My 2010 “Most Listened To” Albums
This is the 2010 installment of my “most listened to” music. I don’t call it the best of the year, because it probably isn’t, and it might not even be my favorite- it’s just what I’ve listened to more than anything else this year. This list contains two debuts, one sophomore re-direction, one breakthrough and an instant classic.
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5. Sleigh Bells – Treats
Treats will be my ‘guilty pleasure’ pick on this list. I can’t say much about this album in terms of production value, true craftsmanship, or staying power, and I will probably despise this band by the time next year’s list arrives. However, not enough can be said about how fun and infectious this album is. Treats is chock-full of power riffs, thundering drums, and seemingly out-of-place, delicate vocals that make the songs stay in your head long after the iPod goes off. This was a perfect soundtrack to my summer, and I’m actually amazed that it hasn’t infiltrated mainstream radio yet. Eventually I think it will, and maybe Sleigh Bells will be up for the “Best New Artist” Grammy in 3 years, kind of how MGMT was up for it this year.
Key Track: Crown on the Ground
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4. Yeasayer – Odd Blood
I almost omitted this record from the list, because I didn’t realize it was released this year. The transition Yeasayer has made from the band’s debut, All Hour Symbols, is quite noticeable, and quite welcome in my estimation. Where All Hour Symbols relied heavily on acoustic instrumentation and a hippie vibe, Odd Blood takes a turn for the electronic. Copious use of synthesizers, drum machines and production lends itself to a really amazing piece of work, loaded with emotion and feeling. Imagine what Michael Jackson would sound like if he turned white.. oh, wait.
Key Track: O.N.E.
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3. Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest
Bradford Cox has demonstrated his ability to create really poppy music over the past few years, whether it was on previous Deerhunter releases or through his solo project, Atlas Sound. What previous albums lacked, however, was the clarity that is omnipresent on Halcyon Digest. On this release, Cox clears away all of the murk and layers of noise that often shrouded the beauty and talent in earlier works. Additionally, Halcyon Digest exudes a sense of optimism and cheeriness that I didn’t think the band was capable of. Even the final track, “He Would Have Laughed,” treats the death of Jay Reatard with a fond, nostalgic tone. This is the only band on my list that I didn’t get to see this year (although I did have tickets) and I really regret missing them.
Key Track: Coronado
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2. LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening
I must admit that, like Pitchfork, I have an undying hard-on for James Murphy. If he took a shit on a vinyl, I would probably overpay for the first pressing on eBay. That being said, the band continues to top itself with each successive release. This is Happening contains less of the droning, repetitive tracks that draw endless references to The Fall, and more of the well-crafted, tongue-in-cheek garage/dance/pop songs that define the DFA sound. Hands down the best show I saw this year.
Key Track - Home
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1. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
Technically this album was released in 2009 in the UK, but that doesn’t really count, since those people don’t even drive on the right side of the road. This was by far my easiest pick to make. This SoCal band has actually existed in some form for more than 5 years, and it shows on Gorilla Manor. The use of broad, soaring arrangements, loads of percussion, and three-part harmonies makes for new discoveries with each listen. Also, a Talking Heads cover can’t hurt. One of my favorite live shows this year, from what I can remember.
Key Track: Who Knows, Who Cares
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Honorable Mention
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
The National – High Violet
Titus Andronicus – The Monitor
