Without music life would be a mistake. ~Nietzsche
2010 was a good year for music, at least in my opinion... and that's all this is... i'm not Rolling Stone. That's at your local book store they probably did their own top ten list, and it's probably better. Go get it if that's what you want. My opinion is free though...
Anyways. 2010 brought us some great musical movements (a renaissance in hip hop, and a resurgence of folk music.), and some musical movements i will be embarrassed to tell my kids about one day (Justin Bieber... Justin Bieber's hair... Justin Bieber's ego).
All in all i'm very happy about the music i have stored up for the winter and, without further ado, here are the CD's i will be hibernating with, my Top Ten Albums of 2010:
# 10
Flamingo - Brandon Flowers
Release Date: 9/14/10
"Didn't anyone tell you? The house will always win?" When The Killers finished work on Day and Age and a Live at Royal Albert Hall album Brandon Flowers was apparently ready to immediately get back to work. The rest of the band, however, was ready to take a break. So Flowers set out on his own. I'm a huge Killers fan, ever since my college roommate introduced me to the band, so i was pretty nervous when i heard Brandon Flowers was taking his act solo. (Although it's hard to go wrong when Daniel Lanois is on board) The end result was surprising, he tells us stories through the eyes of his Las Vegas roots, switching from the seedy to showy side of the city without warning and keeping listeners on their toes. The arrangements don't seem a significant leap from what we would hear from The Killers, but it makes sense, considering these songs were written for the whole band. There are moments when Brandon Flowers reminds me of Springsteen with synthesizers. Also according to him he has enough songs to keep releasing CD's with or without the band. Can't wait.
Favorite Songs: Playing With Fire, Crossfire, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas
I And Love And You - The Avett Brothers
Release Date: 2/5/10"Didn't anyone tell you? The house will always win?" When The Killers finished work on Day and Age and a Live at Royal Albert Hall album Brandon Flowers was apparently ready to immediately get back to work. The rest of the band, however, was ready to take a break. So Flowers set out on his own. I'm a huge Killers fan, ever since my college roommate introduced me to the band, so i was pretty nervous when i heard Brandon Flowers was taking his act solo. (Although it's hard to go wrong when Daniel Lanois is on board) The end result was surprising, he tells us stories through the eyes of his Las Vegas roots, switching from the seedy to showy side of the city without warning and keeping listeners on their toes. The arrangements don't seem a significant leap from what we would hear from The Killers, but it makes sense, considering these songs were written for the whole band. There are moments when Brandon Flowers reminds me of Springsteen with synthesizers. Also according to him he has enough songs to keep releasing CD's with or without the band. Can't wait.
Favorite Songs: Playing With Fire, Crossfire, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas
#9
I missed this wagon when they first came around, and i continued to miss it for the next 8 years. Surprising considered they come from one state up, but i have a tendency to wear blinders. Fortunately a dear friend of mine introduced me to them about a month or more ago and they have rarely left my ipod since then. I love the arrangements of music, the dominance of a piano, the musical versatility of the brothers, the harmonies between the two, the lyrics, but more than anything, the heartfelt truthfulness that resonates from listening and watching them play. There's no mistake they are excited to be here and excited to share. The Title Song is probably the most easily accessible example of all these things, but it's the first song on the album and it only gets better from there. (Also probably win my award for coolest cover art of the 10) The Avett Brothers also released a live album in October. Glad i'm on the wagon now, so i can be on the look out for the next one.
Favorite Songs: Heart Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise, I And Love And You.
#8
Plastic Beach- Gorillaz
Release Date: 5/5/10 This one actually didn't catch my attention until i saw the video for Stylo, which is now on this blog twice. Because it's awesome. Come on... this CD deserves to be on the list solely for doing a video while being chased by Bruce Willis. The thing i continue to love about The Gorillaz, is that the more you listen to them, the better their songs get, because most of the time they are flooding listeners with so much stimulus that it takes multiple listens to be able to piece together the story they are telling. Gorillaz remains one of the few mainstream acts that has a strong concept and has a lot of fun playing with it, and it is apparent to their audience. And if you like featuring artists how does this sound: Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Bobby Womack, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, De La Soul, etc. Word of advice if you are going to try to go on itunes and 'pick off' the singles don't waste your time. This is a complete work Track 1 - 18 (18 tracks on the deluxe.)
Favorites: I'm not telling you. Read the last damn sentence.
