Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of top ten lists from our music writers. These will continue daily, until culminating in an aggregated top twenty list from buzzlegoose.
You can read Victor Koressel’s here.
You can read Chris Franklin’s here.
Enjoy!
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10. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – Kanye West
I tried not to like this album, I really did. Namely because I felt like I was doing the universe a disservice by advising them to listen to anything Kanye West had to say lyrically or otherwise. Turns out that despite his absurd ego he mastered a powerful composition with this album. The instrumentation is vast, the structure cinematic, the guests are all over the map and wonderfully tailored to the production. Sure he’s pompous but his twisted fantasy is sure to be talked about for quite some time.
9. I Speak Because I Can- Laura Marling
And man is she eloquent. A darker side of folk, Marling dives into her femininity with no reservations. There’s less hurried-ness to her stories in this installment, its evident she’s growing into her voice and paying closer attention to detail.
8. Brothers- The Black Keys
Just like Stella, The Black Keys got their groove back. They brought in the usual bluesy vibe—but kept it relevant and upbeat. The songs have kick and remain memorable long after the record stops spinning. These brothers created an album that sounds rich and full of life, keeping it innovative with a duo isn’t easy but they stepped up their game and won with thick controlled vocals and a little funk.
7. The Head and the Heart- The Head and the Heart
Simply, put this album is elegant. There’s a delicately designed blueprint here of harmonies and dedicated instrumentation. The Head And The Heart’s first album is a lovely career opener that’s spawned tours with larger names like Dr. Dog and Vampire Weekend. A melancholy folk sound with Ryan Adam’s flair, if you haven’t heard of these guys yet…you will soon.’
6. Odd Blood- Yeasayer
Yeasayer is a band with a wild imagination and a tenacious creativity like we heard with All Hour Cymbals. Odd Blood is a groovier Yeasayer, with tribal drum beats and confident vocals. Not straying far from their favored psychedelia, they keep it familiar while giving us something a little catchier to hold onto.
5. The Winter of Mixed Drinks- Frightened Rabbit
You want to couple bands with some fun term like crunk-rock or ambient-Americana, something that sounds progressive but with Frightened Rabbit its simple folk-rock done well. The Winter of Mixed Drinks so aptly put, is not going to shake your ears to some profound new riff or melody. Frightened Rabbit stuck to what they know, pain and lo-fi…. it worked out wonderfully.
4. This Is Happening- LCD Soundsystem
For a long time I found it hard to believe that LCD would ever put out an album with a song catchier than “Daft Punk is Playing At My House.” They took their frat appeal and gave it grace. It’s danceable irony and this production is the best yet. Making a mockery of our sloppy generation with the ever-so dance friendly “Drunk Girls” and keeping us inquisitive with the earnest sounds of “I Can Change.”
3. Sigh No More- Mumford and Sons
Try getting tickets to see Mumford and Sons. Just days after tickets went on sale for their recent tour nearly every city was sold out. Pretty astounding for a band most people didn’t even know existed outside the U.K. The pairing of haunting harmonies and Marcus Mumford’s thunderous voice, Sigh No More rouses folk once again. It’s clear the songs are meant to be not just heard… but felt, the raw sincerity of the composition and the sorrow is alive here.
2. Treats- Sleigh Bells
If Santigold and Girl Talk got together and created an ADHD jive-child this album would be the sonic equivalent. Treats demands an audience with its pounding riffs and sheer amplitude. Crafted dance music, there’s hardly anything else out there as catchy or commanding.
1. High Violet- The National
Surviving in 2010 where folk, hip-hop and the ever-popular ambient snyth-rock have taken the main stage The National prove once again that consistency is key. There’s no gimmicks with these guys. Easily, the most decadent album of 2010 High Violet’s poetic anguish is best had with a nice glass of wine and a wintery mix. Matt Berninger’s self loathing is something of an art, where he can make things seem ornate and distressing all at the same time. At it since 99’ and they have never sounded better; subtly standing on top of the mountain of innovative indie bands that don’t usually live to see the next year.
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