Bolster Your Holster

So it seems that this being a dad means that there is less time for blogging than I would like. It has been a little longer than I had hoped, but here is the top albums of 2012. Finally. I am going to keep this somewhat simple.

These are the top 40 albums that I listened to in 2012. This seemed to be an album based year for me. A time when I would listen to full length albums. This may be due to me listening to a lot more vinyl, or it could be that I was just too busy to change the tracks. Either way, there were a lot of albums that I really connected with. Certain albums I relate to specific moments, moods, and events. I also spent a lot of time listening to albums from 2011, which solidifies the endurance of some of these albums.

Here are the my top 40 albums. Check them out and support the artists in any way possible.  And in case you missed it, here are the top 112 songs of 2012.

40. Imperial Teen – Feel the Sound

This San Francisco band has been around since the mid 90′s, features a member of Faith No More (although they sound absolutely nothing like them), and they managed to release one of those great sumer time albums. This was an album I would play in my car on the way to weddings.

39. Lee Fields and the Expressions – Faithful Man

An album that combines the passion and funk of James Brown with the soul stylings of Sharon Jones. This was an album that brings you back half a century, but doesn’t sound old.

38. Boxes – Stickers

A side project from a member of the great English band Athlete. This is one of those melancholic albums that really doesn’t seem all that sad on the surface. Clean electronics over charming British indie rock.

37. Japandroids – Celebration Rock

I once heard this album described as punk inspired rock for the middle aged man. And as I am slowly approaching that demographic, perhaps that is why I connected with this album. Or it could be the melodies, the sing-along choruses, or the post-punk vibe.

36. Grizzly Bear – Shields

I don’t really know what I was expecting from this album. But this really wasn’t it. And it took me forever to get to the point that I even liked the album. Each listen makes me like it more. Maybe this will be the album I connect with more in 2013 than I do 2012.

35. Bat for Lashes – The Haunted Man

Bat for Lashes has one of those voices that really dives inside your soul. It is hauntingly poetic and seductive at the same time. This may be the best album she has released. For me at least.

34. Homeboy Sandman – First of a Living Breed

Indie conscious hip-hop that is reminiscent of the de la era. This Ivy League graduate left law school to pursue a career in hip-hop and with this fourth album he hits his flow.

33. Glen Hansard – Rhythm and Repose

When you compare this to some of his work with the Frames, this is one of consistently restrained albums. There are moments where you can feel his voice reach that goose bump inducing edge. But the majority of the time, the album remains one of those albums that just feels safe, in a good way. But not too safe.

32. The Shins – Port of Morrow

The Shins return with more Shins sounding music, but with a revised lineup. Nothing too revolutionary or radically different. Thankfully. This is an album that just works on nearly all levels

31. Lemonade – Diver

This album sources a multitude of influences to create its own sound. But overall it gives a great little summer chill vibe. The 80′s influenced synths, combined with the progressive world beats, and the chilled vocals are perfect for a colourful concoction on the patio.

30. Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again

His 2011 EP made my list, and this album expands upon those songs as a base. He possesses a voice that seems so timeless and well beyond his 24 years of age. And he just may be the heir to the thrones of Bill Withers and Otis Redding.

29. Cold Specks – I predict a graceful expulsion

This is one of soul albums, unlike Michael Kiwanuka’s, that just makes you feel sad. There is an inherent beauty in her voice and the compositions. But it is a haunting beauty. It leaves you feeling an ache deep inside. One of those albums you just have to be in the perfect mood to listen to.

28. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – The Heist

An album that seems to be several years in the making. Featuring several singles that date back to 2010, this collection is a collaboration of two entities that just seems to blend perfectly. Ryan Lewis’ production is the perfect accompaniment to Macklemore’s storytelling.

27. Angus Stone – Broken Brights

Both of the Stone’s (Angus and Julia Stone) released solo albums this year. Angus seems to possess the more universally appealing of the two voices. This album seems to be the perfect hippy folky Australian release. Makes you want to walk out into the outback with a guitar and some friends.

26. A Fine Frenzy – Pines

This is a very conceptual release that differs greatly from her 2 previous releases. Combined, these songs create a story, that culminates in some of her most memorable songs. Seeing these songs performed live brought greater clarity to the vision.

25. fun. – Some Nights

This album exploded and set fun. on a rocket to the top of the charts fueled by the hit “We are young”. The rest of the album carries on in the over the top melodrama that Nate Ruess is know for.

24. Alabama Shakes – Boys and Girls

A great collection of garage soul that just doesn’t change gears enough. There is a sense of restraint that holds this album back at times, but it was an album that I kept coming back to all year.

23. Perfume Genius – Put your back N 2 it

I feel sad just thinking about this album. Another Beautifully sad album that haunts you to your core.

22. Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg

I expect this album to become even more popular in 2013. This young English singer turns 19 at the end of the month, but his voice sounds like he has been drinking and smoking since he was 2. And maybe he has, because his lyrics and storytelling give the impression of a much older, and experienced, individual.

21. The XX – Coexist

I wanted to love this album more than I do. But to compare it to its predecessor is a great disservice. I am looking forward to seeing them live this year, and still find myself throwing this album on the turntable and grabbing a book.

20. Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

Her follow-up album comes on the heels of the belated success of her 2010 single “Lights” which is also included on this release. This album is a lot more electronic sounding and subsequently more poppy and danceable. And perhaps more accessible.

19. Efterklang – Piramida

Piramida sources several unique and historical instruments that the band discovered/created. These instruments, and collaborations with artists such as Nils Frahm and Peter Broderick take these songs beyond the standard Efterklang collection. This is an album, not a mere collection of singles. There is depth throughout that will have you searching and questioning what you here.

18. Whitehorse – The fate of the world depends on this kiss

This Canadian duo have some of the best collaborative energy that I have seen in awhile. A varying album that feels cohesive and has too many standouts to standout. There is an inherent rawness in these recordings that nearly captures the exuberance of the live performance.

17. Valgeir Sigurdsson – Architecture of Loss

This score to a Ballet by Stephen Petronio is a showcase of Valgeir’s ability to take neo-classical music and create soundscapes of emotion. Featuring Nico Muhly on Piano and Nadia Sirota on viola, this album runs the gamut of emotions.

16. Joseph Arthur – Redemtion City

This freely released double album features some of the more soberly ambitious compositions of Joseph Arthur’s career. Lyrically, Redemption city borders on spoken word/beat poetry at times, signalling a new direction. A strong addition to his discography.

15. John Talabot – ƒin

One of the best electronic albums of the year. I am not sure I could describe this album in a way to give it justice. Just listen to it. It is fantastic.

14. Nico Muhly – Drones

Nico describes this albums as harmonic ideas over static structure and likens it to singing along with your vacuum cleaner. I found it to be a brilliant album that I listen at work when I want my brain to function at a higher level.

13. Frank Ocean – Channel ORANGE

Originally this album didn’t live up to its expectations. But the more I listened to it, the more the individual songs stood out. The more I realized that Pyramids wasn’t the only genius in the tracklisting.

12. Hot Chip – In Our Heads

Another album that grew on me. An evolution on the Hot Chip sound, that really isn’t an evolution. Consistently great.

11. Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid M.A.A.D City

A hip-hop concept album that reaches beyond it’s hit singles. The story goes from borrowing a van to find a girl, to the death of a friend in a shoot-out. One of the few hip-hop albums that the skits don’t detract from the album.

10. Chromatics – Kill for Love

An album that blends genres so well that you just can’t define it. It starts off with a Neil Young cover, so really, you know its great.

09. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar

This Swedish folk duo released the best countrified album of the year. Not much more to say. Amazing harmonies. Great songwriting. Fantastic Album.

