Disappointments and Honorable Mentions of 2009

I've narrowed my list of the top albums of 2009 to 15. However, before posting it, I thought I would mention a few albums that just missed the cut, along with some of my biggest disappointments of the year (far from the worst of the year, but records that fell short of my expectations for one reason or another).

Disappointments

Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
I loved his last 2 albums, particularly Armchair Apocrypha, but just couldn't get into this one.
buy

Superdrag - Industry Giants
I've been a huge fan of everything Superdrag's done since the mid-90's. They are way more than a one-hit wonder. But Industry Giants just isn't very good.
buy

The Thermals - Now We Can See
2006's The Body the Blood the Machine=Brilliant; 2009's Now We Can See=Mediocre
buy

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
buy
Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine
buy
OK, so both of these are actually quite good. In fact, Josphine even comes close to earning an honorable mention. But looking at everything Jason Molina's done in Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co., and as a solo artist, Josephine ranks pretty low. MPP is enjoyable enough, but deserving of nearly universal praise? No way, and it is particularly disappointing in the context of Animal Collective's fantastic (and huge) back catalogue and coming off 2007's career-best (if you ask me) Strawberry Jam.

Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
buy
The Mountain Goats - The Life of the World To Come
buy
These 2 albums are truly disappointing. I was ready to re-embrace Wilco after the mostly boring Sky Blue Sky, but the only thing worthwhile about Wilco (The Album) is the cover art. Even as Wilco reaches impressive peaks with their live performance, they are hitting new creative lows. Coming off Heretic Pride, one of my favorites of John Darnielle's many releases, The Mountain Goats really stumble here - even though most critics seem to disagree. Songs about Bible verses? If anyone could pull that off, it would be John Darnielle, but The Life of the World to Come is neither quirky enough or emotionally satisfying to hold my attention.

Honorable Mention

The xx - xx
Listen if you like Young Marble Giants...
buy

Blackout Beach - Skin of Evil
Cloud of Evil
buy

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
Listen if you like 90's indie rock...
buy

Iran - Dissolver
buy

Julie Doiron - I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day
buy

Flaming Lips - Embryonic
A daring return to eccentric form.
buy

Langhorne Slim - Be Set Free
buy

MV & EE - Barn Nova
Summer Magic
buy