Before I start writing about each of these records individually I should point out that it was really difficult to set them apart. In all honesty any of them could have been my No.4. But that's not how it works so I had to rank them. If you ask me what I think in a weeks time you will get a very different ordering. But this is how I feel right here and now.
No.13
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Is it a hip hop album? Is it a pop album? No! It's another great album from Damon Albarn. Sixteen tracks, each with its own identity and personality. Take for example Glitter Freeze with its industrial like rhythm mixed in with some rather groovy bass work. Or Superfast Jellywish which uses its novelty themes to distract from the great piece of social commentary that it is. All in all this is an entertaining journey through the ingenious (there I said it again!) mind of Damon Albarn. Best out of the 3 Gorillaz albums? A question almost impossible to answer thanks to 10 years of brilliant music from this virtual band.
No.12
Cloud Control - Bliss Release
Who would've thought that a run of the mill soft rock album (I was going to write 'indie' but I'm sure you're all sick of me using that word) would sound great even after dozens of listens. I can't seem to be able to put my finger on what sets this Blue Mountains act apart from the rest. It could be their sweet youthful vocals or the crisp clean guitar work or possibly even their crowd-participation friendly lyrics. Whatever it is, Cloud Control have won the respect of the Aussie music scene without much help from the hype machine or major labels, but with great radio-friendly yet quality music. To close, the blogger within me must say 'this
is a band to watch.'
No.11
Jonsi- Go
When it came time to find a spot for this album on my list, I started to hate the whole ranking process. It really really kills me that I couldn't put this album in my top 10. I thought about making it tied 10th but that didn't feel right either. This album evokes the full spectrum of emotions. In 40 short minutes it will make you smile, cry, dance, laugh and dream. Thanks to its reasonable length it is far more accessible than his work with Sigur Ros but the ethereal feel of the band's work is not lost. In a year which saw a number of frontmen go solo (mostly unsuccessful) this was the cream of the crop.
No.10
Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
Easily my favourite solo artist in the world. Unlike Sufjan she doesn't sound like she is trying too hard. Unlike Joanna Newsom she doesn't sound like she's from a different planet. Unlike Sarah Blasko she isn't too dependent on strong production. Laura is truly a one-woman show and that is evident throughout this record. Her voice and guitar are front and centre and they resonate the utmost confidence and passion. On a more personal note, I've really enjoyed watching her over the last 3 years and I really look forward to seeing Laura mature and grow as an artist over the next few years. I can see her still making wonderful music in 20 years time albeit still playing theatres. Her voice and musicianship has a sense of timelessness to it, meaning you could drop her in any era of music, past, present or future and she would fit in perfectly.
No.9
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles II
I've always wondered what anarchy might sound like and Crystal Castles gave me a pretty good idea of it in 2010. And here I was thinking Canadians were a gentle peaceful lot. Aye? To say this brand of music is an acquired taste would be a gross understatement. It's harsh on all the senses but beneath all the madness there lies a beautifully constructed and unique album. Scattered throughout the album you have moments of sweet pop genius poking its head out amongst the chaos. It's those moments that makes this record so very impressive. Anyone can write a piece of electro noise pop but it takes true talent to write a great melody and Crystal Castles show that talent. But I should warn anyone considering listening to this album, those sweet moments are few and far between. The bulk of the album is an assault on the ear drums but I guess some of us like it that way :P
No.8
Beach House - Teen Dream
Maybe after having your ear drums torn to shreds by Crystal Castles you might consider the soothing dreamy pop of Beach House. Teen Dream showcased what could just be some of the best vocal work of 2010. The male/female combo (it was often hard to tell which was which) worked wonders for the duo from Baltimore. But wasn't the only thing they had going for them. The understated guitar work is sublime, the piano parts are impeccable and the production could not be any better. The cherry on top arrives in the form of the closing and longest track, Take Care which manages to give the warmest of farewells. It goes on and on but you really don't mind because its all so warm and fuzzy.
No.7
Angus+Julia Stone - Down the Way
If Boulet is Australia's Jack White then Angus+Julia would have to be our Jack+Meg White (just our two are actually siblings). Down the Way saw Julia stand up and announce herself to the world as she took on the lead vocals on the albums first single And The Boys. That single was one of many great moments of the album featuring Julia on vocals. But what makes this album so incredible is its ambition. The seven and half minute epic Yellow Brick Road encapsulates that ambition with its lengthy guitar solo (performed live by Julia at shows) and gloriously layered production. If there was ever a song to encapsulate a band it would be Hush. The word itself sums up the band perfectly and the song confirms that. Time will tell whether this is to be A+J Stone's best work but it will most certainly go down as their defining record.
No.6
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
If you asked me at the start of the year, what do the suburbs sound like? I would've told you it's impossible to answer that question. But Arcade Fire have done just that. On The Suburbs the Canadian indie giants have done the impossible and created the soundtrack to suburban life. The album creates inside you that uncomfortable warmth that the suburbs instill. That feeling of safety, security and consistency but in the voice of Win Butler you can hear that he yearns to break out of that mundane life and see the world. On a more personal note if I didn't despise the suburban life so much I think I would've enjoyed this a lot more. But I'm still floored by the accuracy of the album, like I mentioned above I never thought it could be done, let alone be done so brilliantly. For that reason alone, this is one of the best albums of the year.
No.5
Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
It has been an absolute joy following this band since its early days, they have delivered track after track of their 21st century take on 60s psych rock. They have been invariably top notch so the release of their debut LP was met with significant hype. Just like many of the other debut records above, it did not disappoint. From the opening moments of the album, you find yourself spiraling into a hazy world of cheesy wallpaper and free love. But tracks like Solitude is Bliss keep your feet firmly planted in the modern fast moving world with its strut-like rhythm and Gen-Y-esque lyrics (
'you will never come close to how I feel') What sets this album apart from the other great debuts of the year is its musicianship from beginning to end. And it's my type of musicianship, not self-indulgent shredding and 280bpm drumming rather they create a sense of jam-session inspired tunes. Best Australian album since Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours.
No.4
Foals - Total Life Forever
Staying on the topic of musicianship, if there was one album which topped Innerspeaker in those terms it would be Total Life Forever. On this record the band has left the rest of the indie rock world in its wake by creating something more challenging and daring than their counterparts. The most impressive feature of this album are its dynamics. By creating starkly contrasting dynamics throughout, they've managed to give us an experience that ebbs and flows throughout and never lets up. What's even better is that they give us a little of everything. A great drum solo, smooth brooding vocals, just the right amount of harmonies and the mandatory epic. The epic I speak of is Spanish Sahara, clocking in at just under 7 minutes this song lives up to its adventurous title. Thanks to its contrasting dynamics you go on a cosmic journey, a head trip of some sorts through a.....spanish sahara I guess. Total Life Forever is not only a must have CD it is also a must-see live on stage.
