I love end of the year count downs. It's a time to look back and reflect. I think I like it because I get to look back at all the good times I've had and the bad times i have overcome. Unfortunately I'm not much a movie goer one because I can't sit through the films, and two they are way to expensive for me! But I am constantly sampling music and listening to new albums while i drive, study, workout... well you get the idea. So here is a list of 30 albums released in 2010(get it? 20+10=30?) categorized into my Top Albums of the year (in no particular order, that would be way to difficult for this amateur blogger), Honorable Mentions (albums that maybe have been skewed in my brain, but are still really really good) and the ones I Expected More from (albums that are pretty decent, but with all the hype and talk I expected more). I know I am putting myself on the chopping block and I am sure 234567890 people will disagree with me but regardless I hope you enjoy!
Top Albums
Black Keys- Brothers
If I had to pick a top 3, this album would definitely be up there. The dynamic duo mixed soul, rock, and to some degree a psychedelic feel good in this album. You don't get vocals like this anymore! Overall the album, in my opinion is a perfect compilation. Even their videos give me the chills, take a peek-
"How do you feel about being dead?"-- "I don't know, my neck hurts."
"You didn't look that cool out there"-- "Well at least I died doing what I love."
Vampire Weekend- Contra
Get a taste of this (although this single is on their first album):
"Why would you speak to me that way, especially when I always said that I haven't got the words for you, All your diction dripping with disdain, through the pain, I always tell the truth." Check out my music player: Oxford Comma
Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Even Kanye's video is BRILLIANT! At first I was a little skeptical of this album. It took me a while to actually understand the full dimensions of this album, but believe me it really seems like a "Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"-- so much I would demand that the video be part of the album. Kanye delivers again... lyrics that can cut through a brick wall and beats that complement his lyrics. Just be careful, it's very explicit, even he album cover has to be censored!
Cotton Jones- Paranoid Cocoon
Personally, I feel like Cotton Jones's album Paranoid Cocoon did not get the attention it deserved. This album is a piece of art. The mixture of male and female vocals creates a master piece of sound. The name, Paranoid Cocoon, I feel does not do the music justice. The music does not have one characteristic drop of paranoia. On the contrary, this album creates a euphoric environment. See for yourself, check out Gotta Cheer up Now on my music player!
The Roots- How I Got Over
You can literally see how The Roots got over. This album from the veteran group illustrates every emotion dealing with getting over something be it a break up, a brick wall, or a stomach ache! I would give this album best story award. The lyrics takes you smoothly, with help from the vocals, from one story line to another. If you need a pick up, take a listen to this album!Cee Lo Green- The Lady Killer
With the smash hit "Fu*k You" and a cover called "The Lady Killer"-- you might get the idea that Green is just another male ranting about women. But don't be fooled. Cee Lo Green is a true artist. He mixed many genre's from Jazz, R and B, and gives a nod back to groups like the temptations in this album, not to mention that his voice is perfect for every situation. Have a listen to "Love Gun" featuring Lauren Bennett.
Gold Motel- Summer House
This Chicago 5 piece ensemble, is a solo project of the Hush Sound's Greta Morgan. I had the privledge of seeing them preform in Boston; and let me tell you the vocals coming from this girl are just as amazing as they are on the album. Summer House is just what it sounds like. It is a collection of music that you could imagine filling a summer house. The beats are lively and lyrics are simple!Eminem- Recovery
In my opinion this is the best Eminem album todate. Usually I am not that huge of a fan of the rapper and hearing his woes of the world, but I think he has matured since the day so of "My band" and The Marshall Mathers album. His choice in collaborations are wise moves choosing artists like Rhianna and Pink but keeping Lil' Wayne in his back pocket. Keep in mind it's still very "explicit", so if you are not one for his raw diction, I suggest skipping this one.Mumford and Sons- Sigh No More
I'm always a sucker for English bands. But unlike the recent english bands, (The Kooks, The Arctic Monkeys... ect) Mumford and Sons will not be getting much of teen crowd. Mumford and Sons is true to the legacy of Folk with hints of rock. The band lets their instruments speak for themselves. The instrument composition is probably one of the best I have heard in quite sometime.. probably since the O'Brother Where Art Tho? soundtrack. I say this band, regardless of their lack of Beiber fans is going places and their album Sigh No More is a great start.
