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.