Songs of Innocence, Songs of Experience

It's that time of year -- for Top 10 lists! Hurrah! I really do love Top 10 lists; they're so neat and orderly.

Now, I'm not as much of a music expert as I am with TV and movies, but I've always thought the music a person listens to says the most about them. So, I wanted to post my Top 10 list of songs -- but with some caveats. Since I'm not always on the cutting edge of the music scene, these aren't necessarily songs released this year. Rather, these are the songs that made up the soundtrack of my life in 2009. (And they aren't ranked.)

1. 'Fuck and Run' by Liz Phair
P. recommended this song last spring during a rather bleak time, and even now, it's almost always among the last 25 songs played on my iPod.

2. 'Lasso' by Phoenix
I always waver on which of the songs from the album, 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,' I like the best. But at their two live shows (Summerstage and Hammerstein), without a doubt -- it was 'Lasso.'

3. 'Let Your Love Grow Tall' by Passion Pit
Again, this is my favorite live song (same shows as Phoenix), even though I'd probably choose 'Sleepyhead' from the album.

4. 'Parallel Lines' by the Junior Boys
God, this is a really difficult one. I love all their songs. The lyrics to this one really get to me, though.

5. 'Hurt Feelings' by Flight of the Conchords
A lot of people were down on this season, but I think it produced some excellent work, including this number (best line: "The day after my birthday is not my birthday, mum").

6. 'Battlefield' by Jordin Sparks
Yes, I confess: I like pop music, OK?! Get over it. I first heard this on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' for a routine performed by Brandon and Jeanine, and it just stayed with me.

7. 'The Walls Are Coming Down' by Fanfarlo
Another band I had the pleasure of seeing live -- and will again in a week or so. Amazing.

8. 'When Will You Come Back Home' by Ryan Adams
Isn't it just the best when you rediscover a song that you first heard a long time ago, is in your music library and had been gathering dust?

9. 'Wake Up' by Arcade Fire
Soundtrack behind one of the best movie trailers, ever.

10. 'Something True' by Band of Annuals
If this were a list of one, this song would be the one. And I love a good harmonica solo.

And of course, honorable mentions:
- 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson: RIP MJ
- 'Poker Face' by Lady Gaga: This is what world domination looks like, huh?
- 'I Fall to Pieces' by Patsy Cline: Because Patsy never goes out of style