BEST SONGS OF 2009: 50 - 26

The Top 50 of 2009 is here!  You can catch up by checking out our lists for 125-101 , 100-76 and 75-51 . We've been having some issues embedding LaLa.com MP3s on the site (perhaps in relation to Apple's buyout of the company?), which is why you'll see a variety of players embedded below. Otherwise, we shall plunge right into 50-26 after the jump.

(Click below to see our Top 50)

IN CONCERT: FREELANCE WHALES

The Freelance Whales have only begun selling out shows as headliners this week.  Last night they played at The Black Cat in DC to a capacity crowd on the same night that local favorites Thievery Corporation played The 9:30 Club a few blocks away and We Are Scientists were playing just upstairs.

(Read more on the Brooklyn band's performance after the jump)

Worst Artist/Album/Song of 2009

In the spirit of the year-end ritual of 'Best of' lists, I decided to flip the convention of annual kudos on it's head.  Today, rather than celebrate 2009's brightest, (Don't worry, the Best of 2009 is in the works... I know it's getting late, but it's a bear of a piece) let's take a look at the piss-poor.  There are no need for lists.  Today, we recognize THE VERY WORST-OF-THE-WORST.  2009's most atrocious, pungent, pile of...

(READ MORE after the jump:)