Put a Pin on the Map View my Forum Guestmap
Free Guestmaps by Bravenet.com

The Old Acclaimed Music Forum

Go to the NEW FORUM

Music, music, music...
Start a New Topic 
1 2 3
Author
Comment
Re: Albums of 2010

favorite songs?
off the top of my head...

Good Intentions Paving Company- Joanna Newsom
Stylo- Gorillaz
All I Want- LCD Soundsystem
Drunk Girls- LCD Soundsystem
I Can Change- LCD Soundsystem
Walk in the Park- Beach House
Cousins- Vampire Weekend
Sing- Four Tet
It's Working- MGMT
Briano Eno- MGMT
Bloodbuzz Ohio- The National
Terrible Love- The National
Born Free- M.I.A.
Written in Reverse- Spoon
One Life Stand- Hot Chip
I Feel Better- Hot Chip

I usually don't find out about the "big pop singles" until the EOY lists come in. So for now all my "favorite songs of 2010" are just from my favorite albums of the year so far.

Re: Albums of 2010

Beach House - 10 MILE STEREO
Beach House - LOVER OF MINE
Beach House - WALK IN THE PARK
Jónsi - GO DO
Tallest Man on Earth - KIDS ON THE RUN
Broken Bells - VAPORIZE
Jónsi - TORNADO
Gorillaz - ON MELANCHOLY HILL
Yeasayer - AMBLING ALP
Laura Veirs - JULY FLAME*

(*in place of yet another track from Teen Dream, which unsurprisingly, gets my vote for best album of the year. So far.)

Re: Albums of 2010

Shining - Fisheye
Erykah Badu - Window Seat
Drive By Truckers - You Got Another
Lindstrom & Christabelle - Baby Can't Stop
Gorillaz - Song with "Is this looove!"
Most of Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM
Most of disc 1 of Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me
Shining - The song with the jazzy sax
Shining - 21st Century Schizoid Man

When I play albums I tend to just put the CD in and press play, so I have trouble remembering song names.

Re: Albums of 2010

BillAdama


Shining - The song with the jazzy sax


When I play albums I tend to just put the CD in and press play, so I have trouble remembering song names.


This might be "Healter Skelter"

Re: Albums of 2010

Favorite song so far is Attack Music by These New Puritans.

Re: Albums of 2010

My favorite songs of the year so far:
Plan B- Stay Too Long(absolutely amazing, top 20 of all time for me)
Sade- Soldier of Love(normally I find her boring, but this is great)
and some other Plan B songs.

Re: Albums of 2010

Laura Veirs - July Flame
Owen Pallett - Keep the Dog Quiet
Gorillaz - Stylo
Midlake - Acts of Man
Beach House - not sure which song to pick over the others, they're all nice

Re: Albums of 2010

It has been a good year so far.

Albums:
Four tet - There is love in you
Angus and Julia Stone - Down the way
Beach House - Teen Dream
Pantha du prince - Black noise
Erykah Badu - New amerykah part two......

Songs:
Angus and Julia Stone - Draw your sword
Four tet - She just like to fight
Pantha du prince - The splendour
Beach House - Norway
Susanne Sundfor - The Brothel
Joanna Newsom - '81
Anna von Hausswolff - Pills
Owen Pallett - Keep the dog quiet
Cocorosie - Lemonade
Broken bells - The High road
65daysofstatic - Crash tactics

Four tet deserve to have a few more songs on the list. The same goes for Angus and Julia!

I am eager to hear the new Cocorosie album and also The National. Also the Shining album is one i have to check out.

Re: Albums of 2010

My favorite albums are for the time being :
MGMT - Congratulations
Chapelier Fou - 613
John Grant - Queen of Denmark
Beach House - Teen Dream
New Young Pony Club - The Optimist

And "Je déteste Serge Gainsbourg" because I love Serge Gainsbourg (covers of SG legally downloadable).

Re: Albums of 2010

Here comes May, and we have so far, these ones:

The New Pornographers - Together (leaked)
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles (leaked)
Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record (leaked)
The Hold Steady - Heaven Is Whenever (leaked)
LCD Soundsytem - This Is Happening (leaked)
The National - High Violet (leaked)
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma (leaked)
Band Of Horses - Infinite Arms (leaked)
Cocorosie - Grey Oceans (leaked... since march)

I know these ones. Any other releases? Especially the ones that haven't leaked yet!

Re: Albums of 2010

The Mynabirds's What We Lose In The Fire We Gain In The Flood, has someone listened to it?