#7
The Wild Hunt - The Tallest Man on Earth
Release Date: 4/12/10
To know me, is to instantly understand why this guy made my list. The Tallest Man on Earth was my favorite discovery this year, and The Tallest Man On Earth actually happens to be a Swede by the name of Kristian Matsson. He has stolen the heart and the soul of folk music straight from those Baby Boomers whose generation perfected the genre. I credit him with this, not just because he sounds like Bob Dylan's prodigy, but because he is more than a songwriter, he is a poet. I'm usually harsh on Dylan "sound a-likes" but his lyrical structure is so sound, i can't do anything but be amazed. His nasal, and ragged vocal stylings flow so smoothly on top of his six string picking that he sounds like he belongs in an era 20 years before. But i'm really glad he wound up in this one.
Favorite Songs: A Lion's Heart, Troubles Will Be Gone, Burden of Tomorrow.
To know me, is to instantly understand why this guy made my list. The Tallest Man on Earth was my favorite discovery this year, and The Tallest Man On Earth actually happens to be a Swede by the name of Kristian Matsson. He has stolen the heart and the soul of folk music straight from those Baby Boomers whose generation perfected the genre. I credit him with this, not just because he sounds like Bob Dylan's prodigy, but because he is more than a songwriter, he is a poet. I'm usually harsh on Dylan "sound a-likes" but his lyrical structure is so sound, i can't do anything but be amazed. His nasal, and ragged vocal stylings flow so smoothly on top of his six string picking that he sounds like he belongs in an era 20 years before. But i'm really glad he wound up in this one.
Favorite Songs: A Lion's Heart, Troubles Will Be Gone, Burden of Tomorrow.
#6
Suburbs- Arcade Fire
Release Date: 8/3/10
I'm aware that every other musical publication has this much higher on their list, but like i said my opinion is free. Don't get me wrong, i really like Arcade Fire, i'm just not always in the mood for Arcade Fire, which is why a great album that should be #2 or #3 is listed 6th on my list. That being said, when i am in the mood for Arcade Fire i can only describe their sound as Epic. They seem to get the structure of a well-made-song, and they seem to find a way to blend so many sounds brilliantly. I also think they recaptured a feel and a sound that made them so brilliant with Funeral and was diminished on Neon Bible. That bitter- sweetness that makes you wonder where you stand when the song is over. Arcade Fire is on a bit of a hot streak. I mean how can you not be when Spike Jonze makes a movie for you?
Favorite Songs: City With No Children, Sprawls II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
I'm aware that every other musical publication has this much higher on their list, but like i said my opinion is free. Don't get me wrong, i really like Arcade Fire, i'm just not always in the mood for Arcade Fire, which is why a great album that should be #2 or #3 is listed 6th on my list. That being said, when i am in the mood for Arcade Fire i can only describe their sound as Epic. They seem to get the structure of a well-made-song, and they seem to find a way to blend so many sounds brilliantly. I also think they recaptured a feel and a sound that made them so brilliant with Funeral and was diminished on Neon Bible. That bitter- sweetness that makes you wonder where you stand when the song is over. Arcade Fire is on a bit of a hot streak. I mean how can you not be when Spike Jonze makes a movie for you?
Favorite Songs: City With No Children, Sprawls II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
#5
Junky Star - Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses
Release Date: 8/31/10
Ryan Bingham achieved wonderful success and hit the national spotlight this year with his Oscar winning song The Weary Kind from the film Crazy Heart. The Oscar set loads of expectations on Bingham, considering he was a country star with only a cult following before the infamous T-Bone Burnett partnered up with him for the movie soundtrack. How did he handle the expectations? He picked up a band and put together a 13 track play list that is a powerful anthem during this country's recession. This folk/country hybrid has some catchy songs, some painfully depressing songs, and lyrics that sound like they should be coming directly out of Tom Joad's mouth ("Don't fear the vendor, a dream can be bought, as long as you don't sell what you've been fighting for.") In a country where a lot of us aren't sure what move to make next it feels good to at least know we're not alone. Bingham's gritty voice and thoughtful songs capture that perfectly.
Favorites: The Wandering, Depression, Hallelujah (not that one)
Ryan Bingham achieved wonderful success and hit the national spotlight this year with his Oscar winning song The Weary Kind from the film Crazy Heart. The Oscar set loads of expectations on Bingham, considering he was a country star with only a cult following before the infamous T-Bone Burnett partnered up with him for the movie soundtrack. How did he handle the expectations? He picked up a band and put together a 13 track play list that is a powerful anthem during this country's recession. This folk/country hybrid has some catchy songs, some painfully depressing songs, and lyrics that sound like they should be coming directly out of Tom Joad's mouth ("Don't fear the vendor, a dream can be bought, as long as you don't sell what you've been fighting for.") In a country where a lot of us aren't sure what move to make next it feels good to at least know we're not alone. Bingham's gritty voice and thoughtful songs capture that perfectly.
