This is my second annual top albums list. I make no apologies for my list, for I like what I like. I will, however, have you know that I am not a professional music critic or even consider myself musically literate. But I like what I like and this is what I liked in 2010. If you'd like to see my list from 2009, click here.
Honorable Mention: The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
Nothing wrong with a little straight up rock and roll sometimes.
40. Wolf Parade - Expo 86
A bit twangy for my taste, but a solid album.
39. Interpol - Interpol
A solid effort, but not their best by a long shot.
38. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
Celebrated by actual critics, this album never caught on fully with me, but enough to make the list.
37. The Apples In Stereo - Travelers In Space And Time
Not a lot of catchy pop hooks as usual in this collection of songs, but they are good even at their worst.
36. Fang Island - Fang Island
More musical than lyrical, there are moments of brilliance.
35. Caribou - Swim
Best electronic album of the year in a year not filled with many.
34. Broken Bells - Broken Bells
Half The Shins, half above average. A couple greats songs, the rest are forgettable.
33. Marina And The Diamonds - The Family Jewels
Catchy, poppy and fun, the highest female led band on my list this year.
32. Of Montreal - False Priest
Some of the most bizarre lyrics I have ever heard, but I have always been drawn to the bizarre.
31. Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard
They kinda went soft for this 2nd album and it worked, but not nearly as well.
30. Delta Spirit - History From Below
Probably deserves to be higher. Consistently strong from beginning to end.
29. Frightened Rabbit - The Winter Of Mixed Drinks
For those that would like to see Wolf Parade and Tokyo Police Club mixed.
28. Foals - Total Life Forever
Original guitar sounds and riffs and more original vocals make for a cool sound.
27. Spoon - Transference
Spoon always puts out hip and upbeat rock and this one fits the bill.
26. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
An infusion of surf sound bands this year and this one was one of the best.
25. The Drums - The Drums
An infusion of surf sound bands this year and this one WAS the best.
24. Weezer - Hurley
Loved it at first, but it never really grew on me. Won't be one of Weezer's best, but still good.
23. OK Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky
With the great videos, people forget that these guys and jam. And well.
22. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
So much talent on this album. Not as great as hoped, but still very, very good.
21. Maps & Atlases - Perch Patchwork
Best male voice of the year in this band!
20. New Pornographers - Together
Pop/Indie at it's best.
19. Hot Chip - One Life Stand
Best Hot Chip album so far by far.
18. Efterclang - Magic Chairs
A little strange, but a powerful and well produced album.
17. Yeasayer - Odd Blood
Took me awhile to warm up to this one, but then I realized how many truly great songs there are on it.
16. Brandon Flowers - Flamingo
This album was somewhat hated by critics, but I loved the solo project by The Killers frontman.
15. Belle & Sabastian - Write About Love
Mellow to the core. 70's, cheesy mellow, in fact. But I can't get enough.
14. Minus The Bear - Omni
They sound almost identical to Foals, but I like their songs more.
13. Band Of Horses - Infinite Arms
My least favorite Band Of Horses album. Says a lot that it is still this high on this list.
12. Cloud Cult - Light Chasers
A latecomer to this list; the best use of string instruments I've ever heard in a rock band.
11. Neon Trees - Habits
Local Utah band hits the big time! Well deserved too. This album is awesome.
10. Tokyo Police Club - Champ
Perplexingly addictive album. I have worn it out on the iPod.
9. Matt & Kim - Sidewalks
My friend (Spencer) says it sounds overly produced, I say I love the new sound! You decide.
8. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Many lists have this #1. I just can't put it that high, despite the million times I've listened.
7. Rogue Wave - Permalight
More upbeat and catchy than their other albums, even my boys sang along to these tunes.
6. Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame
Their 60's sound is smooth and such a welcome break from the norm. This might be their best.
5. Mates Of State - Crushes
An album of covers this high? Why yes, when it is this good, which it is.
4. Mumford And Son - Sigh No More
The music on this album flows perfectly from one song to the next and is terrific. I am so glad they are finding a larger audience.
3. Shout Out Louds - Work
Very likely my favorite band put out this album with three superb songs, 5 good ones and 2 average ones.
2. Vampire Weekend - Contra
Had a hard time not placing this album #1, but the one ahead of it is just a twitch better.
The actual critics agree with me on this one. This album rocks from beginning to end and will likely stand as the highest peak for The National. It is also my most listened to album of 2010. The National, I bow to thee.
40 comments:
GREAT list. Love The National, Mumford and Sons, and a few others. Next year calls for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Happy listening!