Re: Albums of 2010

There's a Blitzen Trapper album coming in early June. I don't know if it's leaked yet.

Re: Albums of 2010

It's not. The new Robyn album leaked though.

Re: Albums of 2010

Stephan
It's not. The new Robyn album leaked though.


I liked her new album. Not as catchy as the previous one but solid stuff. "Dancing On My Own", "Fembot" and" Cry When You Get Old" are reminiscent of her previous album, while "None of Dem" makes M.I.A. comes to mind. "Dancing Hall Queen" has this cool ska/reggae vibe, and it might be the catchiest song on the record. Opening track "Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do" is kinda like Laurie Anderson gone electropop. "Hang With Me" is a acoustic piece similar to the likes of "Be Mine" and "With Every Heartbeat" on the Rakamonie EP. Maybe there's a pop version of it coming. Overall, It's a solid effort, although i didn't think it felt like a complete work, you know? Maybe that's why she separated the album in parts. I think it will be a hell of a record if we take it as a whole. It really sounds like a part of something even bigger. I will sure wait for part II and III to build a better opinion.

Re: Albums of 2010

I've benn loving Flying Lotus's new album since the day it streamed, it is really good!

Re: Albums of 2010

I just finished my first listens for the albums that came out May 4th. The real standout of the four is Flying Lotus, but all four beat my expectations.

I saw review comparing The New Pornographers - Together to Challengers. But, it's more in the vein of their first three than Challengers. Probably not up to the same level, but the Pornos are certainly back on track.

I liked the Hold Steady, but it didn't stand out to me the same way Boys and Girls In America did. They seem to be evolving further in the direction of Stay Positive.

I was surprised how much I liked the new Broken Social Scene, seeing as I didn't like You Forgot It In People that much. Maybe I should go back and listen to that again.

Re: Albums of 2010

I'm going to listen the new Woods album, now. I listened Songs of Shame last year, but didn't care much by that time, i will listen to that one again.

Re: Albums of 2010

I really like Anais Mitchell - Hadestown.

The National's new one sounds good on first listen, but they're a band that take a while to absorb.

Re: Albums of 2010

BillAdama
I really like Anais Mitchell - Hadestown.


I listened to her album a month ago and i'm still liking it now, it's terrific and she is another artist to came out of Ani DiFranco's label that i dig, who'd knew that girl knew how to pick the right artists (i like her music though)

Re: Albums of 2010

My top 10 songs so far:

1. LCD Soundsystem- "All I Want"
2. Gorillaz- "Empire Ants"
3. LCD Soundsystem- "I Can Change"
4. Janelle Monae- "Cold War"
5. LCD Soundsystem- "Dance Yrself Clean"
6. Gorillaz- "Plastic Beach"
7. James Murphy- "People"
8. LCD Soundsystem- "One Touch"
9. Hot Chip- "One Life Stand"
10. Marina and the Diamonds- "Mowgli's Road"

Re: Albums of 2010

Moonbeam, cool list!

Re: Albums of 2010

Woohoo, The National's High Violet finally wove its magic on me, only took 4 listens.

Re: Albums of 2010

Mindrocker
Moonbeam, cool list!


Thanks! It's a little heavy on LCD Soundsystem, but that's the only album I've heard that has completely blitzed me (Gorillaz came close). I still want to hear so much that has already been released, and there's a lot on the horizon as well.

Re: Albums of 2010

I'm really diggin Janelle Monae's new album! Might be the best R&B record of the year, so far.

Re: Albums of 2010

HRS
I'm really diggin Janelle Monae's new album! Might be the best R&B record of the year, so far.


I can't wait to hear it! My copy should be arriving soon.

Re: Albums of 2010

HRS
I'm really diggin Janelle Monae's new album! Might be the best R&B record of the year, so far.
I would go as far as saying best R&B record of the last few years. Then again, I'm far from an expert and most R&B records sound the same (and bland) to me, and this one definitely stands out. Bit too long though.

Re: Albums of 2010

I'm surprised that a lot of people aren't into the LIARS new LP "Sisterworld". I think the new stuff is fantastic. I've always been a fan, but Sisterworld is a benchmark. Not quite as complete as "Drum's Not Dead", but amazing none the less.

Other albums I've loved this year.

Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me. I saw her live in Toronto, it was a fantastic show.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach - Damon Alborn is one of the great musical mind of our generation, and plastic beach only confirms that status.