Favorites: The Wandering, Depression, Hallelujah (not that one)
#4
Release Date: 6/21/10
Uplifting, Inspiring, Apologetic. Eminem? Really? Angry. Violent. Abusive. Ok, that's more like it. He blends the two sides of the man together to make the most honest, self-effacing piece of work that he's ever done. Honestly i thought this would be at the top of my list when it came out in June, but 4 isn't bad either... and it's not like he cares. Relapse was not a good CD. And i was dreading the relapse 'companion' but then he scrapped that, there started to be rumors of the old Marshall Mathers... but better. And all of the sudden this CD drops that blows everyone away. Listen to it closely, from a tempo perspective... you can't invent that, it's inhuman, he changes his scheme constantly, he fits words in rhyme schemes that don't even belong in the same sentence together! But it works, fantastically. From suicide, to alcohol/drug abuse, to jealousy, Eminem is in confession, and we are on the other side listening, and it's beautiful.
Favorites: No Love, Not Afraid, Love The Way You Lie (He also gave us one of the best videos of the year)
#3
Uplifting, Inspiring, Apologetic. Eminem? Really? Angry. Violent. Abusive. Ok, that's more like it. He blends the two sides of the man together to make the most honest, self-effacing piece of work that he's ever done. Honestly i thought this would be at the top of my list when it came out in June, but 4 isn't bad either... and it's not like he cares. Relapse was not a good CD. And i was dreading the relapse 'companion' but then he scrapped that, there started to be rumors of the old Marshall Mathers... but better. And all of the sudden this CD drops that blows everyone away. Listen to it closely, from a tempo perspective... you can't invent that, it's inhuman, he changes his scheme constantly, he fits words in rhyme schemes that don't even belong in the same sentence together! But it works, fantastically. From suicide, to alcohol/drug abuse, to jealousy, Eminem is in confession, and we are on the other side listening, and it's beautiful.
Favorites: No Love, Not Afraid, Love The Way You Lie (He also gave us one of the best videos of the year)
#3
God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise - Ray Lamontagne and the Pariah Dogs
Release Date: 8/17/10
Ray Lamontagne for the last few years has been one of my very favorite artists. He is a paradox, i can't think of another musician who makes me choke up in despair and laugh out of hopefulness at the same time... but he does it with every line. This effect is achieved from the rich, soulful voice coupled with the haunting simplicity of his lyrics. Whether by coincidence or by me morphing circumstances in my head Every CD he has released has found a way to fit seamlessly into what's going on in my life at the time. On this Album he's picked up the Pariah Dogs, who have done wonders backing him up, they expand his musical range, and a traditionally "folksy" artist can be heard with new influences, Bluegrass, R&B, Blues, Country, and Funk. The range has brought us Ray's best CD yet.
Favorites: New York City's Killing Me, The Devil's in the Jukebox, For The Summer
Ray Lamontagne for the last few years has been one of my very favorite artists. He is a paradox, i can't think of another musician who makes me choke up in despair and laugh out of hopefulness at the same time... but he does it with every line. This effect is achieved from the rich, soulful voice coupled with the haunting simplicity of his lyrics. Whether by coincidence or by me morphing circumstances in my head Every CD he has released has found a way to fit seamlessly into what's going on in my life at the time. On this Album he's picked up the Pariah Dogs, who have done wonders backing him up, they expand his musical range, and a traditionally "folksy" artist can be heard with new influences, Bluegrass, R&B, Blues, Country, and Funk. The range has brought us Ray's best CD yet.
Favorites: New York City's Killing Me, The Devil's in the Jukebox, For The Summer
#2
High Violet - The National
Release Date: 5/10/10
By conventional music standards, The National are not supposed to be good. They are cadenced, they are overly repetitive, they lacks levels. But... they break the mold and they are one of the most brilliantly captivating acts around. This band destroys convention. Why does it work? Because not one. single. thing. about The National comes off as contrived. Nothing is forced, from the subtle slip in of the horns, to the faint guitar, to the dominant drum line, it all blends into musical masterpiece. The rich baritone of Matt Berninger is nothing but icing on the cake. And that's all without touching the politically charged, romantically sound, socially conscious lyrics. Why is this the best indie rock band in music? It's because Berninger, the brothers Dessner, and the brothers Devendorf are not an indie rock band. When they hit the stage or the studio they are a living musical organism, blending everything into one. And that's why conventions are out the window. Plus they are so freaking cool.