Surfer Blood- Astro Coast
This band, although only in its infant stage, has taken their audience by storm. The Florida band has a unique sound that can be contributed to the unique pitches and tones used. What I really made this album stand out was the track "Neighbor Riffs". The track contains no vocals and for 2 minutes and 11 seconds is centered around the sound of a guitar. You don't see that much these days, all I can say is that I see big things for these guys. Morning Benders- Big Echo
Listening to this album is what I imagine living underwater is like. The feel is so mellow, the sound will hit your ears and make the world seem like the world has stopped turning. The overall sound has an old time feel, somewhat reflective of the doo-wop era-- Richie Valens' Donna, or The Everly Brother's All I have to do is Dream. I give this album a top three rating. Listen to "Promises" on my music player or "Excuses" below.
Peter Wolf- Midnight Souvenirs
Midnight Souvenirs is by far the most eclectic album on this list. Usually I would consider inconstancy in an album a flaw, but Peter Wolf manages to make it work. It's country, rock, blues, soul, jazz, and folk all in one. Words cannot, and should not describe this album, it simply must be experienced.
He's My Brother, She's My Sister- He's My Brother, She's My Sister
I love everything about this band. I saw them open for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and was immediately impressed. They have a cellist as their base, a tape dancer who is simultaneously their conga player, and an amazing sibling duo providing the vocals. They are a truly unique band, with what I like to consider the "best drunk song"-- "How'm I Gonna Get Back Home Tonight?" And with lyrics like "I threw the bottle straight at his head, Man I wish i would have chose his best friend instead" there is no reason to pass up this band! You can hear "How'm I Gonna Get Back Home Tonight" on my music player! Enjoy!The Head and The Heart- The Head and The Heart
Another very small band has topped my music chart. The Head and The Heart has the best harmonies I have heard in quite sometime. It sounds interesting, but I kind of see them like a folksy beatles with incredible harmonies. One of my favorite song is Lost in My Mind, take a listen.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- Up From Below
I have had yet to met a person that hasn't fallen head over heels for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Yes they may give the hippie image, but who are we to judge? This 14 piece band is unlike any other I have seen or heard. They are great on record and even better live. When I went to see them live, they had an entire concert hall bouncing away, but as an encore they had everyone sit in a circle and lead man Alex Ebert sit in the middle and sedate us with his voice. I haven't seen anything like that since Selena, the movie. But don't take my word for it hear it for yourself on my music player!Spoon- Transference
Spoon, has been one of my favorite bands for quite sometime now. I must admit Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga seemed like it could not be matched, but I was wrong. Spoon did a fantastic job blending who they are/were as artists with who they are becoming. Their sound is identifiable but is still very different. I must say that the use of the piano on this album is genius. Additionally, Spoon despite this being their 7th album has not lost their ability to set mood and attitude on an album.
Honorable Mention
All these bands were great, but there was something a little off with each of them:
LCD Sound System- Is this Happening
A little to techno for my taste.
The Young Veins- Take a Vacation!
Too reminiscent of the Beatles, I would like to hear their own unique sound.
Local Natives- Gorilla Manor
Long album, and got tired of it quickly.
Beach House- Teen Dream
Everyone is raving about this, but the vocals were a little too eerie for me. I think Cotton Jones is a better substitute.
MIA- Maya
Again too techno for me, but some great lyrics, and mix ups.
Arcade fire- The Suburbs
I feel as if I have heard this before.
The XX- XX
The album seemed to repetitive.
The Drums- The Drums
Something was missing for me, I couldn't put my finger on it.
Nicki Minaj- Pink Friday
I am a huge Nicki fan, which surprised me and everyone I know, but I like her collaborations on other peoples albums. I think she should stick to that.
Gonjasufi- A Sufi and a Killer: Great work, just think it sounds too much like poetry being spoken over music.
Expected More:
Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon Volume II: I was really excited about this one, but it was little bit of a let down comparing it to volume I.
Trey Songz- Passion Pain & Pleasure: I kept hearing great things about this, but I really didn't do anything for me, except Bottoms up, and it really was just the Nicki Minaj part.
Drake- Thank Me Later: Meh, I feel like some songs were good, but others were not. I am judging the whole album not just individual songs.
Weezer- Hurley: Probably my biggest let down. I was so excited about this album, I even had a count down, but it wasn't true to Weezer, I guess I'll have to keep listening to the Blue Album for a few more years.
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