The Top 10 Albums of 2010
The Suburbs
Growing up is difficult, yet with The Suburbs, Arcade Fire have set out to make it easier. Beginning with Funeral and Neon Bible, the Canadian orchestra (call them what you will) have transgressed to this moment of complete clarity. Through Criticizing the youth ("Rococo"), losing friends ("Suburban War"), and falling to commercial corruption ("Sprawl II"), Arcade Fire have finally found their masterpiece; here, in the place we've grown up.
Infinite Arms
Band of Horses have spent years perfecting their hybrid of country and indie rock. In 2009, the band from Seattle found themselves touring, recording, and replacing members in small locales around the country. It's only fitting then to find these visuals littered throughout their third album. From hotel rooms ("Factory") to campfires ("Infinite Arms") to bitter break-ups ("Evening Kitchen"), Band of Horses create comfort in uncomfortable places.
High Violet
Matt Berninger's voice has always been the star of The National. The band from Ohio have built a career on uncertainties. From "Sorrow" to "Bloodbuzz Ohio" to "England," a band once led by a voice is now led by even the smallest drumbeat: and it is resonant to the core. All 11 tracks are deep, lamenting, profound--and even still--hopeful. From the darkest of places, The National shine like the furthest star: never bright, yet never insignificant.
Teen Dream
After two modest albums, Beach House went big...really big. Teen Dream was recorded in a church, and it may as well been the Westminster Abbey. Here the duo find their dream pop beginnings soaring to the heights of futuristic skyscrapers. From "Zebra" to "Take Care," Alex and Victoria tour the adolescent relationship, from heartbreak to love. Beach House don't make music, they create dreams worth relying on.
This is Happening
Improving upon David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Iggy Pop's past is not an easy task. Through This is Happening, James Murphy has finally perfected the dance-punk genre. Taking a narrative approach, Murphy has laid out the entire relationship process from pleading for love ("I Can Change") to driving yourself "Home" after it has long ended. Although Murphy has made his last LCD album, it's one that will redefine relationships and genres.
Treats
If you've never taken a trip outside the realms of mainstream pop, here is your ride. What Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller create in 30 minutes is nothing short of fate. Meeting in the most unlikely of circumstances, their hunger for complete euphoric perfection never falters. Every track hits harder than a tackle from Ray Lewis and perseveres until the final whistle blow in "Treats." Just one tip: Set the volume to 11.
Brothers
From the first hit of "Everlasting Light," Dan and Patrick blew me away. The onslaught of discouraging and uplifting blues never hits a rut. Here, The Black Keys have found their balance between garage-rock and twentieth-century blues. Every song is a rallying cry for love and truth between two sexes at constant intersections. The Black Keys have finally created their tour de force while continuing to be the sexiest group ever.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye has been through a lot: most, his own doing. Two years ago he leaped forward with his minimal 808s and Heartbreak effort and showed he's always at his best in his darkest times. Whether it be breakups or Taylor Swift-ups, Yeezy always puts his heart into anything he produces. Although his "Dark Fantasy" ends when he shows he's "Lost in the World," Kanye finds solace through his self-destruction and egotistical nine-minute epics.
Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
After years of record company turmoil, Big Boi's solo album has ultimately found it's home: above all other hip-hop albums. Although Outkast may be the critical darling, Big Boi has proved to be the true talent. The sound mixing is incredible; the skits are hilarious; and Big Boi's lyrical timing is nothing short of perfection. He shines--and ultimately, blinds--in every track. From his first words in "Feel Me" to his final ones in "Backup Plan," Big Boi uses simple beats to create complex rhythms and there is no better example in 2010. Big Boi, take your bow.
Halcyon Digest
The fact that I had never heard of Deerhunter a week ago--then listened to their album four times in succession--should give you an idea of their nostalgic perfection. Inspired by decades of social revolution, counterculture, and self-awareness, Halcyon Digest pays homage while consistently pushing the envelope. An album of peerless perfection couldn't make my own top ten songs because of its own superiority among all other albums of 2010. No tracks stand out; all stand alone in a sea of retrospect, opportunity, and loss. Deerhunter have created the most seamless album of the year. Beginning with an eccentric ballad ("Earthquake") and ending with an ethereal tribute ("He Would Have Laughed"), Deerhunter grabs your attention early and never let go. Yet, it's in their finale where they prove their complete dominance in an ever-changing genre; while cutting their album short, Deerhunter will continue to strive for perfection. Through a combination of dream pop and shoegaze, the young quartet from Atlanta have raised the indie rock bar. It's an undeniably transcendent album; and the best of 2010.
The Most Honorable of Mentions
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today
The Besnard Lakes - ...Are the Roaring Night
Broken Bells - Broken Bells
Drake - Thank Me Later
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)
Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown
MGMT - Congratulations
Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
Vampire Weekend - Contra
-jh
you hadn't heard of deerhunter until last week!? i wish i had known this. i would've introduced you long ago.
ReplyDeleteYou should have. They are my new favorites. The album cover did throw me off a bit though.
ReplyDelete