08. Poliça – Give you the Ghost

Electro pop album that sounded like nothing else this year. This is one of those albums that i tried to fit into everything.

07. Nick Waterhouse – Time’s All Gone

Retro Sounds. Great Songs. Chances are you have heard his songs on a show or commercial and just didn’t know it. Or if you haven’t, the sound is so reminiscent of the early days of rock, you just might think you have.

06. Nicolas Jaar (and Various Artists) – Don’t Break My Love

This collection of Nicolas Jaar and some fellow Clown and Sunset label mates was originally released on a proprietary prism. As a collection it represents some of the best chill music I have heard in a long time. It also features 2 amazing Jaar singles and several collaborations.

05. Jessie Ware – Devotion

This isn’t an album that wows you up front. This is an album that envelopes you. It hugs you with its bass. It rubs your back with it’s synths and beats. And then it caresses your neck with her voice. This is no one night stand.

04. Anais Mitchell – Young Man in America

A genre bending assault on the modern recession. This is an album that encapsulates all that makes a great album. I think that I may see myself growing old with this album.

03. Sigur Ros – Valtari

Far from the best Sigur Ros album. But this is an album that you cozy up on the couch with. One that you throw your big headphones on and lay down on the grass with. This is cozy Sigur Ros.

02. Cat Power – Sun

This album surprised me. I didn’t expect this from her. This album grabbed me at the beginning, and held me til the end. Such a departure, and such a strong outing.

01. Niki and the Dove – Instinct

Yup, no. 1 song. no. 1 album. How predictable. But as I mentioned earlier. This album defines 2012 for me. And seeing this album performed live really added to the whole experience. Swedish electro pop that is mainstream enough to be accessible, and experimental enough that it isn’t boring. Instinct is the that I will look back upon and remember the year that my first daughter Neko was born. And for that I will be forever grateful.

Thank you for your attention, and have 2013 that you simply can’t forget.

Bolster Your Holster presents the Best Albums of 2011 (according to Kris)! This year I decided to go with 50 albums instead of the regular 40 and included comments on as many as I was inspired to. Hope you enjoy the list and please share your comments below.

50. Charles Bradley – No Time For Dreaming

“The Screaming Eagle of Soul” soars again! Technically, this is his debut album, but Bradley has been around for a few years releasing singles on the Daptone label. This is his debut album released at the tender age of 63, but he sounds like he’s been doing this his whole life. Like most stuff on the Daptone album it is classic soul that sounds like it could have been recorded anytime in the last 50 years. Also the fantastic cover contributes to that as well. I’m pretty sure there is always time for dreaming Charles, maybe while listening to some of your sweet soul music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

49. Adele – 21

48. Eleanor Friedberger – Last Summer

47. Little Dragon – Ritual Union

46. Wild Beasts – Smother

45. Braids – Native Speaker

44. Beirut – The Rip Tide

43. James Blake – James Blake

I am being drawn to it yet not being able to love it as it feels like glass. James Blake is so fragile and delicate that it feels like it could break at any time. The times it does allow it to crack, the bass drop in ‘Limit to Your Love’, the build-up in ‘The Wilhelm Scream’, we can see what Blake would be capable if he just let go. Yet, the album has a way to work it’s way under your skin and even though I couldn’t embrace the album I wanted to listen to it again to understand where Blake is at in making his music and how it will change over time as it already has in his very short career. I expect much from him over the next few years, I’m sure he will deliver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

42. The Weeknd – Echoes of Silence

41. Rainbow Arabia – Boys and Diamonds

40. Tim Hecker – Ravendeath, 1972

39. Iron & Wine – Kiss Each Other Clean

38. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia,ULTRA.

37. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Departing

36. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

35. Panda Bear – Tomboy

With my attempted hate towards Animal Collective I really shouldn’t have this album on the list. Merriweather Post Pavilion got to me though, so I though I’d give Panda Bear a second chance. Sometimes I think this album is a piece of crap, but most of the time I think it is a credible mix of drone, reverb vocals and strange noises which combine into something like a high day at the beach. Being released on clear vinyl also got me as well. The singles weren’t representative of the album either, it’s those “other” tracks that show what it is really about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

34. EMA – Past Life Martyred Saints

33. Raphael Saadiq – Stone Rollin’

32. M83 – Hurry Up, I’m Dreaming

As I write this, I technically have not listened to the whole album yet. I have to include it on the list because I know how much I am going to like it and how much it will be listened to it over the next few months. The first half is wave upon wave of electronic shoegaze bliss. I never felt a connection to M83′s previous work, but this album finally grabbed a hold of me, especially the amazing standout ‘Midnight City’, which I wish I had been listening to in the Summer when it came out, instead of the last few weeks. This is one that definitely would have been higher if I had listened to it earlier, but for now it will settle in this position, content and dreaming.

 

 

 

 

 

31. Erkin Koray – Meçhul: Singles & Rarities

Erkin Koray is the father of Turkish rock music and was one of the first Turkish musicians to adopt western rock music and add its elements to Turkish folk, thus creating a huge psychedelic scene in the 60s and 70s, especially in Istanbul. This is the only compilation on the list this year which features non-album tracks recorded by Koray between 1968 – 1976. Technically it doesn’t include anything from 2011 (besides the artwork), but I have to put it here because it is such fine release from Sublime Frequencies, and if only one other person decides to listen to this then it was all worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

30. Death Cab for Cutie – Codes and Keys

I’m sure a lot of people look back on Death Cab and reminisce for the time before The OC helped bring these guys to the mainstream. My favourite Death Cab album, Transatlanticism, found them on the verge of popularity, but with their next album being featured on that soap opera for teens really pushed them into the limelight. The thing is that they’ve kept making solid albums since then that really shouldn’t be dismissed because of their popularity. St. Peter’s Cathedral, Doors Unlocked and Open and Underneath the Sycamore are just three prime examples of why you should listen to this album if you haven’t given Death Cab a chance since the early 2000s.

 

 

 

 

 

29. The Twilight Singers – Dynamite Steps

28. The Black Keys – El Camino

27. Sigur Ros – Inni

I’ve been off Sigur Ros for a while now. But they’ve just come back from a hiatus with the live film/album Inni a look at their live 2008 tour. Listening to the album I’ve come to a realization that I should have seen them live some time ago. I love Sigur Ros live, the guitars are louder and have more feedback, the drums are way more powerful and Jonsi’s vocals are almost on par with the recorded album versions. Inni contains some of their best songs and makes a cohesive whole of their last four albums. I’m not one to put live albums on a Best of list, but this one really deserves to be here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

26. tUnE-yArDs – WhoKill

25. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne

24. Zola Jesus – Conatus

23. The Weeknd – Thursday

22. Devotchka – 100 Lovers

21. Laura Marling – A Creature I Don’t Know

20. Elbow – Build a Rocket Boys!

A little bit disappointing after the greatness of The Seldom Seen Kid, Build a Rocket Boys!  found Elbow at their most minimal with only a few tracks featuring the bombast stadium melodies that they were slowly getting known for (Outside North America of course). Still it was a great album that had some standout tracks including the 8 minute opener ‘The Birds’, ‘Dear Friends’ heartwarming reflection on life and ‘With Love”s loud and quiet dynamics. It plays out like an old man reminiscing about youth, an album of reflection and memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. Bill Callahan – Apocalypse

Bill Callahan’s a hell of a guy, or at least I’d like to think so. He’s made some great music over the years and is one of the most consistent artists. His albums are always a slow burn and take some time to get in to. I’d often find myself putting on Apocalypse in the background and take in little parts of it each listen. It’s finally coming together and I wouldn’t call it revolutionary, but it is another excellent edition to his catalogue. Callahan shows his confidence and his ability as a songwriter on Apocalypse more than he’s ever done before.

