Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Top Albums of 2010

Yes, I know my list is late, and rather short. I did not listen to much “new” music this year. There are several things that are new to me which I fell in love with such has Japandroids and the Pixies (I know I’m really late on this). Nevertheless, I was able to cobble together a top five and an honorable mention.

Honorable Mention
(in no particular order)


Best Coast – Crazy for You
Hurray for the Riff Raff – S/T
Charlotte Gainsbourg – IRM
Sufjan Stevens – All Delight People EP (miles better on vinyl)
Les Savy Fav – Root for Ruin

Top 5

5) Ra Ra Riot – The Orchard


There is nothing really dangerous or sexy about Ra Ra Riot. The automatic genre tag in iTunes is “Easy Listening,” which I don’t necessarily find fair, but can’t exactly argue against. The singer’s voice is pleasant and his lyrics vaguely poetic, a cellist and violinist are members of the band and they rely on the bass as the driving force of almost every song. But, I can’t help but really enjoy this album.

4) Wolf Parade – Expo 86


Many people seemed to jump ship on Wolf Parade after “At Mount Zoomer.” Not that they could be blamed, it was downright boring especially when compared to their debut and there interesting side projects. I have it on good authority, however, that the ennui of the album was due more to the production job than the songs themselves and that live they rocked out. Well, Wolf Parade seems to have taken that to heart, recording vocals to this album live (and perhaps other parts) and then just tweaking in the studio. And the process paid off, because from start to finish this album pulses with energy. It’s not as good as “Apologies to…” but it’s close.

3) Arcade Fire – The Suburbs


I, like many people, was quite wary of this title, fearing ramped up didactics like on Neon Bible, and at first I did not like this album. I did not mind it, but it—for a long time—was not something that I put on first, it was something that I’d put on only if I’d cycled through most of my other new music. I wish I could remember exactly when it clicked with me, but I don’t. At some point it became a first choice and has remained there.

2) Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy


Upon first listen in the Airport with my headphones the sonic detail on this album floored me. I sat there like a fool with a shit-eating grin on my face. The second time I listened—and by second I mean on vinyl—I couldn’t handle how warm every detail was, how well mixed, how much space every part of each song had. Unfortunately, the vinyl also reinforced certain misgivings I had the first time around, mainly that I don’t like the album all the way through. Most songs are certain genius, but not all of them, which kept this out of the top spot. Most of the blame lies with Chris Rock.

1) Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz


Before this album officially came out Nick and I had a long correspondence pertaining to the aesthetics—if you will—of the album versus the already-released EP. We reached the conclusion that the album was going to be too purposefully difficult, too (and these are my own words) Brooklyn. However, being a loyal fan and addicted to buying vinyl, I still bought the album and it quietly, subtly worked it’s magic on me until I would be sitting at my dining room table looking forward to each and every song, no matter how long that song (25 minutes!) may be. The blending of all previous styles along with the more confident and assertive singing style showcased on “You are the Blood” make for an album I listen to on repeat.