Beach House - Teen Dream - I've been a fan since the Self titled debut, but Teen Dream is on a whole different level. One of the greatest records ever made.

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening - I'm a bit biased when it comes to LCD SOUNDSYSTEM. Too me they can do no wrong. This is Happening might not top Sound Of Silver, but it is as close to perfect as you can get. I love James Murphy's self awareness, and comedic undertones. What a fantastic album.

Can't wait for Arcade Fire, Panada Bear,l MIA, Radiohead. Could this year get any better?

Re: Albums of 2010

Kevin
I'm surprised that a lot of people aren't into the LIARS new LP "Sisterworld". I think the new stuff is fantastic. I've always been a fan, but Sisterworld is a benchmark. Not quite as complete as "Drum's Not Dead", but amazing none the less.

Other albums I've loved this year.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach - Damon Alborn is one of the great musical mind of our generation, and plastic beach only confirms that status.

Beach House - Teen Dream - I've been a fan since the Self titled debut, but Teen Dream is on a whole different level. One of the greatest records ever made.

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening - I'm a bit biased when it comes to LCD SOUNDSYSTEM. Too me they can do no wrong. This is Happening might not top Sound Of Silver, but it is as close to perfect as you can get. I love James Murphy's self awareness, and comedic undertones. What a fantastic album.

Can't wait for Arcade Fire, Panada Bear,l MIA, Radiohead. Could this year get any better?


That's definitely some high praise! I must check them out!

Re: Albums of 2010

Kevin
I'm surprised that a lot of people aren't into the LIARS new LP "Sisterworld". I think the new stuff is fantastic. I've always been a fan, but Sisterworld is a benchmark. Not quite as complete as "Drum's Not Dead", but amazing none the less.

Other albums I've loved this year.

Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me. I saw her live in Toronto, it was a fantastic show.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach - Damon Alborn is one of the great musical mind of our generation, and plastic beach only confirms that status.

Beach House - Teen Dream - I've been a fan since the Self titled debut, but Teen Dream is on a whole different level. One of the greatest records ever made.

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening - I'm a bit biased when it comes to LCD SOUNDSYSTEM. Too me they can do no wrong. This is Happening might not top Sound Of Silver, but it is as close to perfect as you can get. I love James Murphy's self awareness, and comedic undertones. What a fantastic album.

Can't wait for Arcade Fire, Panada Bear,l MIA, Radiohead. Could this year get any better?


You're so right Kevin. Unfortunately i've listened to that album only 2 times, so i was never able to build a formal opinion, i'm listening to it again now, and i'll sure listen to it more. It is weird cause right now i'm liking their record more and i still can't figure out why i never came back to give a third shot (since i do that with every new album i listen). And 2010 is being awesome and then you stop and think how many great artists are yet to release their albums. It only gets better. I'm even fearing that the albums released earlier this year will be suddenly forgotten or overlooked by some when November/December comes. Hope that doesn't happen!

And Stephan i'm no R&B expert either, but Janelle's album is my favorite R&B record since "New Amerykah, Pt. 1" and yes, it could have been a little shorter, just a little though.

I'm yet to listen to their record, but Sleigh Bells: truly great or overhyped?

Re: Albums of 2010

I must say that after listening to the Liars album, Delorean's album started playing and i must say "Stay Close" is a great opening track and Subiza is a very solid record.

Re: Albums of 2010

I'm in the middle of listening to LCD Soundsystem's new album for the first time. I'm *floored* by the awesomeness of this album. It's an instant #1 of the year for me.

I'm also enjoying the new album by Horse Feathers.

Re: Albums of 2010

The ArchAndroid may just overtake This Is Happening as my album of the year. Holy wow.

Re: Albums of 2010

Moonbeam
The ArchAndroid may just overtake This Is Happening as my album of the year. Holy wow.


By now the hype for The ArchAndroid is up the chimney, but I will have to say it lives up to all of it. If I had to boil it down to one statement, I'd call it the Mothership Connection/One Nation Under A Groove of this generation. Masterpiece, and y'know, although the Of Montreal tune is out of place, I never skip it because, by itself, it's a good song. Seriously, on any Of Montreal album it would be a highlight. So it might be The ArchAndroid's "misfire" but then it's not.

Re: Albums of 2010

Sean Pak
Moonbeam
The ArchAndroid may just overtake This Is Happening as my album of the year. Holy wow.


