My 2010 best of list may be more notable for the bands that didn’t crack it. The typically brilliant Spoon sounded pedestrian. The Hold Steady wavered. The sweethearts of yesteryear (MGMT and Vampire Weekend, I’m talking to you) fell to the Internet buzz band curse à la Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!
These records are in no particular order other than alphabetical. The one vein of consistency in my top 10 is the nature with which these records stuck with me over the course of the year and continued to capture my attention on repeated listen.
1. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs: I tried to not like this record. I said it was not as good as their last one. I said it was too long. Then, I kept listening…over and over and over again. Check out “Half Light II”, “Sprawl II”, and “Ready to Start”.
2. Band of Horses – Infinite Arms: With its rich melodies and lockstep harmonies, this album fully embraces Ben Bridwell’s once abandoned Southern roots (and subsequently became my favorite record to sing along with while driving). Check out “Compliments”, “Laredo”, and “Dilly”.
3. Beach House – Teen Dream: Gauzy dream-rock that’s one part torment and two shots of bliss. If I were heroin, this is what I’d sound like. Don’t worry, mom. I don’t do heroin. Check out “Walk in the Park” and “Zebra”. Beach House – Zebra (UK Edit)
4. Black Keys – Brothers: After their Attack and Release coming out party courtesy of Danger Mouse, the Black Keys got back to their basics with a few new tricks in tow. You could listen to “Tighten Up”, but you really ought to watch the video!
5. Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest: Bradford Cox’s sonic chasm soundscapes that at one time seemed untamable have been beaten into well crafted pop songs…and then they played on Conan. Check out “Coranado”, “Helicopter”, and “Earthquake”.
6. Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks: This album is the most depressingly uplifting album of the year. It’s achingly sad, but somehow still makes me smile. Check out “Swim Until You Can’t See Land” and “Nothing Like You”.
7. The National – High Violet: I’ve always liked my National with a dose of darkness. After seeing them in 100 degree heat at Bonnaroo this summer, I’ll take them anyway I can. High Violet had all the makings of a letdown. The National didn’t up their game. They changed it. My favorite singalongs: “Anyone’s Ghost” and “Afraid of Everyone”.
8. Josh Ritter – So Runs the World Away: Josh Ritter is my biggest inspiration as a songwriter. After ramping up the party on Historical Conquests of…, Josh Ritter slows down and gets serious. Check out “Change of Time”, “The Curse”, “Folk Bloodbath”, “Lantern”…Hell, do yourself a favor and buy this one with some of your “Christmas / Hanukah / whatever you celebrate” money.
9. The Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt: I had to defend his voice to somebody this year. I said, “If all you hear is his voice, you aren’t listening.” I stand by my justification. Check out “King of Spain”, and you’ll know what I mean. The Tallest Man On Earth – King of Spain
10. The Walkmen – Lisbon: This one snuck on the list. I’d written this group off a few albums back. John Neville, the guitarist in Beautiful Little Fools, swears by these guys, and I’m starting to understand why…This set showcases the reverb-soaked moodcraft the Walkmen have been crafting since its early days, but strips away the skin (and creaky pianos) to leave only the pure muscle exposed. Check out “Victory” and the unfittingly titled “Woe is Me”.
10. The Walkmen – Lisbon
