Best EPs of 2009

Let's not forget the EPs of the year too. Some of these packed just as much punch as their full-length counterparts.

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - THE OPEN DOOR
There are some things in life that will always be contstant. One of those being the fact that I will love anything Death Cab For Cutie releases. This EP released earlier this year reminded me why I like them in the first place and I can forgive them for having a song on the New Moon soundtrack. "Little Bribes" was by far my favorite track.

PRABIR AND THE SUBSTITUTES - HELLO
As of a few weeks ago, Prabir and the Substitutes are no more. It's very sad because this was a band that could actually make it. Prabir is an incredible talented musician and I'm sure we haven't seen the last of him. "Hello" was a nice cap to end a group's work.
Listen to "Who's Going To Love You?"

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GREG LASWELL - COVERS
I'm a sucker for Greg Laswell and his latest EP, a covers album simply titled "Covers" gives me more of what I want. His choices of artists to cover (Kristen Hersh, Echo and the Bunnymen) are interesting but he puts his own spin on things to create a nice little EP. Too bad "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" is not on here.

AT THE STARS - OXYGEN & RUST
I was eagerly waiting for what seemed like forever for this EP. The band kept facing delays in production, pushing the release back further and further. As soon as I heard the opening notes on "Needed," I knew I would be hooked.
Listen to "Oxygen & Rust"

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MAE - (M)ORNING, (A)FTERNOON, (E)VENING EPs
Mae actually released three EPs this year (the 3rd one is nearly complete) named after the times of the day, which the tone of each being different. The band also recorded and released a new song every month for the past year with proceeds going to charity. This kept them in my line of sight the entire year as I waited to see what the guys would have in store for the following month.

JONATHAN VASSAR AND THE SPECKLED BIRD - THE FIRE NEXT TIME
I couldn't mention 2009 in music without mentioning Jonathan Vassar. He and the Speckled Bird's latest release "The Fire Next Time" is a bit darker tone than his previous work but one that I welcome.
Listen to "Hole in the Ground"

[DOWNLOAD]