18. Theophilus London – Lover’s Holiday

London released a full length album this year, but for me it was this EP that defined him as an artist. 5 songs, each of a different genre, that all had the ability to be hit singles. He channeled Prince on ‘Strange Love’, made a TV on the Radio song better than any TV on the Radio song from the last 5 years, made a robotic freakout dance anthem and bookended the EP with two great R&B numbers featuring some killer female vocal lines. This might be all I need from Theophilus, his album was good, but this EP condensed everything we need to know about him in five songs clocking in at about twenty minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

17. Okkervil River – I Am Very Far

The best song released by Okkervil River this year was not on their new album. If they had gone in that direction for I Am Very Far it would have made me so very happy, while making me so very sad. Instead they released this, which most critics said was a wall of sound and too crowded. I was just happy it showed Okkervil going in a new direction and not making the same old crap we’ve been hearing since 2007. I know, I know it wasn’t crap, but Black Sheep Boy was so good that it pales in comparison. I Am Very Far doesn’t bring them back to that greatness, but showed something missing from the last couple albums, passion.

 

 

 

 

 

16. The War on Drugs – Slave Ambient

The War on Drugs are a rock band that fittingly titled their newest release Slave Ambient. The album flows just like a wave of ambient sound. You can be listening to the first song and then turn around and you’re already on track eight. The thing is it is not at all samey. Each song can be taken on its own as well. Come to The City, Your Love is Calling my Name and Baby Missiles are three great anthemic rock songs, like something you’d find on a U2 or Springsteen record.

It’s in the haze.

 

 

 

 

 

15. Cut Copy – Zonoscope

14. Tom Waits – Bad as Me

As with every Tom Waits album before, you’re looking at a solid release full of genre bending dynamics and some very interesting vocal arrangements. Bad As Me  is the most accessible thing he’s released, but don’t worry it is a Tom Waits record so that doesn’t mean much. It has a few more ballads than previous Waits release I can remember, but they all have their charm like Keith Richards guesting on ‘Last Leaf’, the gramophone feel of ‘Kiss Me’ and the excerpt from ‘Auld Lang Syne’ on ‘New Year’s Eve’. There are some barn burners here as well though like the scathing war track ‘Hell Broke Luce’ and the chugging ‘Chicago’.

 

 

 

 

 

13. Wye Oak – Civilian

12. Lykke Li – Wounded Rhymes

You ever have someone you call babe? Sometimes it can sound pretentious, but often it just fits. I’ve always thought of it as a term of endearment, something for someone you love, something for only one other. I’ve liked Wounded Rhymes since it came out, but only recently have I wanted to revisit it. A track, ‘I Know Places’, slipped through the cracks on initial listens and is now finally capturing me. A beautiful acoustic number showcasing Li’s sultry vocals and featuring the afformentioned “babe”. And then it turns into two minutes of Mazzy Starish reverie. Oh yeah, the rest of the album is awesome too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Lia Ices – Grown Unknown

10. Yacht – Shangri-La

9. Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting

I want it to be one am. I want it to be raining. I want to be pouring out of some club and this playing as I hop on a bus for somewhere, anywhere. Call it soul, call it post-dubstep, call it pop, call it whatever the hell you want. Jamie Woon had a tragically underrated year with his debut not appearing often on any Top 50 lists. Originally grouped together with James Blake because of their great voices and links to dubstep, Woon is a completely different creature that creates an early morning atmosphere that can take you on a journey in any direction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Noah and The Whale – Last Night on Earth

An album of change. Optimism after the devastating The First Day of Spring. This is a different Noah and the Whale as obvious by the first song’s refrain: “And it feels like his new life can start, And if feels like heaven”. Utilizing a heavy dose of 80s rock American influence including Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, Last Night on Earth is full of glorious sing-a-long pop anthems with lyrics about growing up, getting over love and playing music. ‘Give it all Back’ is the next ‘Summer of ’69′, just listen to it and tell me not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Radiohead – The King of Limbs

After almost a year and the initial hype has settled, The King of Limbs, sits safely as my second bottom Radiohead album. This does not mean this album is bad by any means, but rather to the high standard of excellence that one has come to expect from a Radiohead release. Maybe it was too short. Maybe it didn’t have enough hooks. Maybe it just felt like we deserved more. Oddly enough The King of Limbs has been followed up by four songs that are as good as the best parts of this album. Those songs could have been on this album. They could have made this album better. Nevermind, nevermatter, The King of Limbs is an excellent experiment that shows Radiohead reinventing themselves while still trying to make music that is different and that matters at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Washed Out – Within and Without

I’m sitting on a beach waiting for my heart to break again. Float off into the sea and let the music take hold. ‘You and I’ is the centerpiece of this album, but it is so much better when taken as a whole. This is one of those albums that I may never know the titles of all the songs, but still love each one, even if it feels like one long single song. This is how chillwave should sound. It needs structure, melodies, haunting echo vocals and waves of emotion. This was a year of some beautiful albums, this could easily be the best.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Bon Iver – Bon Iver

Justin Vernon mentioned that the next Bon Iver album was made up of soundscapes rather than songs. After listening to this album many, many times I would agree. Bon Iver is full of many places, times and moments that fit together so well. The lyrics fit with the music as well, even if they don’t make any sense or are often unintelligible. There are hints of the 2009 acoustic Justin Vernon, serious influence from the Gayngs side project and just a hint of some of the swagger he received from Kanye. Impossible to classify, the record plays more like something from Sigur Ros than a man known as a singer/songwriter.

 

 

 

 

 

4. PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

Earlier in the year I wrote a review of this album on Bolster Your Holster. In my opinion it was the best album of the year at the time it was released. It hasn’t dropped far, but I just haven’t been giving it the same attention that it received earlier in the year. I can’t decide if it is my favourite PJ album, but it is the one I’ve dedicated the most time to and the one that has made me want to revisit her first couple albums, which I’ve never managed to listen to. This is an album about war that is relevant today, but seems to focus more on the World Wars or at least it just feels that way. It feels modern and 1940ish in the same way. I think this album can cross generations and will end up being PJ’s masterpiece once all is said and done.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Timber Timbre – Creep On Creepin’ On

I admit I didn’t like the title when I first heard it. Concerned would be a better word. After first listen though, Timber Timbre just made another great album. An expansion of sound and soundscapes would be the best way to describe their evolution on this album. 3 instrumentals and 7 songs and it doesn’t feel like it is missing anything. The last track also sounds like an instrumental outtake from Dark Side of the Moon, which doesn’t hurt the cause any. Timber Timbre is dark swamp folk, but I feel a hidden sexuality behind the music. Sure they’re singing about murder and other dark secrets, but hidden in the music is a sexual tension that reverberates in the air. Or maybe it’s just me.

 

 

 

 

 

2. The Antlers - Burst Apart

“You wanna climb up the stairs, I wanna push you back down. But I let you inside,
So you can push me around. If I leave before you, And I walk out alone, Keep your hands to yourself When you follow me home. I don’t want love.” It’s a break-up album. It’s pledging love and waiting for it to come back. It’s begging to be wanted. Burst Apart may not be as devastating as Hospice, but it certainly carries the melancholy in its own way. You can interpret it any way you want, more freedom means more connection. All I know is that it continues to grow on me with each listen and begs me to come back for more.

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Weeknd – House of Balloons

This is an album that completely reinvented modern R&B that reached a whole new audience while making it accessible, or at least accepted, by a completely different demographic than before. It made me want to listen to only modern R&B (The Weeknd obliged there with 3 mixtapes in one year). I have found no one that compares to the production. Drake has tried, The-Dream is close, but Abe Tesafaye’s debut to the world grasped the late-night, dirty world of hip-hop/R&B so darkly beautiful that nothing else needs to be written on the subject. This is pure sex on record.

