Neil B’s Top 5 of 2009 1. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca Soulful, funky, mysterious and post-punky. The year’s most challenging and ultimately rewarding release. 2. The Decembrists – Hazards of Love Compelling and panoramic folk-prog of the highest order. 3. Yoko Ono – Between My Head and the Sky Vastly underrated but undeniably influential. At 76 still arguably ahead of her time, and for once immediately accessible. 4. Super Furry Animals – Dark Days/Light Years Stunning Kraut/Psych return for the ever-dependable Furrys. 5. Magnolia Electric Company – Josephine Another plaintive masterpiece from alt-country chameleon Jason Molina. Next