Posts Tagged ‘Broken Bells’

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Top 10 Albums of 2010

2011/01/01

It was good year. I had a tough time picking out this list and I also just downloaded a number of albums that are probably contenders, I just haven't listened to them yet. I reserve the right to amend or replace this list later, but if this list helps you find some new music, then my work here is done!

Here are some of my favorite albums from 2010, but you be the judge:

1. Arcade Fire – "The Suburbs"

After seeing them live in August 2010, I went on an Arcade Fire bender. The Suburbs still ring out in my mind. Rococo!

2. Junip – "Fields"

Junip's album, headed by lead singer José González, is thoughtful, and perfect for a cloudy day.

3. Sleigh Bells – "Treats"

Abbrasive and yet you can dance to it? Good for when you're feeling pissed off or bouncing happy? More noise pop please!

4. Aloe Blacc – "Good Things"

The bit of Soul we'll all need for the year that has passed, and the year yet to come. Hey hey!

5. Girl Talk – "All Day"

Raising the bar for mashup artists everywhere, Girl Talk has taken 350 of your favorite songs mashed into one brilliant song. You have been informed.

6. Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)

Funky, then soulful, dancing then some blues. Janelle is all over the place in a good way!

7. Vampire Weekend – "Contra"

Paul Simon (or at least the "Paul Simon" of the album "Graceland") would approve. I approve too!

8. Jónsi – "Go"

Songs from a boy from another world. Beauty with a beat, and feathers at times.

9. Neon Trees – "Habits"

Pop + Post-Punk. Keeps the blood flowing. Oo… oo! I want some more!

10. Broken Bells – "Broken Bells"

The Shin's singer, James Mercer, and Danger Mouse's collaborative and solid album, and one that will certainly grow on you.

As I mentioned a year ago, I was likely going to amend/update the 2009 list. Rather than change it and make some painful cuts, here are 10 more from 2009, that I didn't fully appreciate until 2010:

1. Florence + the Machine – "Lungs"

2. The Bird and The Bee – "Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future"

3. The Temper Trap – "Conditions"

4. La Roux – "La Roux"

5. Mumford & Sons – "Sigh No More"

6. One EskimO – "One Eskimo"

7. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – "Up From Below"

8. Miike Snow – "Miike Snow"

9. Phoenix – "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"

10. Meaghan Smith – "Wish Upon A Star"

If you're curious, here is my original 2009 list, though I think perhaps The XX deserves a higher number!

1. Franz Ferdinand – "Tonight"

2. Metric – "Fantasies"

3. Röyksopp – "Junior"

4. Coconut Records – "Davy"

5. The Sounds – "Crossing The Rubicon"

6. Owl City – "Ocean Eyes"

7. Grizzly Bear – "Veckatimest"

8. Matt & Kim – "Grand"

9. Animal Collective – "Merriweather Post Pavilion"

10. The xx – "xx"

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Broken Bells – "The Ghost Inside" (2010)

2010/09/25

I am nervous about The Shins. I had a chance a few years ago to go see them, but at the time I thought I was too old to go to concerts. A side effect of just turning 30 perhaps? Then The Shins have had some band turmoil. Some changes in its members, and though they are working on a new album, it will likely be quite different. Yet here I thought they were improving album after album.

Then Broken Bells came out, and I have avoided it for a while. Broken Bells is a composed of James Mercer (The Shins' lead singer and founder) and Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton). It has been successful and yet in my mind, such solo projects tend to lead to more, and thus we have likely seen the best of The Shins. I also kick myself for not taking some of the musical opportunities I had, for they have likely passed forever and will never be the same. Change is inevitable though, and you have to accept that. It is just a reminder to seize the day! Carpe diem!

PS: This video featuring Christina Hendricks of "Firefly" and "Mad Men" fame, is pretty sweet. It happened to come up in discussion while hanging out last night and reminds me of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" a bit.

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