Justin Vernon seems to be the busiest man in music lately. But when he isn’t doing collaborations with Kanye West, Gayngs, Volcano Choir or any of the other recent projects, he is the lead part of Bon Iver. A few years back Bon Iver released what is proving to be one of the best albums of the last several years and likely one of the best breakup albums ever. For Emma Forever Ago is an album that I will revisit often. It’s a versatile album that is complex and simple at the same time rewarding multiple listens. The reason Justin Vernon is such a highly sought after vocalist is because of his unique and emotive voice. Whether he is whispering, crooning in his haunting falsetto, or rocking the soulful autotune, he nails it every time.

Next week Bon Iver’s follow up LP is due for release. It has been available for streaming and other methods of consumption, and I have been basking in it’s beauty for awhile now. Bon Iver, Bon Iver is likely the best album of the year so far. To say it is gorgeous is to ignore it’s complexity. This is an album that appeals on several levels and like it’s predecessor it rewards multiple listens. In fact, it’s short running time (seems to be a recent trend) almost dictates you listen to it 4 or 5 times in a row. Well, at least that is my excuse for listening to it over 30 times in a week.

The video for the lead “single” Calgary was released today, and it is bewilderingly great. I wish I understood what was going on, but maybe that is the point. Check it out Below.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KrmxavLIRM&w=640&h=385]

As for the rest of the album, Buy it when you can, on whatever format you like to consume your music. I know this is going to be a vinyl release for me. The cover is fantastic in every way.

And be sure to dedicate some time to grasping this album as I see it being at the top of a lot of year end lists this year. It is different than Emma. It is almost a culmination of everything he has been a part of lately. And the album closer is essentially a Gayngs style Bon Iver track. Love it.

This is an album’s album in that it is best consumed whole, but if I had to pick favs, so far Perth and Holocene. This is an album that lyrically is as confusing as the video for Calgary, but sonically is one that wraps around you and pulls you in. Almost like a sigur ros album where it doesn’t really need to be understood what the words mean, but just felt.

- Shaun

Lots of great albums this year, and not enough time to listen to them all. As with every year I have a list of about 20 albums that I didn’t listen to enough to make the list, but I’m happy with the final product. This year there seems to be a clear separation between my Top 10 and the rest of the list. I noticed this year had a small amount of albums that I really loved and a lot of albums that I thought were good, but quite distant from those few great ones.

Excuse the occasional album that doesn’t have a comment, sometimes you just don’t feel like writing.

Here we go…

Tie: 40. Big K.R.I.T. – K.R.I.T. Wuz Here

I know next to nothing about Big K.R.I.T. except that he released a solid hip-hop album this year. The first seven songs on the album is the strongest run of hip-hop I’ve heard in the past few years. As with most hip-hop albums it is about twenty minutes too long.

Standout Tracks: Return of 4eva, Country Shit, Gumpshun

Tie: 40. Black Mountain – Wilderness Heart

A couple years ago Black Mountain’s In The Future was in my Top 3 albums of the year. Based on this I would have to say Wilderness Heart is a disappointment. In fact I wasn’t sure that this would be on the list, until I heard it again in a bar last night and decided that I did like it a lot I just wasn’t in the mood to listen to it that often this year. More acoustically driven, as most classic rock influenced third albums are (I’m looking at you Led Zeppelin III for starting that trend), it still rocks when need be.

Standout Tracks: Rollercoaster, Wilderness Heart, Old Fangs

39. Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks

Shaun said most of what is to be said about Frightened Rabbit on his album list and in previous blog posts. Unlike most bands on this list I have never looked up anything on Frightened Rabbit, I just listen to the album and that is that.

Standout Tracks: Swim Until You Can’t See Land, Fun Stuff

38. Perfume Genius – Learning

A highly emotional album that highlights some of the tragedies and events in his life.

Standout Tracks: Mr. Peterson, Perry

37. Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can

Laura is back with a new album, much like the one before it. Do I like it more? No. Do I like it less? No. Obviously sometimes i don’t know what to write.

Standout Track: Devil’s Spoke, Made by Maid, Goodbye England

36. Baba Zula – Gecekondu

Every year I manage to sneak a Turkish album on to the list, this year it is BaBa ZuLa’s Gecekondu which has its roots in traditional Turkish music. BaBa ZuLa are notorious for their live performances and their studio albums provide a more subdued version of this.

Standout Tracks: Kelebekler kuşlar, Le furet dans la fôret en feu, Komşu

35. Bombay Bicycle Club – Flaws

Standout Tracks: Ivy & Gold, Rinse Me Down

34. Spoon – Transference

I don’t think I like this as much as any other Spoon album, but I’ve listened to it more than most of their other albums. That doesn’t really make sense, but this one just sounds a little rough around the edges. Still Spoon is Spoon and even their weaker efforts make for good albums.

Standout Tracks: Written in Reverse, The Mystery Zone, Got Nuffin

33. Twin Shadow – Forget

The new indie dance sensation whose time is now. I think we’ll be hearing more from Twin Shadow in the future and his debut promises much fun to come.

Standout Tracks: When We’re dancing, I Can’t Wait, Shooting Holes at the Moon

32. Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Listening to this album I realized that I was often confused on who was singing in Outkast songs. I did not give Big Boi enough credit because this is solid. I think I like him more than Andre 3000 now, actually I know I do. Did I mention how many hooks are on this album?

Standout Tracks: Tangerine, Back Up Plan, Shutterbug, Shine Blockas

31. Kylesa – Spiral Shadow

This is the closest I get to listening to metal. Similar to Black Mountain but harder. It’s like Black Mountain meets metal, Kylesa even has a male and female singer. More bands like this need female singers and singers who sing and don’t yell. That is why this is awesome.

Standout Tracks: LISTEN TO IT ALL!

30. Reflection Eternal – Revolutions Per Minute

It’s kind of randomly placed here since I like it, but don’t know where it would go in the order. It needs more listens, but I enjoy it thouroughly. Yeah I have 4 hip-hop albums on my list this year, so what?

Standout Tracks: Midnight Hour, Lifting Off, Get Loose

29. Dungen – Skit I Allt

I’m making up for all the times I didn’t put Dungen on my lists with Skit I Allt. And for the reason that one of the songs sounds like it was part of a 1978 nature documentary. The cover reminds me of Pink Floyd, the music reminds me of them before the big albums and the more I think about that the more I like them. Dungen – A late 60s Pink Floyd from Sweden. 3 Wins!

Standout Tracks: Brallor, Vara Snabb, Blandband

28. Wolf Parade – Expo 86

To be honest, I miss the Wolf Parade of Apologies to the Queen Mary, the urgency, the unique differences between the two songwriters and the hooks. Expo 86 is a good album, but some songs go on too long and others just don’t stick. But I can’t stop listening to it and each time I do it gets better. Sadly, this may be the last Wolf Parade album as they are now on indefinite hiatus.

Standout tracks: Ghost Pressure, What Did My Lover Say?, Yulia

27. The Black Angels – Phosphene Dream

Slightly Clinic-like, but more enjoyable. My love of the 60s and 70s is really coming through this year and am overjoyed at modern bands who embrace those classic sounds. I think they make music that would really well in movies. Ideas…

Standout Tracks: Bad Vibrations, Yellow Elevator #2, The Sniper

26. Blitzen Trapper – Destroyer of the Void

I saw them live, liked them more, hence listened to the album more.

Standout Tracks: Destroyer of the Void, Lover Leave Me Drowning, Heaven and Earth

25. Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle

Sure it is not as good as 23 but it’s a new freakin’ Blonde Redhead album! That must be worth something.

