Music of 2010

In celebration of the new year, here is a countdown of our favorite albums for 2010.  Check out the playlist that resulted.

10. Sleigh Bells - Treats
          "Tell Em"
9. Charlotte Gainsbourgh - IRM
          "Heaven Can Wait"
8. The Black Keys - Brothers
          "Tighten Up"
7. Beach House - Teen Dream
          "Walk in the Park"
6. The Walkmen - Lisbon
          "Angela Surf City"
5. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
          "Little Lion Man"
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
          "The Suburbs"
3. Florence + The Machine - Lungs
          "Cosmic Love"
2. Broken Bells - Broken Bells
          "The High Road"
1. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
          "Sun Hands"
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Song of the Week Christmas Special

Rotation 1

The Bird and the Bee, Stockings by the Fire [EP] - "Carol of the Bells"

We all get those moments when the traditional songs that we grew-up with can start to get under our skin.  I enjoyed this rendition of "Carol of the Bells" - it sounds like something out of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas with a Calypso dream sequence.







Rotation 2

Bright Eyes, A Christmas Album - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman"

You wouldn't necessarily think that Conor Oberst would be the poster child for a christmas album, but when you hear his version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," there is something so befitting about it - blending right in with his original works.








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In Rotation 2 : Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

Broken Social Scene isn't your ordinary rock band.  Aside from their two founding members, Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, the group is an ever changing cast of musicians.  Even with different voices and instrumental styles, their latest release, Forgiveness Rock Record, has a consistency that provides a stabilizing sound and not a mishmash of sorts.  There is an understated energy in their songs that makes the collaborative style seem effortless.

Notable Tracks:
4. "Forced to Love"
5. "All to All"
8. "Ungrateful Little Father"
9. "Meet Me in the Basement"




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In Rotation 1 : Best Coast - Crazy For You

As the chill of winter sets in, the surfer-pop infused tunes of Best Coast brings the cheer of summer back.  Influenced by the 1960's sounds from the Grande Ole Opry and West Coast Surfer Pop, Best Coast stays true to the California sound with a contemporary lo-fi vibe.  An upbeat tempo combine with simple no-nonsenses lyrics makes Crazy For You, a fun easy listen. 

Notable Tracks:

1. "Boyfriend"

2. "Crazy For You"

4. "Goodbye"

10. "Honey"

13. "When I'm with You"

  

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In Rotation 2 : The National - High Violet

The National take a straightforward approach to making quality music.  They don't need to hide their music behind a lot of flash and noise. Instead they let the lyrics and vocals speak for themselves and create songs that are stripped of overproduction.  The result: High Violet has a dark and mysterious romanticism about its sound.  It is a quiet yet powerful record that has a unique voice amongst today's music.

Notable Tracks:
4. "Little Faith"
6. "Bloodbuzz Ohio"
7. "Lemonworld"
8. "Runaway"

A tribute to their Cincinnati roots:

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Rotation 1 : Florence + The Machine - Lungs

Hailing from the UK, Florence + The Machine's debut album "Lungs" comes on to the scene without holding anything back.  Belting out no-holds-bar vocals, one cannot deny that the passion is felt in every note.  The album offers a spectrum ranging from fun dance infused pop to dark desire longing blues rock.  The combination of heavy bass kick drum and howling powerful vocals is intoxicating.  There is no doubt why Florence + The Machine have been receiving many accolades for this album.

Notable Tracks:
1. "Dog Days are Over"
2. "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)"
7. "Drumming Song"
9. "Cosmic Love"
13. "You've Got the Love"
(I only listed 5 tracks, but the entire album doesn't miss a beat)




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In Rotation 2 : Wavves - King of the Beach

A few weeks ago, with the exception of one or two songs from their earlier work, I was still unsure about the buzz surrounding Wavves.  This has all changed since finally getting my hands on their latest album, King of the Beach.  Sadly, I wish I had first heard it back in summer, since its the perfect record for driving with the windows down or laying in the sun at the pool.  Right away, I was hooked by the beat of the opening track and the way lead singer Nathan Williams started with those two little lines "Let the sun burn my eyes/Let it burn my back." This record maintains the energy and surfer punk attitude heard in their previous material, but the guys found a way to turn down the glare of the lo-fi noise and create more harmonious beats. This really took their music to the next level without totally abandoning who they were as artists. My only complaint about the album is the out of place, weird 80's cheese on "Convertible Balloon"; strip the record of this song and repeat one of the following tracks instead.

Notable Tracks:
1. "King of the Beach"
5. "Post Acid"
10. "Mickey Mouse"
12. "Baby Say Goodbye"


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