Now that's a list. Some I've heard, and some I now want to.
WOW, impressive list..
You have really good taste.. seriously!
I am all over the place with music likes- but you were not kidding.. you are into indie!
Ok...this is the second straight "top music" post I've read that has made me realize that I'm hopelessly lame. I've heard of about 5 of those artists. I'm going to go climb into my mom van and cry now.
I'm always impressed at your music library. I have only heard of a few of them, though.
Have honestly never even heard of the Shout Out Louds.... but can't wait to check them out!
WOW.. don't know many of these. Mumford and Sons was one of my favourites for 2010.
You and my husband should get together and talk music... Really.
Wow, and I thought you were making all of these names up...I checked a few.
You weren't.
It looks like I just might need to spread my musical wings and take a new flight or two.
Oh geez, by the looks of this list it makes me realize how musically illiterate I am...Guess I should get out more!
I don't know any of those.
Wow! I really need to listen to music more.
How in the HECK have you heard of all of these people? In the HECK, I ask? I actually think I've heard of The National. Maybe they were on Davide Letterman? Maybe you posted a link? Definitely heard of Vampire Weekend. I will at least check out your top 5 more seriously!
Yay! I think you read my comment on your past music post where I said you should've placed Tokyo Police Club and the Foals. I'm happy!
You're right about Champ. That album is insane.
Cheers!
WOW!!! I am SO OUT of it!! I am unfamiliar with MOST of these!! LOL!! COOL that you even KNOW 40 that came out in 2010! You ROCK!! Literally! ;D
Cheese, we are one on our tastes in music except for a few slight variations. And you know, I don't know why, but I don't feel the love for Vampire Weekend.
The National's album makes me want to cry, it's so good.
I agree with you on Matt and Kim. Love the sound.
I spent New Year's Day on iTunes. I spent way too many 1.99's, but I just can't get enough, you know.
I regret that I am not cool enough to know any of these bands. Oh, wait, Weezer. Know them. What has happened to my life?
Wow, what a list. Talk about being out of touch with things...I don't recognize half of those albums! I'm still stuck in the 80's..can't help it!!
I know a few of those.
mumford and sons only #4? I'll HAVE to check out the top 3 (love m&s)
I am certainly getting an education on alternative rock music. I never knew there were so many artists!
Wow. I know like none of these bands.
But felt I wanted to comment just cause I LOVE ya Cheeseboy.
I ALWAYS check your blog out.
Mainly cause I like cheese so much....
Mmmm.
LOL.
WOW!!!! YOUR LIST ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so Old!
I'll bet my Krista knows every single one listed. though.
k- after reading everyone else's comments, I am convinced you made all of those bands up. They don't even exist. I, along with those who said stuff like, Those bands rock- are the only ones who got it.
I'll be working off your list, Cheeseboy! (Own roughly half of these...)
Pearl
Wow. Way to remind me how... lame I have gotten. I am behind on the MP3 era, and have since realized since having kids my music is REALLY limited. (Radio time? HA! "Stopkickingmyseat!" time more like!)
Sad for a once obsessed concert go'er. I was a good groupie. Considering I was like, 14 & my mom sat in the corner half the time but whatever. Maybe I'll add "expand music horizons yet again" to my non existent but still hopeful NYE resolution list! I'll start with a few of these =)
I think you are speaking jibberish.
Cool. I am horrid at pickingout new music, so I love to take from others lists.
Wow, nice list! I fear I'm a bit of a music nerd, however. I still hit "Billy Joel" every time on my "artists" category on my Ipod!! Happy New Year!!
I recognize 3 on the list! 3!! Not sure if I should be disappointed or excited!
I love Of Montreal! So fracking weird.
Wow, talk about showing my age...I looked at your lists for 2010 AND 2009, and I have not even HEARD of ANY of these groups except for Weezer!
Now I feel kind of bad, I've only heard of one of those, and I really don't even know them. Sad.
Hippie! i will have to check out some of the bands i'm not familiar with starting with band of horses.
A good list, not bad at all. Wish I could list mine but I just never know the name of the song. Just know that I love it.
Take care and enjoy your music. God Bless!!!
Wow. This is a LOT of music. I need some more for running since I'm starting again soon. I'm pretty sure I know about 6 of these artists. I love love love interpol.
Your list only further proves what we already know. I am OLD.
Love a good music post. I am adding several of these to my list. Thanks for the recommends!
nope, you don't have to make apologies for your musical choices.... I don't think I've heard of ANY of those groups! Dang, maybe I really AM old.
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