I've been thinking and plotting about doing a "Best of" list for 2010. I've been reading the lists compiled by magazines and online blogs and I'm not really agreeing with them. Most people found 2010 to be this huge and amazing year for music. While I'm not totally disagreeing, I never found that one album that blew my hair back, there was no new "favorite band" or anything like that.
I feel that overall I purchased a lot of cds and records and that I was satisfied, however, it could always be better. I'm still waiting for that magical year where all my favorite bands release an album. One can dream right?
Anyway, I figured I'd break it down into a couple categories and highlight some of my favorites. The Let Down list and the Best Of list. Lets get started.Best Of 2010 ( In no particular order )
Blunt Mechanic : World Record - Finally Ben Barnett of Kind of Like Spitting is making music again, and it rocks. Riff heavy tight jams. He focused more on the Positive side of things instead of the doom and gloom that KOLS usually found him dwelling in. Got to see them live and catch up with Ben, he is happy and his music reflects that. Great live band, great album.
The Black Keys : Brothers - Now, I'd love anything that The Black Keys had released, but this album is down right good. It's a departure for TBK in that they've added a touring bassist and keyboardist to the live show, which means this album relies less on Dan Auerbachs blistering fuzz guitar and more on the groove. While this sounds more like the Blakroc album they released in 2009 it is very different (in a good way) from their previous albums. This may be my favorite for 2010.
Deftones : Diamond Eyes - I will admit, I've been a big deftones fan since I was in high school, I've always hated the Rap/Rock thing. But deftones have always seemed to be above that genre. They have consistently put out albums that I love to listen to. In my eyes, they faltered a little bit with a couple of their recent releases, but I went into Diamond Eyes with an open mind, and it didn't let me down, seems like they got a breath of fresh air in them and I enjoy this album a lot.
Tim Kasher : The Game of Monogamy - This is the first solo album By Tim Kasher of Cursive and The good Life Fame. Now, I'll admit I'm a total fan boy for anything with Tim's name on it. But i wondered how different could this really be? It turns out, just different enough. It has some elements that I didn't expect from Tim. It tells a great story which I expected, but some of the songs surprised me when the full band came in. It's a nice start to what will hopefully be a bunch of solo releases from TK.
Bad Books : Bad Books - This is a new band comprised of Kevin Devine and members of Manchester Orchestra. Both bands that I love, I was very excited to hear this mash up upon listening to a couple of early teasers they released. While I do really like the album, I think it would have been better if it was written as a band, instead of Kevin writing half and Andy writing the other half. I enjoy their harmonies together and while the songs are all great, I think they will be even better in the future.
Sun Kil Moon : Admiral Fell Promises - Mark Kozelek can do no wrong in my book. While I've loved and followed him since my teens, I don't have all of his albums, some are released without my knowledge on his small label or just never pop up into the record stores i frequent. I waited for this one with anticipation. It's a solo album really, Mark and a nylon string classical guitar. It is beautiful. The Spanish influence on his playing is impressive. I never knew he could play like that, after hearing lots of Neil Young inspired riffs it was great to hear him on his own in this new setting. Awesome record.
Black Mountain : Wilderness Heart - This is something that came out without my knowledge. I just got on the Black Mountain train mid 2010 so I didn't know this was out. It is for me, completely different than their previous release. But, it isn't as trying to listen to. But it is a great album to put on and get some work done. It seems the fuzz riffs have been replaced with more catchy hooks and acoustic guitars while still keeping with the electric vibe. The female vocalist is highlighted a little more, and her vocal performance doesn't feel as forced. It sounds like they had a fun time writing and recording these songs, and while I'm only 5 days into owning this, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy it.
Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs : God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise - I love Ray, I think his bluesy folk voice is warm and inviting. I feel like his songs mean a lot to him and they mean a lot to me too. I haven't spent that much time with this album. But, I know that it sounds nice. A little more produced, more of a band album for him. But, his band is great and they really don't make it too big. It's still soulful and raw. I'm looking forward to more time with this album.
Circa Survive : Blue Sky Noise - I love this band, I think they're making amazing music that challenges their listener and takes them on a journey. It's great, it's full of emotion and their live show is spectacular. I can't say enough good things about this band. I always look forward to their releases, they pay as much attention to the art and packaging as they do the sounds contained within. Love it.
Danielle Ate The Sandwich : Two Bedroom Apartment - This is a semi or little known act that you'll hear about soon enough. She is what I'd call "Youtube Famous" she's a very talented multi instrumentalist named Danielle Anderson from Colorado. She has an amazing voice and writes great songs, sometimes with a quirky twist. She's known for her live act in which she sometimes resembles a stand up comedian, she is funny and isn't afraid to show it. She has great banter and she keeps her fans feeling like they're part of all of it. Which we thankfully are.
