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Jay-Z, Wilco And The Yeah Yeah Yeahs: 10 In 2009

2009 is coming to a close, which means that it's time to check in on what the favorite albums, artists, songs and moments were among the fine folks in the MTV Newsroom. Be sure to check out James Montgomery's definitive year-end list for 2009, and enjoy the "10 In 2009" series that will be running over the next two weeks.

By Rya Backer

I listened to a lot of good albums this year, and there were a lot of great songs on them. So I'll make like a girlfriend and give to you, the readers, my 2009 in song. The title of this mixtape? I'mma Let You Finish, But These Are My Favorite Songs of 2009. I'm hilarious?

Side A
Jay-Z, "On to the Next One"
I kept hearing this song in clubs and I really liked it, so I finally Googled "Somebody bring me back some money please." Now I cut a rug to it in the comfort of my own home.

Lightning Bolt, "Funny Farm"
I get that people think all their songs sound alike, but those people just don't get it. When you listen to this on full blast on the subway, you'll quickly find yourself with ample elbow room.

Suckers, "It Gets Your Body Movin'"
I knew this was special when I saw them live and during the big crescendo my friend (hi, Andy!) and I turned to each other and high-fived.

No Age, "You're a Target"
Apart from the fact that Dean is a true Hannukah Hottie, I really like the bigger sound. If I made skate videos, I'd probably use this song all the time.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Zero"
Their drummer, Brian Chase, is a very important Hannukah Hottie as well.

Wilco, "Bull Black Nova"
This is the stoniest, Nels Cline-iest track on their new album. Thus, I enjoy it the most.

Tanlines, "Bejan"
First of all, you really need to see the video for this song, because it's hilarious. Then you need to see them live.

Bat for Lashes, "Daniel"
I want this song to be my intro music before I walk into any room, and have it accompanied by smoke machines, wind machines, fog machines and lasers.

Not to readers: This is the part where the first side of a cassette tape is finished, so you have to take it out of the player and flip it over, put it back in the player, close it and press "play" again. Complicated, right?

Side B
Grizzly Bear featuring Michael McDonald, "While You Wait for the Others" If you don't like this great version of an already great song, I don't know what to tell you. You're crazy and hate a soulful baritone.

Dinosaur, Jr., "Ocean in the Way" I think this song is really beautiful and drone-y, and I like Mascis' sleepy vocals. I really grew up in the '90s, didn't I?

The Flaming Lips, "Aquarius Sabotage" Embryonic is so good! I like the juxtaposition of all the sounds on this track: Pretty meoldy next to harsh noise and whatnot. And seriously, in 2009, we saw Wayne's Coyne.

Sonic Youth, "What We Know"
This is my favorite song off of The Eternal to hear live, because I like Lee's voice a lot and I enjoy how it harmonizes with Kim's.

Franz Ferdinand, "What She Came For"
Seriously, this album is really good. You can really get into this song's chorus.

Tyondai Braxton, "Uffe's Woodshop"
If you close your eyes while you listen to this song, I'm pretty sure you'll see magical things like ducks playing string instruments, the monopoly man playing the kazoo and the iTunes visualizer.

JEFF the Brotherhood, "U Got the Look"
Fun and summerjam-y. My niece and nephew really enjoy dancing to this.

Animal Collective, "Summertime Clothes"
This is easily my favorite song of the 2009. The lyrics are really illustrative. I went on vacation by myself this summer (it was empowering, not lonely) and I'm pretty sure I spent a good six days walking around London listening to this track on repeat.

And my favorite album of the year was Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 1 by the Beastie Boys (all three songs I've heard of it). Glad you're doing well, MCA!