Standout Tracks: Here Sometimes, Love or Prison

24. Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me

One wouldn’t think of an 18 song album as an experience in excess, but when it takes up over two hours and almost every song is over seven minutes it is a different thing altogether. I haven’t explored this album enough, really I’ve listened to the first six songs many times and the last few only a couple times. I’m going to be enjoying this album in 2011 even more as I become familiar with it. For now it settles in at 24. Sometimes I think I’m in love.

Standout tracks: Easy, Good Intentions Paving Company, ’81

23. Tame Impala – Innerspeaker

Everything this year seems to owe some debt to psychedelica.

Standout Tracks: Solitude is Bliss, The Bold Arrow of Time

22. Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid

Standout Tracks: Really the whole album is gold and should be listened to as a whole, but if you want some specific songs here you go: Tightrope, Wondaland, Cold War, Mushrooms and Roses

21. Sleigh Bells – Treats

Didn’t like this the first time I heard it. I didn’t think I needed to listen to music that sounded like lazers blowing up sequencers and other random violent acts going on. But really I needed to and underneath those noises is some fine female singing. If this album was any longer I’d probably get a heart attack from listening to it as it does cause random limb flailing and jumping off walls.

Standout Tracks: Rill Rill, Infinity Guitars, Tell ‘Em

20. Bran Van 3000 – The Garden

Yes they are still around. It was pure chance that I discovered that they released an album in 2010. I am amazed that BV3000 is not more popular as all of their albums are very well put together. Problem is they’ve never been marketed well. Sure you all know ‘Drinking in L.A.’, but what about their best songs? It’s ok, I forgive you. The Garden is not as good as their last two, but still excellent showing some ventures into folk this time.

Standout Tracks: You, Grace (Love on the Block), Stillness

19. Surfer Blood – Astro Coast

I don’t understand the Vampire Weekend comparisons since I can’t hear any Vampire Weekend in their sound. They’re also loads better than VW and they write songs about Twin Peaks. My favourite new rock band of 2010.

Standout Tracks: Swim, Harmonix, Slow Jambroni

18. Robert Plant – Band of Joy

Family friendly! Everyone loves Plant! It’s a safe choice to put on at any time, but it’s also really good. I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard this album and I guess Plant has a long way to go before he ends up making shit albums again. Raising Sand really unleashed his creativity and I think he’ll be riding high for awhile.

Standout Tracks: Monkey, Angel Dance, Even This Shall Pass Away

17. Yeasayer – Odd Blood

The first album of 2010 that I listened to. Yeasayer’s sophomore album sounded like a different band, they switched their style from psychedelic folk to experimental dance music that at times veers to pure pop. I enjoyed it a lot more and the first half of Odd Blood is arguably the strongest side of music released this year.

Standout Tracks: Madder Red, Ambling Alp, O.N.E.

16. Robyn – Body Talk

This position goes out to all 3 Robyn Body Talk albums. I think I liked part 1 the best. Body Talk came out last and had tracks from the previous 2 Body Talk albums when I would of rather just had part 3 by itself. This is too much talk about Body Talks. Great pop songs, a few misses, but how did Robyn become such an indie darling? I’m still waiting for the Sugar Jones reunion.

Standout Tracks: Dancing On My Own, Hang With Me, Indestructible

15. Lissie – Catching A Tiger

Lissie is awesome. Catching a Tiger is a pop album with a hint of blues, a little rock and a lot of solid songwriting. When everything come together like that a conventional run-of-the-mill album becomes something special and stands out from the pack. If you are looking for a new female singer to embrace put Lissie at the top of your list.

Standout Tracks: Records Collector, In Sleep, Worried About

14. The-Dream – Love King

Love King was my December album and it is something I never thought I would enjoy. This is Prince era R&B, which I like, with some really unforgivable lyrics, which I shouldn’t like. When I think about how much I enjoy this album I think that my music taste is changing and that I’m going to end up listening to R&B all 2011. There is a 4 song run on this album that screams Purple Rain sequel.

Standout Tracks: Yamaha, Abyss, Panties to the Side

13. Four Tet – There Is Love in You

I missed you Four Tet. I missed when I used to listen to you.  I really liked Rounds back in 2003. Then I didn’t listen to you again. Until 2010! And you made an awesome record! Thanks for coming back and putting out your strongest record yet.

Standout Tracks: Love Cry, Sing, She Just Likes to Fight

12. LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening

Dance, dance, dance. Despite the others whoever you are, This is Happening is the best LCD Soundsystem album. Sound of Silver was good, but this is better, and also the last LCD Soundsystem album. It’s all over from here and that is ok with me. This is the way to go out, on top and in fine form. Now if only he could make ‘Drunk Girls’ a good song…

Standout Tracks: You Wanted A Hit, Dance Yrself Clean, I Can Change

11. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

Demon Days was one of favourite albums of the last decade and let’s be honest Plastic Beach doesn’t come close to that. What I do like about this album is that I keep finding songs on it that I like. I don’t know if I just miss them on previous listens or I’m just not paying attention, but this album is still unfolding for me. Also it is a sentimental pick as I listened to it a lot on the beaches of the other side of the world.

Standout Tracks: Rhinestone Eyes, Empire Ants, To Binge

10. Gayngs – Relayted

Nothing says soft-rock revival better than a 23 member collective from Minneapolis featuring Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). Truthfully this album borders the thin line between cheese and high art, playing with song structures from the 80s and morphing them into something modern, rooted in homage.

Standout Tracks: Cry, The Gaudy Side of Town, Faded High

9. Dax Riggs – Say Goodnight to The World

Shaun has been doing a good job this year of influencing my listening choices and for that I thank him. Dax is awesome. He has been around for years, but has never been popular, though he should be. His music sounds like Beck singing dark psychedelic stoner rock and it works so damn well. A lot of Elvis influence as well, which makes me imagine what Elvis would have been like if he switched gears in the late 70s and cited Deep Purple and Motorhead as his influences.

Standout Tracks: Sleeping with the Witch, Like Moonlight, I Hear Satan

8. Grinderman – Grinderman 2

These 50-somethings rock harder and better than most 20 year olds. They’re dirty too. As the first Grinderman album influenced Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, The Seeds have influenced Grinderman 2, merging into a gritty, bluesy machine. They’ve also become the new The Knife because of they’re insane music videos.

Standout Tracks: Mickey Mouse and The Goodbye Man, Worm Tamer, Palaces of Montezuma

7. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Beautiful, dark and twisted, though still very accessible. It’s been the talk of towns everywhere and the general consensus is that it is the best album of the year. The first and only hip-hop album I have heard that has not had a weak track on it (the end of ‘Blame Game’ with Chris Rock gets old quick though). Kanye’s an ass, but he is on the top of his game and can normally back up everything outrageous he says with his talent.

Standout Tracks: Monster, Runaway, So Appalled

6. Junip – Fields

Jose Gonzales is a great songwriter who is fortunate enough to have a distinct sounding voice that he can pull you in to his music, but I kept finding that something was lacking. With Junip, his voice is complemented by a full band heavily influenced by 60s rock, to me that is what was missing. It is not a ground-breaking album, though I keep listening and loving through the year.

Standout Tracks: Tide, Without You, Rope & Summit

5. Beach House – Teen Dream

I put off listening to Teen Dream for months as I wasn’t a fan of their last album. On retrospect, I guess I just didn’t give them enough of a chance. Teen Dream is a great album that continues to reward with every listen. There are no real standouts among the songs just solid songwriting front to back. A lot hinges on whether you like Victoria Legrand’s voice, that’s the dealbreaker right there.

4. Hot Chip – One Life Stand

Hot Chip are great, but their earlier albums were too inconsistent for me to consider great albums. They are talented song writers and they have crafted a niche of making geeky electro-pop that is both thoughtful and danceable. One Life Stand finds them at the top of their game expanding on their sound with oil drums providing some unique percussion. It’s not perfect, but it is their best effort in their short career.

