Best of 2009: Album Artwork

Album artwork is arguably the most important aspect of a musical release next to the music itself. In many cases, it's our first impression of what we are about to hear, and a visual companion to the recording. Because of this, we have compiled the best of 2009. The selections below were chosen because of their visual appeal, in addition to how well they work alongside their sonic counterparts.

10. Person to Person, Foreign Born

9. Fluorescent Black, Anti-Pop Consortium

8. Scars, Basement Jaxx

7. Creaturesque, Throw Me The Statue

6. Merriweather Post Pavillion, Animal Collective

5. The Smith Westerns, The Smith Westerns

4. Farm, Dinosaur Jr.

3. Hold Time, M. Ward

2. Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear

1. Tentacles, Crystal Antlers

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best of 2009: Movie Soundtracks]

New Smith Westerns, "Imagine, Pt. 3"

The Smith Westerns, those fun Chicago kids who like to pretend they're in the 1950s, have a new song for you. "Imagine, Pt. 3" is not on their self-titled debut, but surely could have made it. The youthful enthusiasm and overall nostalgic flair they always seem to possess is alive and well on the track, so I'd say it's worth a listen for you, and your friends at the jukebox over there.

The Smith Westerns - "Imagine, Pt. 3" (via Stereogum)

[Previously on Animal Noises: John's Track of the Week: "Be My Girl"]

John's Track of the Week: "Be My Girl"

Song: Be My Girl
Artist: The Smith Westerns
Album: The Smith Westerns
Year: 2009

No, I'm not talking about this as a new track. Just felt like chronicling a song I've been enjoying as of late. As you all are aware, I don't always have the time to preview absolutely everything before it comes out, so the result is featuring songs in "Track of the Week," etc. To start, nobody really knows all that much about The Smith Westerns. This year's self-titled effort is their first album, they're from Chicago and they're fans of art, the 1960s and Nirvana. However, I find their classic outlook, and hopeless romanticism a bit refreshing to be honest. Is it cliche to act like it's the 1960s? Perhaps. But, the band does it with full knowledge of that fact, which may make it okay. Are you lost yet?

"Be My Girl" exemplifies these aspects to a tee. The title alone screams either Jet or Frankie Valli, both of whom could easily evoke a retro vibe. Instead of a mainstream pop approach though, The Smith Westerns embraces a sort of underground garage pop, mixed with some noise. Still, strong melodies are not only present, but very much the standout of both this song and the record as a whole. It's not swagger that gets them by here-- the confidence that could only come from years of experience-- but instead, how badly they want what they don't have, and how their youth may cloud their judgment of its necessity. Wrap that up in some fuzz, and there you have it: The Smith Westerns in a nutshell. Maybe you'll enjoy as much as I have. The track below is courtesy of Pitchfork.

"Be My Girl"- The Smith Westerns