By now the hype for The ArchAndroid is up the chimney, but I will have to say it lives up to all of it. If I had to boil it down to one statement, I'd call it the Mothership Connection/One Nation Under A Groove of this generation. Masterpiece, and y'know, although the Of Montreal tune is out of place, I never skip it because, by itself, it's a good song. Seriously, on any Of Montreal album it would be a highlight. So it might be The ArchAndroid's "misfire" but then it's not.


Those are apt comparisons. I'd also liken it to Sign o' the Times and Songs in the Key of Life- sprawling, grandiose and diverse splashes of pop brilliance that somehow manage to stay cohesive. I was a HUGE fan of Metropolis and I think "Many Moons" is still my favorite Janelle Monae song, but this album has exceeded even my lofty expectations.

Re: Albums of 2010

HRS
Kevin
I'm surprised that a lot of people aren't into the LIARS new LP "Sisterworld". I think the new stuff is fantastic. I've always been a fan, but Sisterworld is a benchmark. Not quite as complete as "Drum's Not Dead", but amazing none the less.

Other albums I've loved this year.

Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me. I saw her live in Toronto, it was a fantastic show.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach - Damon Alborn is one of the great musical mind of our generation, and plastic beach only confirms that status.

Beach House - Teen Dream - I've been a fan since the Self titled debut, but Teen Dream is on a whole different level. One of the greatest records ever made.

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening - I'm a bit biased when it comes to LCD SOUNDSYSTEM. Too me they can do no wrong. This is Happening might not top Sound Of Silver, but it is as close to perfect as you can get. I love James Murphy's self awareness, and comedic undertones. What a fantastic album.

Can't wait for Arcade Fire, Panada Bear,l MIA, Radiohead. Could this year get any better?


You're so right Kevin. Unfortunately i've listened to that album only 2 times, so i was never able to build a formal opinion, i'm listening to it again now, and i'll sure listen to it more. It is weird cause right now i'm liking their record more and i still can't figure out why i never came back to give a third shot (since i do that with every new album i listen). And 2010 is being awesome and then you stop and think how many great artists are yet to release their albums. It only gets better. I'm even fearing that the albums released earlier this year will be suddenly forgotten or overlooked by some when November/December comes. Hope that doesn't happen!

And Stephan i'm no R&B expert either, but Janelle's album is my favorite R&B record since "New Amerykah, Pt. 1" and yes, it could have been a little shorter, just a little though.

I'm yet to listen to their record, but Sleigh Bells: truly great or overhyped?


The new Sleigh Bells is terrific. But I'm a fan of female fronted bands and noise so they can't go wrong in my eyes.

Re: Albums of 2010

Tim E
HRS
Kevin
I'm surprised that a lot of people aren't into the LIARS new LP "Sisterworld". I think the new stuff is fantastic. I've always been a fan, but Sisterworld is a benchmark. Not quite as complete as "Drum's Not Dead", but amazing none the less.

Other albums I've loved this year.

Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me. I saw her live in Toronto, it was a fantastic show.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach - Damon Alborn is one of the great musical mind of our generation, and plastic beach only confirms that status.

Beach House - Teen Dream - I've been a fan since the Self titled debut, but Teen Dream is on a whole different level. One of the greatest records ever made.

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening - I'm a bit biased when it comes to LCD SOUNDSYSTEM. Too me they can do no wrong. This is Happening might not top Sound Of Silver, but it is as close to perfect as you can get. I love James Murphy's self awareness, and comedic undertones. What a fantastic album.

Can't wait for Arcade Fire, Panada Bear,l MIA, Radiohead. Could this year get any better?


You're so right Kevin. Unfortunately i've listened to that album only 2 times, so i was never able to build a formal opinion, i'm listening to it again now, and i'll sure listen to it more. It is weird cause right now i'm liking their record more and i still can't figure out why i never came back to give a third shot (since i do that with every new album i listen). And 2010 is being awesome and then you stop and think how many great artists are yet to release their albums. It only gets better. I'm even fearing that the albums released earlier this year will be suddenly forgotten or overlooked by some when November/December comes. Hope that doesn't happen!

And Stephan i'm no R&B expert either, but Janelle's album is my favorite R&B record since "New Amerykah, Pt. 1" and yes, it could have been a little shorter, just a little though.

I'm yet to listen to their record, but Sleigh Bells: truly great or overhyped?


The new Sleigh Bells is terrific. But I'm a fan of female fronted bands and noise so they can't go wrong in my eyes.


