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"
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 - Fields
Junip's album, headed by lead singer José González, is thoughtful, and perfect for a cloudy day.
3. Sleigh Bells – "Treats"
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"
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"
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)
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"
Vampire Weekend - Contra
Paul Simon (or at least the "Paul Simon" of the album "Graceland") would approve. I approve too!
8. Jónsi – "Go"
Jónsi - Go
Songs from a boy from another world. Beauty with a beat, and feathers at times.
9. Neon Trees – "Habits"
Neon Trees - Habits
Pop + Post-Punk. Keeps the blood flowing. Oo… oo! I want some more!
10. Broken Bells – "Broken Bells"
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"
Florence + the Machine - Lungs
2. The Bird and The Bee – "Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future"
The Bird and The Bee - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future
3. The Temper Trap – "Conditions"
The Temper Trap - Conditions
4. La Roux – "La Roux"
La Roux - La Roux
5. Mumford & Sons – "Sigh No More"
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
6. One EskimO – "One Eskimo"
One EskimO - One Eskimo
7. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – "Up From Below"
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Up from Below
8. Miike Snow – "Miike Snow"
Miike Snow - Miike Snow
9. Phoenix – "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
10. Meaghan Smith – "Wish Upon A Star"
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"
Franz Ferdinand - Tonight
2. Metric – "Fantasies"
Metric - Fantasies
3. Röyksopp – "Junior"
Röyksopp - Junior
4. Coconut Records – "Davy"
Coconut Records - Davy
5. The Sounds – "Crossing The Rubicon"
The Sounds - Crossing The Rubicon
6. Owl City – "Ocean Eyes"
Owl City - Ocean Eyes
7. Grizzly Bear – "Veckatimest"
Grizzly Beari - Veckatimest
8. Matt & Kim – "Grand"
Matt & Kim - Grand
9. Animal Collective – "Merriweather Post Pavilion"
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
10. The xx – "xx"
The XX - XX
