My Top Songs of 2009

People aren't going to like my list, mostly because it doesn't inlclude any Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear or Girls. Sorry, go slobber over SPIN's list--which was predictable and incredibly obnoxious. My list isn't about album recognition. This list complies the top 10 songs that rocked my year from beginning to end. That's it--cut and dry.

[**NOTE** The List is not ranked in order of awesome-ness]

1) "Bad Romance," by Lady Gaga

This song burst in the Fall, but didn't take long to emerge as one of the best pop songs of the year. It has it all: crashing hooks, thumping bass lines and Gaga being Gaga. Not to mention it's an instant crowd pleaser at parties.

2) "Little Secrets," by Passion Pit

This song doesn't get enough credit because most feel Passion Pit has already gone mainstream and isn't  worth mentioning anymore. To hell with that. "Little Secrets" amps you up like a high-powered rock anthem before a football game--with less beer bellies and nacho cheese.

3) "Empire State of Mind," by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

This song is the most-overplayed of the year, but for good reason. Jay-Z is a timeless wonder and still goes hard like the king of hip-hop. If you don't hear this song at a bar, you're in a twilight zone.

4) "Stillness is the Move," by Dirty Projectors

This song might be a more acquired taste, but it's hard not give the nod since it's pretty hard to make acapella rock so hard.

5) "Crown on the Ground," by Sleigh Bells

Sleigh Bells are still a bit of an unknown, at least outside of New York City, but "Crown on the Ground" seethes with adrenaline and grit.

6) "Best I Ever Had," by Drake

It helps to have Lil' Wayne and other hip-hop moguls behind your back, but it means a hell of a lot more to come out guns-a-blazin' with "Best I Ever Had."

7) "Make Her Say," by Kid Cudi featuring Common, Kanye West and Lady Gaga

Aren't ya'll glad he's coming next semester to perform?

8) "Die Slow," by HEALTH

It's loud, it's hurts and it doesn't even make sense half the time. These guys are like the David Lynch of indie-metal. In all all honesty, this is the only song I can stand, but it's a goodie.

9) "1901" by Phoenix

Great band. Great album. Great song. What's more to say?

10) "Life Magazine," by Cold Cave

Like Sleigh Bells, Cold Cave is a late-bloomer this year. Hit-single "Life Magazine" is the best song you've never heard this year.

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Listen to Cold Cave's "Life Magazine:"