopation that elevated Pink out of the tween market.

51. “Evacuate the Dance floor,” Cascada

The German club-pop combo finally conquers KTU.

52. “We Weren’t Born to Follow,” Bon Jovi

Jersey’s other rock band sticks it to the man. Kinda.

53. “21 Guns,” Green Day

Bombastic and introspective anti-war song.

54. “Substitution,” Silversun Pickups

Best Smashing Pumpkins song of 2009.

55. “A Complete Unknown,” AM

It’ll get in your head. And you’ll be glad.

56. “Smile,” Uncle Kracker

Kid Rock’s pal twangs his way through this uplifting love song.

57. “Fire Burning,” Sean Kingston

Reggae, disco, dancehall and electronica all in one.

LADY GAGA COVERED

58. “Poker Face,” Chris Daughtry

This acoustic cover sheds a raw melodic light on Gaga’s clubby hit.

59. “Poker Face,” Mika

If you’re expecting to hear a song you’ll recognize, this version isn’t it.

60. “Poker Face,” Pixie Lott

This British beauty strums her guitar and belts out lyrics in slightly raspy, country-ish voice.

61. “Poker Face,” Absent Elk

A pop-rock version with British accents.

62. “Just Dance,” Disco Curtis

Get your dance on with this fun cover by some pop-punk boys.

63. “Paparazzi,” Chris Wallace from White Tie Affair

His sexy voice could make even Brad Pitt like the paparazzi!

64. “Just Dance,” Gary Go

A duet that sounds like James Morrison and James Blunt combined.

65. “Love Letter to Japan,” The Bird and the Bee

Indie-band hook of the year.

66. “Dreaming of You,” War Tapes

Reminiscent of the Cure, but more upbeat and dramatic.

67. “Toes,” Zac Brown Band

The life-is-good-song Jimmy Buffett wishes he wrote.

68. “Love Drunk,” Boys Like Girls

Epic summer love song by punk-pop’s latest youngbloods.

69. “Already Gone,” Kelly Clarkson

Ladies have a good cry over this falling-out-of-love song.

70. “Obsessed,” Mariah Carey

The rebuff to Eminem’s claim he conquered Mt. Mariah.

71. “Warning,” Eminem

Gotta love a nasty, threatening, old-fashioned, call-and-response war.

72. “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight,” U2

If you didn’t hear the Blackberry ad.

73. “American Ride,” Toby Keith

A view from the Harley.

74. “The Crow,” Steve Martin

This wild and crazy guy plays banjo like Earl Scruggs.

75. “Yacht Club,” Rick Ross

The economy may be in the toilet, but here everything is better on a boat.

76. “Check My Brain,” Alice in Chains

One of the heaviest headbangers of the year.

77. “The Fixer,” Pearl Jam

PJ sound with newfound brevity and optimism.

78. “Pretty Wings,” Maxwell

Pretty R&B swing suite.

79. “I and Love and You,” Avett Brothers

Simple voice and piano folk as powerful as an orchestra.

80. “Meet Me on the Equinox,” Death Cab for Cutie

Crashing guitars and emotional vocals.

81. “I Know What I Am,” Band of Skulls

Rock throwback perfect for pool halls.

82. “Mean Old Man,” Jerry Lee Lewis

The Killer is still lean ‘n’ mean — at least according to the lyrics.

83. “Celebration,” Madonna

The Material Girl’s blond ambition shows its dance roots.

84. “She Wolf,” Shakira

Yes, she is a sexy beast.

85. “I Want You,” Peter Bjorn and John

The whistling band’s Vampire Weekend love song.

86. “One Day,” Matisyahu

The Hasidic reggae star’s most accessible song to date.

87. “Periodically Double or Triple,” Yo La Tengo

Bright with Booker T-style organ and Turtles harmonies.

88. “My All Time Doll,” Elvis Costello

Desperation with a pinch of sarcasm and accordion.

89. “King of the Dogs,” Iggy Pop

Pop is brilliant on this jazzy Louis Armstrong-inspired piece.

90. “Caroline,” Rhett Miller

He’s desperate and consumed — like anybody who’s met their perfect match.

91. “One Time,” Justin Bieber

A young Chris Brown without the rap sheet.

92. “Let’s Be Mates,” Lady Sovereign

The UK rapper gets the block party beating by hooking up with guys as “weird” as her.

93. “My Wife’s Home Town,” Bob Dylan

Not a love song. She comes from Hell.

94. “Strange,” Reba McEntire

Country chanteuse gets sassy on this I-don’t-need-a-man-to-have-fun song.

95. “The Field,” Mason Jennings

You will cry. Deal with it.

96. “Wrong,” Depeche Mode

A solid comeback song that would easily fit on “Music for the Masses.”

97. “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” Bernie Williams

Perfect song for jazz guitarist and former Yankee star.