Standout Tracks: One Life Stand, I Feel Better, We Have Love

3. The Black Keys – Brothers

The Black Keys strike again and  made an album that is similar to 2008s, Attack and Release, but dove a bit deeper into gospel and rootsy blues, likely due to influence from singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach’s solo album from 2009. It is easy to identify as a Black Keys album, but they just keep getting better the further their career continues.

Standout Tracks: Next Girl, She’s Long Gone, Too Afraid To Love You

2. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

I really wasn’t expecting much from the Arcade Fire on their third album. I hadn’t listened to them in a couple years and overall Neon Bible was a big step down from Funeral. When I finally listened to The Suburbs I was surprised to see that my reluctance was coming from nowhere. This album is solid from front to back and contains at least 5 songs that are better than anything off of Neon Bible. They’re now one of the biggest bands in the world and it has been fun watching them since that first 10.0 on Pitchfork kickstarted their career in 2005.

Standout Tracks: Rococo, We Used to Wait, Sprawl II

1. The National  – High Violet

There is not much to say about the National, at least for me. They captured my heart back in 2005 and have been my favourite band since 2007. High Violet reinforced every reason why I love this band. The tight musicianship, the melancholic air that surrounds every song, the late nights, the drinks and the voice of a generation between so-called Dad-rock and younger indie-kids. This album has made them noticed and expanded their fan base many times, but The National will always feel like my band, making music that means something to me.

Standout tracks: Sorrow, Afraid of Everyone, Conversation 16

And Part III of the list.  For part one and two click them.  Tomorrow, my top songs!

20 – Sleigh Bells – Treats

This album Kicks.  HARD! Every song except one is over the top in your face pounding noise.  And it works.  Right from the get go your speakers and head get a workout.  Full of great melodies, hooks, and Bass!  Turn it up and Enjoy!!!

19 – Angus & Julia Stone – Down the Way

This Australian duo provides catchy mid-tempo rootsy tracks that are full of soul.  The songs trade featuring vocalists and blend together as well creating a great mix of the two artists.  A great album to work to.

18 – Antony and the Johnsons – Swanlights

Once again Antony provides an amazing album of standout tracks that showcase his incomparable voice.  On swanlights the arrangements are a little sparser at times, showcasing the songs themselves a bit more.  The duet with Bjork is worth checking out on its own.

17 – The Black Keys – Brothers

I have to admit, I was disappointed at first with this album, but with each persistent listen I grew to realize how mistaken I was.  This is an album of varied styles all familiar to the Black Keys fans, capitalizing on their talents.

16 – Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

I am not sure what it is about this album, but it charms its way into your head and heart.  It’s an album with great singles and repeated listenability.  But its hard to describe why.  Sometime things are just really good.

15 – Lissie – Catching a Tiger

Catching a tiger is the follow up to her promising EP from last year.  This album would have placed higher if it were a more focused album, however the variety lends to showcase her varied talents.  If you get a chance, check out some of her live hip hop covers.  Well worth the listen.

14 – Junip – Fields

Jose Gonzalez and Company return with an EP and LP this year proving that there is more to Jose than really mellow acoustic songs.  But don’t expect it to rock hard.  The songs on “Fields” are like a more fleshed out solo Jose album.  And they put on an amazing live performance as well.

13 – Vampire Weekend – Contra

Some people expressed dissatisfaction with this Vampire Weekend outing.  However, I found it to be a great progression of styles for the band.  Contra is full of great single-worthy songs and the rest accompany it quite nicely.  But Vampire Weekend seem to be one of those love em or hate em bands.

12 – Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More

This is the album that rekindled my love for banjo music.  This band hails from the same region as Laura Marling and Noah and the Whale.  I am not sure what is in the water out there, but the talent it produces is inspiring.  “Sigh no more” is an album of Banjo and guitar lead rockers mixed with a few of the mellower sorts.  It was hard to escape “Lion faced boy” this year with good reason

11 – The Head and the Heart – The Head and the Heart

A strong and surprising debut from this Seattle Quartet.  This album is all about harmonies.  The Head.  And The Heart.  This was the album I went to the most when I was working.  It has a great emotional quality to it and their intimate live renditions (available online) are mind blowing.

10 – Yeasayer – Odd Blood

A huge departure for this Brooklyn Band that worked amazingly.  Odd Blood is full of huge songs.  Grand statements.  Massive dancers, great lyrics, and rhythms that you just can’t ignore.  Also, the videos for the singles are insane, in a great way.  Where do they go from here?

09 – Jamie Lidell – Compass

Jamie Lidell just can’t release an album similar to his last.  Each seems to be a progression or regression of sorts.  After the very polished and peppy “Jim”, Compass is raw and rough and dark at times.  Beck assisted with the production, and there are a lot more pseudo-organic elements throughout.  But in the end it comes down to the songs.  And there are so many great ones.

08 – The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt/Sometimes the blues is just a passing bird (EP)

This Swede sure has a killer voice.  And he pens some amazing songs to showcase it.  Both of these albums feature mostly acoustic based tunes of prose.  Drawing obvious comparisons to Dylan, this is an album that warrants conscious digestion.

07 – Laura Marling – I Speak because I can

Following her amazing Mercury Prize award nominated debut album, Laura Marling steps out of her boundaries and creates an album that is even more exceptional.  Each song on “I Speak Because I Can” is lyrically strong.  But its the instrumentation and band participation that pushes the album ahead.  Devil’s spoke is the song that we didn’t know Laura was capable of, and Alpha Swallows is the pinnacle of the album.  She was rumoured to release a second album this year, but alas there was none, so here is hoping for one early this year.

06 – Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks

This Scottish sad-sap band releases another album of melancholic songs.  Is it better than their last?  Hard to say.  It’s different enough, but similar enough.  Every song on this album is quality.  The perfect accompaniment to a sad day, or when you just feel like it.  “Swim until you see land” may just be their best song to date.

05 – Robyn – Bodytalk Vol. 1-3

Robyn Returns!!! Releasing 3 EPs culminating in a 15 song best of LP she dominated the year with timed output.  It takes talent to appeal to the music critics and the radio.  But Robyn finally seemed to break through this year.  “Dancing on My Own” is the perfect blend of pop music with credibility.  I chose to highlight the 3 EPs as opposed to the final album output as there are more songs, and the compilation is missing some key tracks.  If you get a chance to check her live, do it.  She doesn’t stop dancing!!!  A great year for Robyn!

04 – The Arcade Fire – Suburbs

In a year of fantastic albums, The Arcade Fire come through again.  Suburbs is one of those loosely based concept albums that works.  Nearly every song can stand on its own, but as an album is where it excels.  There are some definite style bumps, and the Bruce Springsteen influence becomes ever more apparent.

03 – The National – High Violet (Expanded Edition)

Following up “Boxer” is no simple task.  But “High Violet” is a worthy accompaniment to their catalog.  Melancholy never sounded better this year.  Every song is great, and my favourite just seems to rotate each listen.  But “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is the first song I heard from it, and the one I go to first.

02 – Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

What hasn’t been said about this album that I can add to the stream of praise?  Kanye’s return is a triumphant one.  Is it perfect? no.  Is it his best album?  perhaps.  Is it great?  Yes.  This is an album that shouldn’t work, but does.  I just wish that the outro to runaway was a separate track, the outro lost in the world was not a separate track, and that Chris Rock skit just didn’t exist.  Full of amazing tracks, this is an album that deserves most of the praise it is receiving.

