Another year comes to an end and another top indie albums list gets published to the internet. Going through past Muffin articles and my various playlists I have determined that 2009 was a pretty rad year in music.

I tend to lean towards the more acoustic music and softer music (read: Frank is one sensitive dude). But I think 2009 was the year that turned me into an electro-head. Granted, in 2008 my toes started tapping, but by the end of 2009 I am a dancing machine.

Here is my list. And don’t forget all week long the Muffin authors will be stepping into the bakery to list their picks for top 5 albums. If you agree or disagree, let us know in the comments and we will be sure to battle over personal preference (and B might even insult your family).

1. Miike Snow – Miike Snow
Miike Snow – Silvia

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There is no question in my mind that Miike Snow put out the best album this year. When the Swedish production team of Bloodshy & Avant and US singer/songwriter Andrew Wyatt teamed up nothing but magic was the result. And my personal highlight of the year involved Muffin co-founder D Rock singing Stevie Wonder with Wyatt outside Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco.

2. Passion Pit – Manners
Passion Pit – The Reeling

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I knew in 2008 when the Chunk of Change EP woke me up each morning that Passion Pit’s first full length would eventually find itself on my top albums list. Passion Pit had a big year on the Muffin, after first being reported on the Muffin in 2008, to setting the stage for the win a date with Frank contest, to finally forming the most impressive crowd Betsy saw at Austin City Limits.

3. Freelance Whales – Weathervanes
Freelance Whales – Ghosting

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Freelance Whales are the newest group to make my morning routine of listening to tunes while getting ready for work. I shudder to think what my life would have been like had Train not written about the Whales. With a singer who dabbles in Sufjan style crooning, amazing melodies, and constantly evolving and full songs – the Freelance Whales are a solid at number three.

4. Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness (feat Ratatat and MGMT)

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I would have never guessed a hip-hop album would have ever made my list, but Cudi is hard to deny. And although people would call him a rapper, there is a bit more swagger and melody to his rhymes. I think every new rapper that breaks on the scene has to have a radically different style to distinguish himself, and Cudi’s style is the most interesting I’ve heard yet.

5. Darwin Deez – Darwin Deez
Darwin Deez – Radar Detector

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I did include indie in the title of this post, and I think Darwin Deez is exactly the old school type of indie music I love. The songs are quirky, often not taking themselves too seriously. The singers voice is soft and simple. And the music is upbeat and makes you happy every time you listen to it. It’s honestly hard to put a finger on what makes this album so attractive, but I had a lot of people tell me they lost their minds after giving the Deez a spin.