98. “A Dear Old Southland,” Allen Toussaint

Crescent City pianist gets playful on this rootsy piano/trumpet stomp.

99. “Whatcha Say,” Jason Derulo

Can you handle Imogen Heap on steroids?

100. “Boom,” Anjulie

Retro shalaka rump-shaker.

101. “Daniel,” Bat for Lashes

Airy love ballad to — of all people — the Karate Kid.

102. “Woman Made the Devil,” Bongos Ikwue

The casual misogyny and honky-tonk piano may sound like vintage country, but on the “Nigeria ‘70” compilation.

103. “No You Girls,” Franz Ferdinand

A return to form for the Scottish iPod commercial.

104. “O Shot,” the Gay Blades

Last.fm: “If Freddie Mercury sang for Death From Above, these guys would open.”

105. “Heavy Cross,” Gossip

A sound as big as their lead singer.

106. “I Will Come Back,” Holy Ghost!

After-midnight electro-rock.

107. “Emergency (911),” Jordin Sparks

Many songs dialed for help this year, but this was the best.

108. “I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman,” k-os

Title has nothing to do with song — so why? “Natalie Portman is the best America has to offer,” k-os says.

109. “Better Than Sunday,” Ladyhawke

Standout ‘70s-style pop hit from an album full of them.

110. “New in Town,” Little Boots

No, she doesn’t have a penny, but she’ll show you a good time.

111. “Volcanoes,” Matthew Good

Soaring entry from his concept-album ode to hometown Vancouver.

112. “Repeaterbeater,” Mew

Strange, haunting, catchy Danish rock.

113. “Love Etc.,” Pet Shop Boys

As good as any of their 42 top 30 singles.

114. “1901,” Phoenix

So irresistible, but what the heck does the title mean?

115. “Shoes,” Tiga

“What’s that sound? I like that sound. I love that sound.” “It’s the sound of my shoes.”

116. “Heads Will Roll,” Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Heads will bang.

117. “Night by Night,” Chromeo

Another talk-box dance masterpiece.

118. “Sweet Disposition,” Temper Trap

A lovely, swirling and moody indie rock ode to love.

COVER CHAMPS

119. “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Glee” cast

Thrilling start to a full-blown love affair.

120. “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want,” She & Him

(500) days of the Smiths.

121. “Do Do Do,” Nellie McKay

She does does does it snazzy and jazzy.

122. “Colorado Girl,” Steve Earle

A folk-country love song of sorts from the troubadour’s tribute to Townes Van Zandt.

123. “Bye Bye Blackbird,” Diana Krall

Steamy.

124. “I Want You to Want Me,” KSM

Peppier and brattier.

125. “Que Sera Sera,” Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women

Wacky boogie-woogie-country duet.

126. “Hey Ya,” Booker T. Jones

Outkast gets soul organ magic touch.

127. “Whatever You Like,” Anya Marina

Sooooo sexy T.I. cover. Yum.

128. “Soul Cake,” Sting

Done up in brass and strings by folk-Stinger.

129. “When Will I Be Loved,” John Fogerty with Bruce Springsteen

Rollicking country cover of the Everly Brothers tune.

130. “Last Train to Clarksville,” Cassandra Wilson

Scat-filled lament on losing love.

131. “Tom Cat,” The Filthy Souls

A dirty rocker that’s equal parts soulful, sexy and spunky.

132. “Let Me Go,” Christian Kane

A lusciously emotive country love song.

133. “For Your Entertainment,” Adam Lambert

Idol’s throbbing dance debut is theatrical and sexy.

134. “Searching,” Speech Debelle

Hip-hop vocals atop jazzy guitar and drums from UK’s Mercury Prize-winning album.

135. “Falling Down,” Selena Gomez and the Scene

Disney’s other pop princess’ diatribe about how fame leads to being lame.

136. “Break,” Three Days Grace

Gritty, melodic hard rock that’s all about breaking out from the pack.

137. “Somebody to Love,” Leighton Meester

Glam, quasi-Balkan-style pop that’s so unabashedly cheesy, it’s fantastic.

138. “Sugar,” Flo Rida

We love us some sugar, and this song will get anyone dancing. Shorty, that’s what’s up.

139. “Dance Little Liar,” Arctic Monkeys

Dark vocals and spooky guitars instead of dance floors.

140. “Tennessee,” Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons

Acoustic beauty with wounding steel-pedal.

141. “Contagious,” Boys Like Girls

‘80s-style, beat-driven teen pop infects the ‘00s.

142. “A Whole Lot Better,” Brendan Benson

Just ridiculous pop perfection.

143. “This Life,” Bruce Springsteen

Surprising ‘60s-pop stylings from the Boss.

144. “Dreams Come True Girl,” Cass McCombs

‘60s pop song cloaked in V.U. bareness.