01 – Jonsi – Go

And yes, the number one album of the year for me is no real surprise.  It is the lead singer of my favourite band’s solo outing.  He put on one of the best live shows I have ever seen.  The album itself is unique.  It stands out.  It explodes with joy!  And it crashes with despair.  It is sparse and crowded.  It is dynamic and visual.  Its sung in English and Icelandic, but the majority of the lyrics are unintelligible.  From the opener Go Do, to the swell of Kolnidur to the sombre closer Hengilas.  Go is a journey of emotions through instruments.  Nico Muhly’s arrangements add a lushness and extravagance to the album.  Rarely is an album so visually uplifting and sad at the same time.  Go is the album that dominated 2010 for me.

Thanks

-Shaun

And as promised here is part II of III of my Favourite albums of the year.  For part I click here.  Part III to arrive tomorrow.

40 – The Cat Empire – Cinema

This is perhaps the horniest album on the list.  And by that I mean it is loaded with horns.  And hooks.  Supposedly they are a ska band, but I don’t get that vibe from this album.  This Australian group packs in a pile of energetic songs filled with groove that gets you going from the inside out.  Reminds me of some mid 70′s groove based classic rock at times.

39 – Gogol Bordello – Trans-Continental Hustle

If you ever get a chance to see these guys, go.  Their live performances are killer and crushingly energetic.  This album on the other hand shows some form of restraint, and I think it is better for it.  A slightly less punk album than its predecessors, but it still gets you dancing.  The best slavic punk band out there.

38 – David Ford – Let the hard times roll

Another stellar release from David Ford.  This East Sussex singer put out another album full of genre hopping rock that covers subjects of life, love, and politics. Maybe not as flawless as his first solo release, but definitely a standout.

37 – The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang

A band I discovered early last year, these Jersey boy pump out some ounce influenced american style rock.  Their Bruce Springsteen influences are hard to ignore, and just like the Boss this album is a more complex progression from from their previous release.  The songs have become more elaborate and more varied, making for a more satisfying listening experience.

36 – Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon II:  The legend of Mr. Rager

An album that was not well received critically, but I couldn’t stop listening to it.  It’s hard to classify this as hip hop or rap sometimes, but this is a mellow stoner rap album that just slinks into your head.  This is an album that can be played front to back without missing a single radio hit.

35 – For a Minor Reflection – Höldum í átt að óreiðu

The second of 4 Icleandic artists/bands on the list.  This is an exciting post rock outfit consisting of 4 men in their young 20′s.  This album is a sonic journey that builds and swells, and crashes, then comes back down only to rebuild and repeat several times.  And right in the middle is dansi dans, a lovely pliancy piano number.  Recommended if you like the heavy instrumental passages of Sigur Ros, or Mogwai.

34 – Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

One of 2 releases this year (the other on Christmas Day) by Gorillaz.  This is a pseudo concept album about the plight of the earth that just happens to have a lot of great songs on it.  Less overtly poppy than previous albums, this is an album that took awhile to grow on me.  Enjoy the mellow synths and slow beats and think about what we are doing to the planet.

33 – Dax Riggs – Say Goodnight to the World

This year is the first I have heard of Dax.  He produces some dark sludgy songs that haunt your soul.  This album fills the place in me that Danzig’s “IV” filled 15 years ago, but a little less dark.  Not an album to smile to, but it definitely has a place.  Say goodnight to the world.

32 – Gayngs – Relayted

A 70/80′s easy listening revivalist supergroup.  Hell Ya!!!  All those songs that you were forced to listen to on the easy listening stations (specifically 10cc’s “I’m not in love”) seem to be the main influence of this band created by Ryan Olson features an autotuned Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, members of Megafaun, Rhymesayers, and a collection of Jazz hornsmiths.  This is an album that makes the 80′s seem cool again.

31 – The Dream – Love King

And on the topic of the 80′s, this is the album that Prince would have made had he still been in his 20′s today.  Direct referencing and emulating 80′s Prince at times, this sprawling and lush album of sexy R&B comes out dripping and doesn’t stop.  This is sexy R&B done right.  Whereas most music of this style is straightforward, this album boasts a complexity and precision that is seldom seen.  The back to back combo of “Yamaha” and “Nikki Pt. 2″ is the strong standout of this album full of sweaty romps.

30 – Deer Tick – The Black Dirt Sessions

This alt-countryish band lets it all out on this release of songs recorded along side their fantastic album “Born on Flag Day”.  Full of raw and naked songs this album will leave you hurting inside.  The almost unbearably sad song “Goodbye, Dear Friend” is as somber as they come, and that voice sure knows how to emote despair.

29 – Girl Talk – All Day

In complete contrast to the previous album on the list is Girl Talk.  Girl Talk for those who don’t know is what would happen if you took all the fun songs in the world, through them into a bottle, shook it, and sprayed it.  It is pure mashup goodness.  This is what you put on when you want to dance, or roadtrip.  Hip hop and pop/rock never sounded so good together.  And since this is his third album it doesn’t sound as innovative as it did 3 years ago, but man is it awesome.

28 – Broken Bells – Broken Bells

Danger Mouse and James Mercer of the Shins side project is not surprisingly really good.  A logical combination of the two talents yields a number of great tracks and a very cohesive album that exudes summer and a beer.

27 – Josh Ritter – So Runs the World Away

Another fantastic album from this folky singer that shows a strong progression with the band.  As always his songs tells great stories and evoke memories of the past.  This album took me a good month to really grasp, and after seeing him in concert for the third time the album really showed it’s strengths.

26 – Olafur Arnalds – …And they have escaped the weight of Darkness…

The third icelandic artist on the list is Olafur Arnalds.  He blends classical piano and strings with minimalistic electronics to create sweeping pieces that develop into your mind.  You can’t help but imagine and create landscapes of swirling colours like in fantasia.  This was an album I listened to while working, driving, reading, sleeping, or whenever I needed a creative boost.  We also got a chance to see him twice in Iceland.

25 – Drew Grow and the Pastor’s Wives – Drew Grow and the Pastor’s Wives

The first clangs of the opener show off the gospel roots that are inherent throughout this debut album from this Portland band.  The second track then picks up the roots and slams it hard with a raucous crunchy anthem laden with harmonies.  Drew Grow knows how to play songs that range from mellow acoustic number to electric bluesy romps and they fill them all with soul.  Building to the closer featuring some of the best harmonies of the year.

24 – Tunng – …And then we saw land

This was an album that surprised me.  The opener “hustle” is a song that I just couldn’t shake all year.  It’s opening piano bits that leads into the acoustic guitar then yields into the fantastic banjo roll, and then the tambourine, and then the harmonic vocals.  It’s a pop masterpiece.  The rest of the album continues in the multi-instrumental sound and builds in different textures creating an album that feels organic and evokes feelings of autumn.

23 – Fyfe Dangerfield – Fly Yellow Moon

Former lead singer of the Guillemots released this album early in the year.  The majority of this album is straightforward British rock music that wouldn’t sound out of place on the guillemots albums.  But its the 4 out of left field tracks that lift this album above the standard fare.  Most notably is “When you walk in the room” that exudes so much happiness that is had a place in our wedding ceremony.  You just can’t help but strut when this song comes on.  And “faster than the setting sun” and “she needs me” keep the momentum going.

22 – Big Boi – Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Proof that Outkast could be a successful one man show.  This release is full of hip hop anthems.  Full.  Nearly every song is huge and pushed to the limit.  This is southern hip hop to the extreme.  Big Boi’s unique delivery coupled with at least one guest on nearly every track allow the album to stay fresh and yields multiple listens.  Add in the numerous standouts that work on their own and you have a classic album that should hold it’s ground for a few years to come.

21 – Fistful of Mercy – As I call you down

This supergroup featuring Ben Harper, Joseph Arthur, and Dhani Harrison wrote and recorded nine songs in 2 days.  The result is an album that showcases the talents of all three artists and ends up being very rootsy and bluesy.  The all acoustic gutter based numbers feature harmonies and subtle embellishments that add to to the sparseness.

