Playing Favorites: The Top 10 EPs of 2009

Earlier this week, we brought to you our Top Ten Albums of 2009. Now, to continue that trend and further bring the year to a close, we offer our Top 10 EPs. These EPs were released this year by some of our favorite artists (listed, of course, in alphabetical order), and helped to round out the year in music; each one is a must listen.

Animal Collective – Fall Be Kind
Animal Collective makes wildly experimental sound collages its members describe as “sonic, freeform, electronic, horror, gospel, hip-hop, soul, pop madness.” Recorded by Ben Allen at Sweet Tea in Oxford, MS in February of 2008, and at Mission Sound in Brooklyn, NY August of 2009, Fall Be Kind includes recent live favorites “Graze” and “What Would I Want? Sky” (which was given an almost unprecedented 10 out of 10 rating by Pitchfork, and which features the first ever licensed Grateful Dead sample). Animal Collective are, well – one of those bands, wherein everything is a concept – the music never means what you think it means (though it could be argued that it means whatever you think it means), and this EP is exactly what you would expect from this group of pioneers – absolutely gorgeous, slightly insane, and thoroughly brilliant. [Melanie]

Audra Mae – Haunt
I first became aware of Audra Mae just before catching her live with Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Jim Ward (perennial favorites here at The Ruckus) on the Revival Tour in November. Her haunting, ethereal voice was a complete surprise, and her performance quickly became one of my favorite things about the evening – to say that I was captivated would be an extreme understatement. This EP is special. To put it another way, Haunt will. The songs here aren’t catchy pop tunes, but good luck getting them out of your head. Audra Mae writes intelligent, deep songs that live and breathe with the characters and moments she captures within. Add to this a voice that’s absolutely unforgettable and arrangements that fit each song like skin, and you have a very special listening experience on your hands. Haunt is the sort of introduction that drives curious listeners into obsessive fanhood. If this is any indication, the forthcoming debut album should be amazing. [Melanie]

Bon Iver – Blood Bank
It has been a big year for Justin Vernon, the soft-spoken, brilliant voice of indie darling Bon Iver. 2008′s For Emma, Forever Ago was named amongst NPR’s 50 Most Important Recordings of the Decade. He played a sold-out tour. And then, just like that, announced that Bon Iver would stop touring indefinitely (cue heartbreak). Blood Bank is a gorgeous, heartbreaking affair that demands to be played on repeat. These four little songs pack as much of an emotional punch as most full-length records do. As much as Emma is about the cold, Blood Bank is about the warmth that gets you through it. You can feel the air move. Like a fire you’ve been stoking for hours and finally got to sustain itself, the heat blisters your face while your back is frozen solid. [Melanie]

Dan Craig – Accidents
I feel lucky that Dan Craig is local to Denver because it has given me the opportunity to see him perform live so many times. This summer, I sent a copy of his 2009 EP, Accidents, to my partner in crime, Melanie. I got a text a couple weeks later that simply said “Dan Craig’s Accidents is beautiful. I know you love it, but I can really get behind it now.” I’ve gone on to introduce Dan Craig’s music to several others, who were impressed as well. I got two e-mails this week asking where to get his music from friends I went on a road trip with. I absolutely count Accidents among some of my favorite work. It’s different, it isn’t quite like anything else I’ve heard, but it works and works well. “Sir Thomas More” is an eclectic, Rhodes (electric piano) driven piece on the historical figure about the struggle of being a friend to someone making a bad decision. “Soldier Don’t Look Down” is a darkly beautiful song, with metaphors so rich you feel like you’re inside the track. If you’re not lucky enough to attend a Dan Craig show, Accidents is available on iTunes. [Tiffiny]

Death Cab for Cutie – The Open Door
Can I tell you something? Death Cab for Cutie are my favorite band. Ever. I discovered them as a college sophomore in the late-nineties, fell head over heels with Ben Gibbard’s voice, the lyrics, the guitar, the piano….the everything, and never looked back. Am I fangirling? I’m probably embarrassing myself, but I don’t care – this EP is solid. It opens with the surprisingly upbeat “Little Bribes”, segues into the earnest “A Diamond and a Tether”, and then swings up again with “My Mirror Speaks,” and “I Was Once a Loyal Lover” before settling into a sweet, acoustic demo of “Talking Bird”. The Open Door, essentially a collection of B-sides to Narrow Stairs, is just as perfect an EP as it can be. [Melanie]

Deep Sea Diver – New Caves
The lovely and talented Jessica Dobson put out the harmonious, indie pop EP New Caves with her solo project Deep Sea Diver in March. This little project will have you dancing and singing along in no time. “Hangin’ On” is laid back and easy to lose yourself in while “New Caves” takes you on an adventure full of exploration and loneliness. Ms. Dobson’s vocals are pleasant and accessible. She showcases her guitar skills as well on this release. You may have caught Jessica on tour with Beck and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, showing off her talent. We can’t wait for more from the Deep Sea Diver camp. [Tiffiny]

Lisa Hannigan – Live at Fingerprints
I’m convinced that Lisa Hannigan has more talent in her little finger than I do in my entire body. Her solo debut, Sea Sew was incredible. The careful instrumentation and Ms. Hannigan’s amazing voice came together in a delicate balance to create one of my favorite albums of 2008. This release provides live versions of a handful of tracks, recorded as part of the famous Live at Fingerprints series. This EP offers a glance into the charisma and spontaneity offered at a Lisa Hannigan live show, and allows each instrument to shine. Whether you’re listening for a preview of Sea Sew or because you’ve come to adore these tracks, you’ll love this. [Tiffiny]

Marcus Foster – EP
I would describe Marcus Foster‘s work as alt-folk. The songs are quirky, busy, bluesy, and passionate. Mr. Foster seems to put his whole heart into writing and performing. From the lovely, languishing “Fourteen Times” to the fast, funky “Kiss Is a Knife”, Foster captures a variety of emotions and musical styles. I find myself listening to the rough ballad “You, My Love” on repeat. Pick this EP up for something different that still manages to feel like home. [Tiffiny]

Terra Naomi – Go Quietly
I am a sucker for the acoustic guitar. It speaks to me in a way that electric never will. In August, Terra Naomi released an acoustic collection of her work. The stripped down production suits Ms. Naomi’s raw style perfectly. My favorite Terra Naomi song of all time can be found on Go Quietly, “Bad Time To Fall In Love”. It takes my breath away with lyrics like, “Those are the moments / You should run from / Sweet things that slow you down / Feelings that leave you numb / Those are the feelings / That make the room spin / And leave your life a mess / And do your head in”. The biting “Patron Saint of Strippers” is guaranteed to leave an impression. Quietly is a perfect showcase of Terra Naomi’s skills. [Tiffiny]

Venice Is Sinking – Okay
I’m a bit addicted to Venice Is Sinking. This year’s Okay EP is a great deal of what caused this. Okay is a sort of super single for the title track, originally featured on the full length Azar. Both vocalists (lead vocals are shared between Daniel Lawson and Karolyn Troupe) offer superb performances on each song. Full accompaniment takes the record to an extraordinary level. A new version of Azar track “Ryan’s Song” is also included. The rest of the EP contains covers of the San Francisco band Okay‘s songs “Compass” and “Give Up”. Per frontman Daniel Lawson: “We’re big fans of Marty Anderson of Okay, and we wanted to honor his wonderful songwriting.” I have to say they’ve done well. [Tiffiny]