Top 10 Songs of 2009

2009 was a great year in music. Check out these collaborations, hybridizations and commentaries. If you've partied with me at all this year, you've heard them.

10. N.A.S.A. - The People Tree (f David Byrne, Chali 2na, Gift of Gab and Z-Trip)
    

    I think the guest artist list here really says it all.

    
    
    
    
9. The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa (f Ezra Koenig)
   

   Sleeper jam of the year. I don't think a lot of Americans heard this song, but I really love it.

   
   
   
   
8. Big Business - The Drift
   

   This band shows off their form with a heavy, minimal and melodic sing-along. Sample lyric: "Cant' draw a map with honey: not a lesson, that's just good advice."

   
   
   
   
7. Basement Jaxx - Raindrops
   

   This song brought tears of joy multiple times this year. Hands up!

   
   
   
   
6. Das Racist - Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell (Wallpaper remix)
   

   Love it or hate it, this postmodern take on urban culture is undeniably catchy and funny.

   
   
   
   
5. Julian Casablancas - Out Of The Blue
   

   Here we see Casablancas flexing his lyricist muscles. This song is beautifully constructed and poignant in its simplicity. BONUS: Plethora of sing-along harmonizing opportunities.

   
   
   
   
4. The Lonely Island - I'm On A Boat (f T-Pain)
   

   This is the song that made me love T-Pain, since he's clearly having a great time making fun of himself. This song will freak out a party, and leave people trying to pretend they don't know the words. Hit the deck, but stay on your toes.

   
   
   
   
3. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind
   

   I don't want to be down. I'm totally West Coast. I can't front on this song, though: it's a fantastic performance, full of soul and passion from both Jay and Alicia. Long live the Roc.

   
   
   
   
2. Mos Def - Twilite Speedball
   

   "Having a good time... every day." This is a video of a performance I got to see this year thanks to my superfriend Leslie. Mos never stops. He makes it look easy. I'm honored to be alive while he's making such fresh grooves.

   
   
   
   
1. USS - Laces Out
   

   Here's what I hear here: Ska, Big Beat, Hip-hop, Motown, New Wave, Beatles, Springsteen. That's the way to my heart.