Music of 2010: Pt 3

6. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

This was a tricky album to place.  The first half of the year provided many listens, but for various reasons, the album got lost as the year progressed.  Good guitar rock, with some pretty sweet harmonies, and great percussion. They're thoughtful and at times sentimental as their attempts to philosophize never reach any substantial depth. But that's neither here nor there.  The album would be tighter too if they cut one or two tracks as well.  Not sure how I will view this album within the next few years, but as for 2010 it was one of my faves. When I knew I liked it but not liked liked it: When I realized the best we could ever be together, was just good friends... thanks second half of the album! 

6. The Love Language - Pedals

A throwback to The Smiths, the first line providing a soaring vocal that would make Morrissey proud.  I think that is why I like this song so much as that first line is sung with heart, the vocals and (again) the harmonies are quite endearing.  The lyrics do slip into melodrama, but it's all about presentation right?  And they do it well too.

5. Jakob Dylan - Women & Country

Dylan delivers a simple and subtle collection of songs.  The term "country" does not entirely suggest its genre (although it does have some nice alternative-country elements) but rather provides the setting for its songs.  A reflection of americana, where days may have been simpler, but certainly not as easy.  This informal concept album flows nicely, as each nomadic voice wanders into the next song. When I enjoyed this more than the Wallflowers: Neko. Case.

5. Kanye West - So Appalled (Explicit)

A little preview for what's to come.  The song has a great production value, Kanye has a nice opening verse, questions the appalling nature of his lifestyle while so many others are "out of work." Jay-Z's verse leaves something more to be desired, but the song is solidified with CyHi the Prynce who provides one of the best verses of the year. 

Music of 2010: Pt 2

8. Beach House – Teen Dream

The name of this album is pretty self-evident of the music that it harbors, and there is certainly no harm in that.  More or less a collection of love songs and other familiar sentiments, the album never reduces itself to shallow romanticism but carries a pure innocence lyrically and especially vocally, the melodies and harmonies of Victoria Legrand are intimate and touching.  When I knew I was 22 going on 16: Once I realized that no matter how “indie” you get, love songs are still love songs.

8. LCD Soundsystem – Dance Yrself Clean

Another opening track – a song of two parts.  Beginning with a low rhythmic base and Lou Reedish stream of consciousness, the second half morphs into a Bowie-esque anthemic ode to music.  James Murphy suggests who needs friends when you have music.  At 9 minutes long the song may have a “slow” start, but the “wait” is worth it - you will be dancing.

7. Chatham County Line – Wildwood

Give me good harmonies and it won’t take long to convince me of an album.  The band may not be doing anything innovative, but they know what they’re good at and they do it well.  The songwriting centers on rustic, old-fashioned morals and storytelling – not doing too much or too little.  When I knew I was just a good-ol-country boy: Acoustic guitar? Mandolin/Violin? Harmonies!?! Sold.

7. Suckers – Roman Candles

With a sly smile and a wink this song combines nostalgia and a simple deceitfulness.  Whatever the cause of the relationship between the singer and his presumed audience, he takes it joyfully and reminiscently as a piano innocently interjects throughout the song.  The jingle jangles culminate toward a sing-a-long effect near the end.  Quite catchy.

Music I enjoyed in 2010, part I

One of my favorite parts about the end of the year are the lists compiled of bests, favorites, and greats.  Particularly in music and movies, I love reading other people's lists because it means I get to find out what I missed.  I'll be posting my list of ten favorite albums and songs - two of each per day (possibly). So here's my contribution - hope it can provide some fresh tunes and thoughts!

10.  Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

Summer rotation, which meant it provided some nice cross-cultural vibes. The band understands their strengths: relatable, easy lyrics and catchy hooks.  The album doesn't really have a weak song - just nice and steady, flowing casually.  When I knew I was Hooked: Opening riff with the snare drum...

10. CMYK - James Blake

I don't really familiarize myself with much dubstep - in fact I don't even know if that's an appropriate genre title for this song, but Blake and this song is amazing.  I also don't know who he's sampling (they tell me it's 90's R&B and much more) but whoever it is, I like it...

9. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Moving much beyond their Springsteen phase of Neon Bible - an album that is one of my favorites - Arcade Fire find themselves once more to be an appropriate voice of the 21st century.  Their latest is not as prophetically ominous as its predecessor, but still carries a poignant, heartfelt, yet critical tone exposing the darker and suffocating side of middle class America.
When I knew I was trapped in the super structure: When I bought the album, listened to it on an ipod, and then blogged about it.

9. Black Keys - Everlasting Light

A nice opening track, borrowing from blues, soul/doo-wop, and even a choiresque echo in the background.  Auerbach's vocals are what make the song, as the falsetto is carried with confidence.