By Alex Brenner
[All the cool kids are doin' it, so we decided to do it too - the best albums of the decade. We've called in our resident music maker and record reviewer to give us his perspective on this trending topic. We dropped a couple sample tracks in there too. Enjoy. - Rube]
Jets to Brazil – Four Cornered Night (2000)
From the ashes of the seminal punk band Jawbreaker; JTB’s second album is nothing but pure pop punk heart with some country flourishes as well. Front man Black Schwarzenbach is one of the most underrated songwriters of our time.
Gillian Welch - Soul Journey (2003)
So many great songs here, “Look at Miss Ohio”, “Wrecking Ball”…. Truly one of the only great talents Nashville has to offer right now.
MP3: Gillian Welch – Look At Miss Ohio
Sun Kil Moon - Ghosts of the Great Highway (2003)
Red House Painters singer Mark Kozelek reinvents himself with this debut album. Songs range from country shuffles to fuzzed out mayhem while still keeping that trademark “I wanna kill myself” feel to every song. Sometimes feeling bad never felt so good.
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
Jeff Tweedy is still one of the most amazing performers of our time. This record took me awhile but now I think it’s become a must have.
MP3: Wilco – Heavy Metal Drummer
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans (2005)
Okay yeah, this is their mainstream album but it has a lot of great songs on it that were not hits. Despite their recent work, which I was not a fan of, this Death Cab record has shown they are an indie act that is built to last.
MP3: Death Cab for Cutie – Crooked Teeth
The Gaslight Anthem - The ’59 Sound (2008)
Spot on pop punk with heart, no one does the “we-gotta-get-outta-here-while-we-still-can” thing better than singer Brian Fallon. A punk classic in the making.
MP3: Gaslight Anthem – The ’59 Sound
Hey Mercedes - Everynight Fire Works (2001)
From the ashes of post punk legends, Braid, came this band. With jagged chords and clock work drumming Hey Mercedes knew how to write great songs. Classics like “Our Weekend Starts on Wednesday” and “Eleven to Your Seven” still sound amazing today.
Nada Surf – The Weight is a Gift (2005)
No better way to bounce back from being a one hit wonder than with a string of great records. This record put them back on the map as a talented band with songwriting chops for miles.
MP3: Nada Surf – What Is Your Secret
Hot Rod Circuit – Sorry About Tomorrow (2002)
Another great indie band that put hooks and great songs at the forefront. With this release it just goes to show the third time is a charm.
David Bazan – Curse Your Branches (2009)
The first full length solo record for former Pedro the Lion front man David Bazan. Unbelievable songwriting and hooks that make you doubt your own existence.
