So it's the end of the year and it's time to look back at the music that we were given this year. Since I only listened to 12 albums of all the music that was released this year and I don't think any worthwhile music will be released by December's end (correct me if I'm wrong), I'm going to give you a "Top Five Albums of the Year 2010". Now I would also like to hear back from others seeing as how I didn't listen to Broken Bells and I didn't know Johnny Cash released "American Recordings VI: Ain't No Grave" this year, who knew. But if I see anyone put "Now That's What I Call Bullshit 35" as an "album" they enjoyed this year, I will be forced to ignore you. I don't mind if you pick an album from let's say Miley Cyrus, just make sure you have a valid point to back it up. I'd like to begin with the albums I listened to and didn't pick:
- My Chemical Romance's "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys" - To begin with I'm not what you would call a true My Chem Fan. Although, I did like "Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge". And who didn't love "The Black Parade"? But this album didn't have a quality the others had. I know they're going for a different style, but when the guitar is the only genuine aspect of the music, it should tell you something. Sorry boys.
-Brian Wilson's "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin" - I had to disqualify even though it sounded amazing. Wilson is a genius, but it's not original material.
-Vampire Weekend's "Contra" and She & Him's "Volume Two" - Both of these albums I think suffered the same fate: the difficult sophomore effort. Not to say these are bad albums, but both of their debuts were so lauded that their next projects seemed to pale in comparison and felt lackluster.
-Mumford & Sons' "Sigh No More" - It walks like a folk album, but it doesn't talk like a folk album. This one was tricky because although it's got your banjo and raspy voice, it sounds overly produced and too anthem-y. Every track almost sounds replicated. Needs to get muddier and then maybe a Brit can pull off "Americana".
-The Black Keys' "Brothers" - Great sound, but at times can sound slightly repetitive.
-Elton John/Leon Russell's "The Union" - Great album, but just missed the cut.
And now the picks:
5. Spoon's "Transference" - These guys have such a great sound and attitude towards music. "Written In Reverse" is such a great track.
4. The New Pornographers' "Together" - I'm a sucker for baroque pop and this album does it well. It's no wonder Neko Case is getting so much praise for her voice.
3. Kanye West's "My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy" - This is his best album since "The College Dropout". Yes, I know he opens his mouth without thinking, but this is when it counts. All of your criticisms of the man aside, this is a great album. He knows how to produce and put an album together, that's what I respect. "Dark Fantasy" and "Power" are stellar tracks.
2. Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" - Superb! Win Butler shows no sign of letting up. It feels like a stark reality that is gorgeous in it's noir. "The Suburbs", "Rococo", "Modern Man", "Suburban War", "City With No Children" are all ridiculously amazing tracks.
1. Robert Bock's "The Milkman & Me" - why not?
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