Best of 2010 – Summer Solstice Edition
I figure that about 6 months through the year that it would be a good time to reach out to the few out there that enjoy rolling around in my urine to actually get an idea of what I am listening to.I always remind myself that I need to write more and thus to keep it fairly short I have offered a 1 sentence review for the 15 top albums so far. Of course, maybe all you need is a sentence to know that you will love it.
Top Albums of the Year (So Far)
1. Janelle Monae – Archandroid
Genre-Bending album that’s studies popular music over the past 50+ years. If you give this album time, it should grow on you.
2. Caribou – Swim
Dan Snaith reinvents himself once again throwing away the Psychaedelic Pop of Andorra for an underwater electronic experience.
3. The National – High Violet
Fall into the category of writing smart rock songs, that are catchy, thoughtful and deserve oft-repeated listens.
4. Beach House – Teen Dream
The production quality on this improves and only enhances their sound. Victoria Legrand’s unique vocals however, steal the show.
5. LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening
James Murphy’s follow-up to Sound of Silver is tighter, raucous, and at times a bit hilarious. This album feels a bit like Talking Heads meets Joy Division meets the 21st century.
6. Method Actors – This is Still It (Reissue)
This album is a treasure for those enjoying that great post-punk 80s sound.
7. Charlotte Gainsbourg – IRM
Bringing Beck’s talents to this album, Gainsbourg reminds me a bit like St. Vincent’s album Actor as she plays different characters and roles throughout.
8. Tame Impala – Innerspeaker
This album quickly making it’s way up my charts reminds me of Pink Floyd’s ‘Piper at the Gates of Dawn”. Psychaedelic at it’s best.
9. Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles II
It’s that electronica music that they play at that uber hip club that you never go to, cause well you are just not cool enough.
10. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor
Great Alcohol-Fueled Summer Tour Punk meets Bruce Springsteen. “You’ll Always Be A Loser” will be screamed by every fan at every show that they perform at.
11. Owen Pallett – Heartland
Mixing Electronica and Strings, it feels a bit like Grizzly Bear’s ‘Veckatimest’.
12. Radio Dept – Clinging to A Scheme
I always felt that this band was born during the wrong decade. Always feels like that 80’s Goth Rock feel.
13. Spoon – Transference
Probably would be higher on the list if not for their awful show at the Aragon. I think my ears are still ringing.
14. Morning Benders – Excuses
Promising record with one of the best songs of the year, ‘Excuses’ reminiscent of the old “Wall of Sound” recordings.
15. Netherfriends – Barry and Sherry
Chicago-band that after a couple listens has to be one of the more intriguing finds this year. Animal Collective – Psychedelic pop.
Best of the Rest
Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes are Roaring the Night
Sleigh Bells – Treats
Massive Attack – Heligoland
Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma
Dum Dum Girls – I Will Be
Gil Scott Heron – I’m New Here
Fang Island – Fang Island