The Scarlet Ending : Ghosts - This is the local band that I discovered and was blown away by this summer. They were opening (acoustic) for a show I was attending and I liked their 3 part harmonies and fun songs. Got the CD and it was a whole other band, I haven't had the chance to see them live and electric yet, but I can't wait, they have a loyal fan base who even helped fund their music videos and cross country adventure. They are lots of fun and they have talent to spare.
Draculatron : Hatemusic - My Next door neighbor's band. Simply put, they are the best live band in my city, and arguably within 100 miles. This album was more of a solo project almost, but it is full of risky lyrics and pounding, unrelenting beats. You can't help but love it. It's fucking good.
Sufjan Stevens : All Delighted People EP - It's one of my favorite albums he's ever done. I could listen to it all day. It's so full of orchestrated sounds and textures that it's almost hard to imagine it coming together. I'm just sad that it isn't longer. It's just fantastic.
Henry Rollins : Spoken Word Guy - I know this isn't music, It's spoken word. But, He released it in 2010 so I get to talk about it. Henry is one of my heroes. Plain and simple; I respect him. He is intelligent, well spoken and I enjoy his books and his opinions. I agree with him 99% of the time. I can't wait to see him again. I did get the chance to see him for the 3rd time this year. Always a great time.
Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs : God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise - I love Ray, I think his bluesy folk voice is warm and inviting. I feel like his songs mean a lot to him and they mean a lot to me too. I haven't spent that much time with this album. But, I know that it sounds nice. A little more produced, more of a band album for him. But, his band is great and they really don't make it too big. It's still soulful and raw. I'm looking forward to more time with this album.
Circa Survive : Blue Sky Noise - I love this band, I think they're making amazing music that challenges their listener and takes them on a journey. It's great, it's full of emotion and their live show is spectacular. I can't say enough good things about this band. I always look forward to their releases, they pay as much attention to the art and packaging as they do the sounds contained within. Love it.
Danielle Ate The Sandwich : Two Bedroom Apartment - This is a semi or little known act that you'll hear about soon enough. She is what I'd call "Youtube Famous" she's a very talented multi instrumentalist named Danielle Anderson from Colorado. She has an amazing voice and writes great songs, sometimes with a quirky twist. She's known for her live act in which she sometimes resembles a stand up comedian, she is funny and isn't afraid to show it. She has great banter and she keeps her fans feeling like they're part of all of it. Which we thankfully are.
The Scarlet Ending : Ghosts - This is the local band that I discovered and was blown away by this summer. They were opening (acoustic) for a show I was attending and I liked their 3 part harmonies and fun songs. Got the CD and it was a whole other band, I haven't had the chance to see them live and electric yet, but I can't wait, they have a loyal fan base who even helped fund their music videos and cross country adventure. They are lots of fun and they have talent to spare.
Draculatron : Hatemusic - My Next door neighbor's band. Simply put, they are the best live band in my city, and arguably within 100 miles. This album was more of a solo project almost, but it is full of risky lyrics and pounding, unrelenting beats. You can't help but love it. It's fucking good.
Sufjan Stevens : All Delighted People EP - It's one of my favorite albums he's ever done. I could listen to it all day. It's so full of orchestrated sounds and textures that it's almost hard to imagine it coming together. I'm just sad that it isn't longer. It's just fantastic.
Henry Rollins : Spoken Word Guy - I know this isn't music, It's spoken word. But, He released it in 2010 so I get to talk about it. Henry is one of my heroes. Plain and simple; I respect him. He is intelligent, well spoken and I enjoy his books and his opinions. I agree with him 99% of the time. I can't wait to see him again. I did get the chance to see him for the 3rd time this year. Always a great time.
2010 Let Downs : The above was long winded and drawn out, so I'll be short and sweet with these. I was surprised by some of these.
Cee Lo Green
My Chemical Romance :
Rufus Wainwright :The Dead Weather :
Portugal. The Man :MUSE :
Honorable Mentions : Didn't quite make either list, Just something I got that i dug on and thought it deserved to be mentioned, and they deserve more spins on my Itunes.
Jenny and Johnny
Margot & The Nuclear So and So's
Ok Go
Rocky Votolato
So, there it is. It's long, I'm sorry if it was a lot of information to get through. But, seeing as no one reads this. It is for my entertainment only. 2010 has been summed up musically (to my memory) I'm sure I missed some albums that I loved and hated. I hope this is a good insight into my year musically.
No comments:
Post a Comment