Favorite Songs: Sorrow, Runaway, Bloodbuzz Ohio
By conventional music standards, The National are not supposed to be good. They are cadenced, they are overly repetitive, they lacks levels. But... they break the mold and they are one of the most brilliantly captivating acts around. This band destroys convention. Why does it work? Because not one. single. thing. about The National comes off as contrived. Nothing is forced, from the subtle slip in of the horns, to the faint guitar, to the dominant drum line, it all blends into musical masterpiece. The rich baritone of Matt Berninger is nothing but icing on the cake. And that's all without touching the politically charged, romantically sound, socially conscious lyrics. Why is this the best indie rock band in music? It's because Berninger, the brothers Dessner, and the brothers Devendorf are not an indie rock band. When they hit the stage or the studio they are a living musical organism, blending everything into one. And that's why conventions are out the window. Plus they are so freaking cool.
Favorite Songs: Sorrow, Runaway, Bloodbuzz Ohio
#1
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West
Release Date: 11/22/10
First of all... Kanye. Your cover art. It's not good. But then again... that's Kanye. As i've documented on this blog (yes. i linked you to my own blog.). And as i'm sure you've seen EVERYWHERE Kanye is weird. He blows up about his cover art not being allowed and throws a tantrum and the cover arts not even that good! Then a week later, he drops the album of the year on your lap. I mean maybe the fact that he's crazy is a testament to his brilliance. Whether you are a fan of hip hop or not you have to appreciate the artistic integrity with this album. This album saw Nicki Minaj's introduction and unveiling as hip-hops newest superstar, it saw indie main-stay Bon Iver make an appearance, we heard The Godfather of hip hop, Jay-Z, drop a killer verse on the track Monster, we 'toasted the douchebags', saw a cameo by R&B superstar John Legend (Blame Game), Then Bon Iver came back for an encore, Kanye finished incredibly strong by bringing in spoken word legend Gil Scott Heron to finish it out with a monologue. (Who Will Survive In America). And that is just the CD. There was a film, there were two (ONE, TWO) live performances that were so good they are being credited with helping to revive SNL's season, there were outbursts, apologies, and at the end of it all Kanye didn't give us an album. He gave us an experience. He didn't give us a release date, he gave us an opportunity to watch his long road back from the Taylor Swift debacle. He made his strongest argument for his legacy through his art. He put together great beats, a beautiful dance piece, ridiculously poetic lyrics. And -- I don't mean to be rude i'm really happy for you and... imma let you finish. But i think Kanye West just gave us one of the best albums of all time. All joking aside Kanye said it best on his song Power, "At the end of the day. Goddammit i'm Killing this Shit." Yes. Yes you are. Be as crazy as you want. Just don't stop.
First of all... Kanye. Your cover art. It's not good. But then again... that's Kanye. As i've documented on this blog (yes. i linked you to my own blog.). And as i'm sure you've seen EVERYWHERE Kanye is weird. He blows up about his cover art not being allowed and throws a tantrum and the cover arts not even that good! Then a week later, he drops the album of the year on your lap. I mean maybe the fact that he's crazy is a testament to his brilliance. Whether you are a fan of hip hop or not you have to appreciate the artistic integrity with this album. This album saw Nicki Minaj's introduction and unveiling as hip-hops newest superstar, it saw indie main-stay Bon Iver make an appearance, we heard The Godfather of hip hop, Jay-Z, drop a killer verse on the track Monster, we 'toasted the douchebags', saw a cameo by R&B superstar John Legend (Blame Game), Then Bon Iver came back for an encore, Kanye finished incredibly strong by bringing in spoken word legend Gil Scott Heron to finish it out with a monologue. (Who Will Survive In America). And that is just the CD. There was a film, there were two (ONE, TWO) live performances that were so good they are being credited with helping to revive SNL's season, there were outbursts, apologies, and at the end of it all Kanye didn't give us an album. He gave us an experience. He didn't give us a release date, he gave us an opportunity to watch his long road back from the Taylor Swift debacle. He made his strongest argument for his legacy through his art. He put together great beats, a beautiful dance piece, ridiculously poetic lyrics. And -- I don't mean to be rude i'm really happy for you and... imma let you finish. But i think Kanye West just gave us one of the best albums of all time. All joking aside Kanye said it best on his song Power, "At the end of the day. Goddammit i'm Killing this Shit." Yes. Yes you are. Be as crazy as you want. Just don't stop.
Favorite Songs: i just said: one of the best albums of all time.
Wow... that took a while. if anyone at all reads this (sarcastic laughter) and you have different picks, let me know... odds are i missed it. Thanks for reading (Louder sarcastic laughter).