145. “American Man,” Chuck Prophet

Ooohs notwithstanding, not a pretty picture.

146. “Breathe,” Colin MacIntyre

Folky guitar pop from Glasgow with a gorgeous change-up.

147. “I Guess It’s Going to Rain Today,” Sondre Lerche

Melancholy orchestral-pop soaked in strings and drizzled with banjo.

148. “So Awesome,” the Shazam

The power-pop band is and we’re thrilled.

149. “Shampoo,” Elvis Perkins

Heavy with organs and harmonicas.

150. “After the Storm,” the Flatlanders

Pretty harmonies to go with sumptuous steel pedal.

151. “Million Dollar Bill,” Whitney Houston

Hippest track on the diva’s comeback disc.

152. “Highly Strung,” Orianthi

Sizzling shredder instrumental from the King of Pop’s guitar goddess.

153. “It’s Gonna Be,” Norah Jones

Finger-snapping swing tune, heavy on the bass and B-3.

154. “Kiss With A Fist,” Florence + the Machines

Rock with a fist and guitars galore.

155. “Everybody Learns From Disaster,” Dashboard Confessional

Jangly, optimistic pop from the last emo band left standing.

156. “Shooting Star,” Harper Simon

Paul’s kid writes and sings like a Byrd.

157. “Catalina,” Raekwon

Wu Tang man rhymes about the ‘hood. Who’d a thunk it?

158. “I Can Be a Frog,” the Flaming Lips

Only an OK song, but without it there’d be no chick-in-a-bathing-suit video.

159. “Horchata,” Vampire Weekend

Signature world-beat mash from upcoming album.

160. “California Queen,” Wolfmother

Solid old-fashioned Rolling Stones rock.

SUPERGROUPED

161. “Cut Like a Buffalo,” Dead Weather

Swampy, soul-organ-kissed, School of Howling Wolf bluesy rock.

162. “Gunman,” Them Crooked Vultures

Supergroup dance-metal.

163. “Say Please,” Monsters of Folk

The tempo’s slower, yet it’s almost the Fab Four’s “Please, Please Me.”

164. “Doncha Wanna,” Tinted Windows

Supergroup power pop with huge hooks and hottie Hanson — Taylor.

165. “Little Moon,” Grant-Lee Phillips

Heart-stopping vocals with piano.

166. “The Great Escape,” Ian Hunter

Banjos, mandolins, raspy vocals root this folk-rock surprise.

167. “Yours Truly, the Commuter,” Jason Lytle

Yay! Granddaddy guy has come home.

168. “Where Is Bobbie Gentry,” Jill Sobule

Ode to Billie Joe singer.

169. “11th Dimension,” Julian Casablancas

Strokes frontman channels the Human League.

170. “Black Horses,” Mike Bruno

Opium-den float rock.

171. “Blame It,” Jamie Foxx

Stuttered-beat slut anthem.

172. “Last Dance,” the Raveonettes

Who knew ODing could be so catchy?

173. “Shadows,” Au Revoir Simone

Imagine Stereolab, except leggier.

174. “Little Lion Man,” Mumford and Sons

O brother, this art awesome.

175. “Dreams,” Brandi Carlile

Even more lesbi-riffic than Indigo Girls.

176. “Games for Days,” Julian Plenti

Noir-ish solo debut for Interpol lead singer Paul Banks.

177. “Sugarfoot,” Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears

A little bit J.B. and a little bit Archie Bell & the Drells.

FEATURING

178. “All is Love,” Karen O ft. the Kids

A smoosh-your-face adorable pop celebration.

179. “I Invented Sex,” Trey Sonz ft. Drake

I bet they say that to all the girls.

180. “Sulla Mia Pelle,” Lost ft. Joel Madden

No Italian necessary to appreciate this pop-punk-dance tune.

181. “The One,” Mary J. Blige ft. Drake

Lots of swagger and auto-tune.

182. “Beautiful Amnesia,” Visqueen

Unforgettable.

183. “Knock You Down,” Keri Hilson, ft. Kanye West, Ne-Yo

Hot new voice in an even hotter body — look out, Beyonce.

184. “I’m On A Boat,” the Lonely Island ft. T-Pain

Best. Song. Ever.

185. “Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys

Loud, bold and to the point — just like New York.

186. “When Love Takes Over,” David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland

Anthem-tastic.

187. “Love Sex Magic,” Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake

Why wasn’t this a huge hit?

188. “Hold the Line,” Major Lazer ft. Mr. Lex and Santigold

Dancehall for hipsters.

189. “Dead and Gone,” T.I. ft. Justin Timberlake

Hip-pop power ballad for anybody who thinks he’s bulletproof.

190. “Dreaming of You,” War Tapes

Reminiscent of the Cure, but much more upbeat and dramatic.

