It would be hard for me to label these as the “best” albums of 2010 (see list from 2009) because what I constitute best might not even come close to your definition of best. With that said, here are the albums from 2010 that I found myself listening to multiple times, sometimes over and over again. Obviously I stick generally to what some would call indie, others alternative, others rock.
(Click on the link to hear the bands most popular song from this album)
- Arcade Fire: The Suburbs (I have never heard a rock album put together so well from start to finish, its a masterpiece)
- The National: High Violet (This guy has the most monotone voice, which makes him sound somewhat like Johnny Cash (somewhat). It makes for a unique listening experience)
- Yeasayer: Odd Blood (Creative, 80′s sounding work out album)
- Sufjan Stevens:The Age of Adz (Okay, I almost took this one off, and maybe I will regret putting it on. There are a couple songs that are really good and a couple that are really bad, but I just kept listening to it)
- Sleigh Bells: Treats (I found Robin Hilton’s description of this album the best so here it is: I wouldn’t fault anyone for finding this album obnoxious. It’s terribly loud, incredibly brash and full of screaming, and the whole mix is heavily processed and blown-out. The rhythms are explosive blasts more than drum beats, and the synths are piercing and caustic. But every time a song from Treats comes up on my iPod, I just feel so alive! It’s a take-no-prisoners album. Every track makes me feel as if I could rip my house off its foundation. I can’t say Treats is an instant classic or one critics will be talking about a generation from now, but it’s one of the year’s most potent and unforgettable recordings.
- The Black Keys: Brothers (Just buy this bluesy album, you won’t hear anything like it)
- Delta Spirit: History From Below (The soulful impassioned voice of the lead singer carries this album.)
- Jonsi: Go (You have to listen for yourself. Can you describe music like this?)
What did I miss from 2010?
I’m completely with you on Arcade Fire. I think it’s the best album of the year, hands down. And I also love The National’s latest, although not quite as much as you do. Vampire Weekend’s “Contra” and Mumford & Sons are also really solid.
I forgot to mention they were not in any specific order. I put the Mumford & Sons in there for 2009 since that is when the album came out. Saw them live and they are tons of fun.
Yeah The Suburbs was great. I bought it before we went to Philadelphia and listened to it basically the whole way there and back.
I was gonna say The Resistance, but apparently Muse actually released it in late ’09.
I feel like there’s more I’m forgetting….
[...] I have enjoyed this year. It is also interesting to go back and see what my previous lists were (2010, 2009). Some of the albums have lasted the test of time, and I still turn to them for good music, [...]