-Shaun

So it is that time of the year again.  We evaluate and reevaluate all the music that we have consumed in the last 12 months, and then we try to put an arbitrary order to it.  It seems to me that each year seems to get harder for me.  It may not be that there was that much more great music per se, but that with this new technology around us that we have so much more exposure to different music.  My list isn’t necessarily a list of the “Best” music, because it is too subjective.  These are my favourite albums.  These are the albums that soundtracked my life for the year of 2010.  Albums that connected to me at the right time.  Some took a long time to get to know, others where quick loves that faded away, and others were classics that will likely remain in my playlist for years to come.

As with Kris, I will be splitting them up for easy consumption.  Unlike Kris I will be starting with Albums instead of Songs.  So here are the first 20 albums of my favourite 60.  Yes 60!!!!  Look for the next 20 to arrive tomorrow.

60 – Sufjan Stevens – Age of Adz

This was one of my most anticipated albums of the year.  I put it on and immediately fell for the opening track “Futile Devices”.  This was what I had been waiting for.  And then that track faded out, and in came some gurgling electronics and weird noises.  I was confused.  But the more listens I gave it, the further up it crept into my head, and onto this list.  It may end up deserving a place further up, but this is where is lies today.

59 – Delorean – Subiza

This album is full of poppy dance/electronic songs that is great for a summer chill session or to listen to when you want to maintain that good mood.  Sounds like what I think summer in Southern Europe would feel like.  This album just beat out CEO for this spot, so be sure to check them out if you like this sound.

58 – Kylesa – Spiral Shadow

A year in which I re-explored the darker side and listened to a lot more Black Metal and Heavy music.  Kylesa ended up winning the battle for me with this fall release.  Although this is far from Black Metal, It was the perfect harmony of melody, angst, chugging rhythms, and mostly comprehensible lyrics.  If you get a chance you should also check out the releases by Nachtmystium and the body.

57 – Maximum Balloon – Maximum Balloon

When this first released I anticipated it to be way further up the list, but here it sits.  David Sitek’s (Tv on the Radio) solo release with loads of guests is immediately grabbing.  It is loaded with great songs, but I just found myself listening to it less and less in the winter making me think its a summer album.  Guests include Karen O, and David Byrne.

56 – Surfer Blood – Astrocoast

Kris mentioned this band to me in November and it turned out I already knew their song “Swim” from a compilation.  So I checked out the rest of this great album and was pleasantly surprised.  I anticipate this to be much further up Kris’ list, and I expect I will agree even more with him later on.  Reminds me of a Vampire Weekend/Beach Boys Hybrid, but better than that sounds.

55 – The Roots – How I got over

This year the Roots put out a great album that I found myself listening to a lot more than it’s predecessors.  Lots of great guests and great songs lead to a great album.  Proving they are more than just the “Best band in Late night”.

54 – She & Him – Volume Two

She & Him are Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward.  They put out pretty retro songs.  This album is full of them.  It is not groundbreaking.  But like Zooey herself, it has this unknown charm that drags you in.  It is just a lovely album of originals and covers that sounds like the good old days I wasn’t around for.

53 – Axiomatik – Ripped Apart… Or So She Seems

The only local band on my list this year.  This is an album that had me singing along on first listen because I recognized them from the live shows.  Tangible melodies, clever writing and a sound that is neither boring nor offensive.  Lead singer Shawn Lamble’s voice also reminds me of the lead singer of the Bluetones, so be sure to check them out as well if you like.  Be sure to check out one of their local gigs in Edmonton, they put on a great show and like to mix things up a bit.

52 – Horse Feathers – Thistled Spring

One of 2 bands from Portland on the list, this album is the perfect accompaniment to a great book, a couch, and a sun filled window.  It has flourishes of strings, jangly piano bits, lovely banjo rolls, and poetic lyrics.  A beautiful album.

51 – Cee Lo green – The Lady Killer

Another highly anticipated album that seemed to disappoint yet managed to stay on the list.  Following the release/leak of 2 songs from the album, I expected this to be up in the top 5 perhaps.  However, there is too much filler to allow it to reside in the upper echelon of the list.  Luckily there are way too many great songs on here to not have it place.  “F*$k you” and the great cover “No One’s gonna Love you” are some of the best of the best pop tracks released this year.

50 – Nico Muhly – I Drank the Air Before Me

Nico is one amazingly talented man.  Whether he is helping create pop masterpieces that grace this years and last years list, scoring a a film, dance or theatre piece, or creating complex classical compositions he hits the mark every time.  “I drank the air before me” is one of two release by him this year on the Decca label.  This album is complex, dark and moody, flitting, and pure genius.  Put this on when you have a chance to appreciate everything it offers.

49 – Seabear – We built a fire

Seabear is an icelandic group that creates luscious multi-instument pop.  One of the bands we were looking forward to in Iceland, they did not disappoint.  Lion face boy is a gem, filled with horns, hushed vocals, and nice violin lines, and the rest of the album follows along in a similar vein.

48 – Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here

Gil returns with a modern day classic.  His first album since 1994 is a combination of classic soul backing with a spoken word quality stream of thoughts and prose put to a unique style of song.  Just don’t let the melodies and rhythms distract you from the words, as he has a to say that is worth listening to.

47 – Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

Sludgy and epic.  Two words that seemingly don’t belong together.  But they describe this album perfectly.  With 4 songs out of nine clocking in at over 7 minutes this is a an album that warrants your attention for a long period of time.  This is not an album you throw on during a dinner party.  Titus Andronicus combines elements of punk, classic rock, sludge, americana, and Bruce Springsteen.  The Monitor is an album that deserves your attention.  Especially tracks like “A Pot in which to piss” and “A more perfect Union”

46 – Get Cape.  Wear Cape.  Fly – Get Cape.  Wear Cape.  Fly

Third album from this English “band” that continues in the same style of his previous releases.  Combing folktronica with new elements and clever compositions this album is a standard progression of sound, and one that keeps things fresh yet familiar.

45 – Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles

A fantastic electronic album.  Any album that samples Sigur Ros deserves to be on this list, but this album is all over the place in a good way.  Filled with dancefloor anthems, experiments, ambient, and pop tracks this is one album that does not disappoint on the variety scale.  Check out “Year of Silence” (feat sigur Ros), Celestica, or their new hit “Not in Love” with Robert Smith.

44 – The Mynabirds – What we lose in the fire we gain in the flood

As featured earlier on the blog, “what we lose…” is a folky album that harkens the sounds of classic 70′s folk pop of neil young and others of that ilk.  Perfect music for a rainy day.

43 – Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid

This is a strong debut for this eclectic R&B singer.  With varied production and guests this is an album that fuses the different generations of soul music and pushes things forward more than most current R&B Artists, yet pays homage to the originators.  One of the more funky pop albums of the year.  Also be sure to check out her performance of “Let’s go Crazy” at the BET Awards show.

42 – Reflection Eternal – Revolutions per Minute

This Collab between Talib Kwelli and Hi-Tek is the first release in 9 years and is just as good as their release in 2001.  One of the best hip hop albums of the year, they rarely miss on this 17 track album.  Clever and meaningful rhymes, excellent production, and hooks galore.

41 – Hot Chip – One Life Stand

This new release from Hot Chip is a slight departure from their great 2008 release.  But it does not disappoint.  Half of the album is overtly dancey while the other tracks are of the mellower brit pop variety.  A good combination of paces to keep things interesting.  The addition of Steel Drums is an interesting texture for the album as well.  “I feel better” is a dominant standout with a fantastic video” and “One life stand” is an album definer.

Stay tuned for Part  II