191. “You and I,” Wilco

Magic with Jeff Tweedy and Leslie Feist duet.

192. “Black Hearted Love,” PJ Harvey and John Parish

Rapture with heavy guitars.

193. “Relator” Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson

The sweet ‘70s SoCal vibe suits these two perfectly.

194. “Sweet Tooth,” David Rawlings Machine

Old-timey tune sung with Gillian Welch is sweet.

195. “Do you Remember,” Jay Sean, Sean Paul and Lil Jon

An unstoppable trifecta we’re calling Lil Jay Sean Paul.

196. “Too Fake,” Hockey

Get yer MGMT fix right here!

197. “Lovely, Love My Family,” the Roots

Yo Gabba Gabba rock out party time!

198. “Death,” White Lies

Goth-wave dance to the death beat.

199. “Crystalised,” The XX

Massive Attack and Radiohead had a baby.

200. “Country Roads,” Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses

Rootsy Ryan gives country rock a good name.

201. “Waiting for My Ship,” Paul Burch

Captures the wit of Nick Lowe and the country boogie of Carl Perkins.

202. “Happy Up Here,” Royksopp

Space Invaders video, bouncy beat. What could be better?

203. “Pour It Out,” the Films

Sexy, droll, draggy, druggy.

204. “Coast of Carolina,” Telekinesis

Sweet strumming to pop explosion.

205. “Fitz and the Dizzyspells,” Andrew Bird

Dreamy and poppy with esoteric lyrics.

206. “Haven’t Met You Yet,” Michael Buble

Optimism abounds in this bouncy pop tune.

207. “When I Died,” the Thermals

You, too, will be gleefully shouting along.

208. “Summer Song,” Yacht

Techno groove thang.

209. “Bad Romance,” Lady Gaga

Can’t stop the Gaga.

Contributors: Dan Aquilante, Mackenzie Dawson, Isaac Guzman, Billy Heller, Mary Huhn, Stephen Lynch, Raakhee Mirchandani, Maxine Shen, Mandy Stadtmiller, Reed Tucker, Elisabeth Vincentelli, Alisa Wolfson

Send me your reviews my peanut gallery

“His bossa nova synth rendition of Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here” (from the ever classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas”) is sure to break a few hearts (in a good way) and bring on the sentimental Christmas atmosphere. The following track “I’m Home for the Holidays”, will bring on the somber party with its folksy orchestral rhythm but will keep you wanting to hear more.” – Shane Le’Strange, Consequence Of Sound

www.itunes.com/am

Merry Christmas

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“I can’t express anger. That’s one of the problems I have. I grow a tumor instead.”
-Manhattan (1979)

AM is performing at the annual Hotel Cafe Holiday Anniversary Party. Ho Ho Ho

AM @ Hotel Cafe
Friday, December 18, 2009
1623 Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood CA 90028
Exact set time TBA

Have you seen AM’s new tour dates? If you’d like to help out, throw an email to info@visionworksmusic.com or send AM a message on www.facebook.com/amsounds

Door Proceeds to benefit the
LA Fire Department’s
“Spark Of Love”
Toy Drive

New Holiday Happiness & Cheer EP available here

AM’s Holiday Happiness & Cheer EP is charting at radio stations across the country including WTSR in Ewing, NJ, WXAC
in Reading, PA, SFR in Boston, KXUL in Monroe, LA, and WAIH in Potsdamn, NY. Special thank you to everyone who has been requesting the record at their local radio stations including KLSU in Baton Rouge, LA, WCDB in Albany, KCSB in Santa Barbara, CA, WMSE in Milwaukee, WUSB in StonyBrook, NY, and WSOU in South Orange, NJ– and more.

“There’s a big lobster behind the refrigerator. I can’t get it out. This thing’s heavy. Maybe if I put a little dish of butter sauce here with a nutcracker, it will run out the other side”.
-Annie Hall (1977)

AM’s Top 10 Albums of 2009
This was not an easy list to make as I mostly buy old records, but here are some of the new ones I bought this year that I truly liked.

1. Air, Love 2 (Aircheology)

2. Papercuts, You Can Have What You Want (Gnomonsong)

3. Miike Snow, Miike Snow (Universal Republic Records/Downtown Records)

4. Cass McCombs, Catacombs (Domino Recording Co.)

5. Shawn Lee & Clutchy Hopkins, Fascinating Fingers (Ubiquity Records)

6. The Clientele, Bonfires On the Heath (Merge Records)

7. Bat For Lashes, Two Suns (The Echo Label)

8. The Budos Band, The Budos Band EP (2009 Daptone Records)

9. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Glassnote Entertainment)

10. Richard Swift, The Atlantic Ocean (Secretly Canadian)

http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/news/entry/filters_top_10_of_2009_am