10 for ’10
Here’s a secret: I haven’t updated the underlying structure of this post since I marked it up originally in 2008 – and even then, I think it may have been a take off of an old ARoB post. [I’m lazy.] However, this method also gives me a chance to review what I posted the year before – and I have to say, 2009 is a hard year to beat. But I think 2010 can rally for a win! Without much (more) ado, I’m going to give you a list of the 10 albums that really epitomized 2010 for me.
10. Robyn – Body Talk
Robyn’s new album launched in November and I somehow managed to miss it until Monday of this week. I found it thanks to the Nobel Peace Prize concert, so there could be worse introductions. In any case, I was aware of awesome tracks like “Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do” and “None Of Dem” – and let’s not forget “Fembot” – from the Body Talk Pt. 1 EP but the new single, “Indestructible” is pretty fantastic and I can’t wait to see the videos for “Love Kills” and “Time Machine.”
9. Fol Chen – Part II: The New December
Driving down to Maryland after a summer visit home, I happened to catch “In Ruins” on XMU as I neared Chestertown. And I was smitten in a way that I can’t even describe. I mean, listen to it! It’s insane – and the post-apocalyptic video doesn’t hurt the cause. The album opens with “The Holograms“, a truly jarring mess of a track that is an experience you’ll want to repeat and repeat. Until you hear the serenity of the title track and decide you want to curl up there for a nap.
8. Alphabeat – The Beat Is…
Look, I’m just going to level with you: this album came out in 2009. But I can play a technicality of international music sales: it launched here with a different name during this calendar year. And why am I going through such loopholes? Well, how about the unabashed Euro 80s throwback sound of “DJ“, “The Beat Is” or “Heat Wave“? Thank you, Denmark.
7. Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle
I didn’t think this band could utter a more disaffected sound than “23“, but they somehow managed with “Not Getting There“. And the joyous parade continues with “My Plants Are Dead“, “Oslo” (which is trying desperately to contain a nearly pop beat) and “Spain“. Blonde Redhead: music to stare listlessly to since 1993.
6. The National – High Violet
This is probably on every indie best of list this year and I really do think it deserves to be there. I was reluctant to care about this album, but an acoustic performance of “Anyone’s Ghost” absolutely lured me in. Some others worth a listen: “Lemonworld“, “England” and the radio hit, “Bloodbuzz Ohio“.
5. Delorean – Subiza
“Warmer Places” has become my go-to walk into work track so far this winter. The rest of Delorean’s album has been equally sparkling from my first listen over the summer on. Every song drips this effortless Spanish cool, and calls to mind the beach-y scenes you see in the video for “Stay Close“. I’m not usually into such in your face optimism, but Subiza has won me over.
4. Yeasayer – Odd Blood
Proving that it’s often a good idea to look again, “Ambling Alp” initially annoyed the shit out of me but I’m glad I stuck around to watch the video for “O.N.E.” because it immediately converted me to a Yeasayer fan. Which is great, since “Rome” is a song I cannot live without and “Madder Red” (warning: most depressing video) is not to be missed.
3. Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles
Back with an album by the same name as 2008’s release – and with a vocalist looking like a Shirley Manson-esque cyborg with plastic skin – Crystal Castles stormed my eardrums and eyeballs with “Celestica” before leading me to tracks like “Birds” and the sublime “Not In Love” with Robert Smith.
2. Marina & The Diamonds – The Family Jewels
With a starkly strange video and sound all its own, “Mowgli’s Road” instantly won my heart this year. And then there’s this pared-back version of “Hollywood“. And “Oh No!“, which could be the catchiest track that also has the most poignant lyrics of the whole release.
1. The Golden Filter – Voluspa
“How did this make the top of the list,” you ask. “Surely you listened to the number two album many more times?” Probably, but I waited for this album since April 2009, checking my music acquisition favorites nearly daily for most of those months. It all started with “Solid Gold“, still one of the most alluring videos I’ve ever seen. And just when I had given up on this release ever happening, “Thunderbird” appeared. I don’t even remember what day marked my first with Voluspa but I know it gets played at least weekly now that it’s mine. Other great tracks: “Frejya’s Ghost“, “Hide Me” and “Dance Around The Fire“.
Next year, I’m not doing eleven, so we will have to end the gimmick this year, I’m afraid.