Top 5 Albums of 2009;

2009 was a year of some great music, and breakthrough artists as well as highlighting the promise of just how good 2010 will be music wise.

1) My number one spot goes to The Getaway Plan for the 'Best of The Getaway Plan (2005-2009.) If you are anything like me, and were absolutely gutted when these incredibly talented Melbourne lads broke up, then you'll understand my choice. From featuring their hit singles off the successful album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' as well as including all the tracks from their first demo and their first EP 'Hold Conversation', with b-sides from singles also thrown in, it is a perfect mix of The Getaway Plan, showcasing the versatility they had. Whether it's the passion displayed in with the screaming vocals in 'The New Year' or the soft, haunting piano and vocals on 'Melophobia', the boys never fail to disappoint. RIP.

2) The Dreamers EP - Young Heretics
Wow. Is the first word I expressed after hearing the opening track 'Bones Of A Rabbit.' Kitty Hart and Matthew Wright aka Young Heretics have wowed fans and critics alike with their 4 song EP, just a teaser of what to expect on their album due out in 2010. If it's anything like the EP displays, this will be one act to watch in 2010. Whether their vocals are soaring over the top of a full orchestra or softly blending in with acoustic guitar, the duo has showcased their amazing musicianship and vocal range in this EP. For only $5, I would recommend anyone to get it.

3) First Temple - Closure In Moscow
The debut album from Aussie band Closure In Moscow, didn't fail to disappoint. The CD starts with a bang, and doesn't fail to disappoint, showcasing the bands ear for melody, crazy instrumentals and the amazing voice of Chris de Cinque. The CD also showcases the bands versatility with punk driven tracks they became known for, as well as mixing in more diverse sounds, such as song 'A Night at the Spleen.' Ever heard a punk type song that you can just get up and dance to? - (yes dance, not mosh). The chorus is ridiciulously catchy with Chris' falsetto vocals 'dance with me through the night, we'll feel alright, we'll make it last all night' will guarantee you'll walk around singing it for the next couple days. A promising first release from the boys - excited to see how well they can develop and extend on their sound on their sophmore album.

4) Hot Mess - Cobra Starship
Who can deliver cheesy, catchy electro pop-rock songs and still remain cool? Cobra Starship can. Gabe Saporta's charisma mixed in with his clever, cutting and most of the time highly amusing lyrics, make for great, catchy songs to get up and dance to. The band shows that they are in it for the fun of it, and don't take life to seriously, a breath of fresh air in the power hungry music scene. I mean how can you not (secretly) love lyrics such as 'Yo give it up, cause I know what you've got, you can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock' followed by 'I'm not street but I do what I gotta do, so what? you got a crew? I got a crew too'
While it's not lyrics to make you think, or make you feel the power of music, sometimes we all need a bit of plain fun and dance time.