After listening to the Sleigh Bells's debut i must say it's no hype. It was truly awesome! I'm also a huge fan of female fronted bands, actually i'm a fan of any female with attitude that doesn't try to emulate others and i must say that this band is doing as a whole something new and fresh this year. It's noise, but it's a different one from, let's say, the Dum Dum Girls's I Will Be. I'm no expert in Noise Rock or Noise Pop, but hell that album sounded like something i had never listened before. No Hype. at least to me.

And i've been loving Janelle Monae's album even more now! It's so accessible, yet a grower. If i haven't listened to that album before, i would have thought you people were overreacting doing such comparisons or calling it a masterpiece, aside an incredibly high 94 metascore. I would call it overrated and overhyped. But damn! It is all that! Watch out Joanna, she might take your top spot on my EOY list.

Re: Albums of 2010

Moonbeam
Sean Pak
Moonbeam
The ArchAndroid may just overtake This Is Happening as my album of the year. Holy wow.


By now the hype for The ArchAndroid is up the chimney, but I will have to say it lives up to all of it. If I had to boil it down to one statement, I'd call it the Mothership Connection/One Nation Under A Groove of this generation. Masterpiece, and y'know, although the Of Montreal tune is out of place, I never skip it because, by itself, it's a good song. Seriously, on any Of Montreal album it would be a highlight. So it might be The ArchAndroid's "misfire" but then it's not.


Those are apt comparisons. I'd also liken it to Sign o' the Times and Songs in the Key of Life- sprawling, grandiose and diverse splashes of pop brilliance that somehow manage to stay cohesive. I was a HUGE fan of Metropolis and I think "Many Moons" is still my favorite Janelle Monae song, but this album has exceeded even my lofty expectations.


Yes yes yes -- this is album of the year so far. I actually liken it to Aquemini, but all the comparisons are pretty spot-on. It is just unbelievably good, very cerebral and very gut-kickin' enjoyable at once, which rarely happens.

Bakers dozen of the albums thus far (haven't yet heard the new Shugo Tokumaru or Flying Lotus, and can't wait for the new Roots in June):

1. Janelle Morae - The ArchAndroid
2. The Souljazz Orchestra - Rising Sun
3. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
4. Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me
5. Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here
6. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
7. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
8. Mulatu Astatke - Mulatu Steps Ahead
9. Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabete - Ali and Toumani
10. Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Pt. 2: Return of The Ankh
11. Caribou - Swim
12. Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings - I Learned The Hard Way
13. Field Music - Measure

Re: Albums of 2010

The Janelle Monae album really is excellent.

Is it me or is this the best month for new releases in a long, long time?

Re: Albums of 2010

BillAdama
The Janelle Monae album really is excellent.

Is it me or is this the best month for new releases in a long, long time?


It is! The Disintegration remaster comes out in Australia on the 28th, too!

Re: Albums of 2010

An album that is quite nice and hasn't been mentioned here: The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a scheme. Formerly a schoegaze band, now I suppose "dream pop", whatever that might mean. From Sweden.

I also like all 3 singles by Joy Orbison, not often mentioned in this forum. But all his singles and b-sides are excellent, very danceable. And they sound great.

Re: Albums of 2010

Still haven't heard Sleigh Bells! I can't find it as a lossless download (which is the only way I allow myself to hear anything; one cannot fully judge a work if anything from it is missing, such as from compression), and it doesn't get released until next week. But I am hearing so much hype about it. Cannot wait.

That and the new Crystal Castles and Paul Weller.

Yes, it was a very good month and I'm looking forward to the Mega-Critic update.

Re: Albums of 2010

Idiots at Rolling Stone caused Sleigh Bell's 92 rating on Metacritic to drop to 89 thanks to their all too familiar 3.5 rating. I'd like to see every record in the history of music that Rolling Stone gave 3.5 stars to. It would be the size of War and Piece.

Re: Albums of 2010

Tim E
Idiots at Rolling Stone caused Sleigh Bell's 92 rating on Metacritic to drop to 89 thanks to their all too familiar 3.5 rating. I'd like to see every record in the history of music that Rolling Stone gave 3.5 stars to. It would be the size of War and Piece.


Same thing dropped The ArchAndroid from a 94 to a 90.

Re: Albums of 2010

Tim E
Idiots at Rolling Stone caused Sleigh Bell's 92 rating on Metacritic to drop to 89 thanks to their all too familiar 3.5 rating. I'd like to see every record in the history of music that Rolling Stone gave 3.5 stars to. It would be the size of War and Piece.


This is why we take MC ratings with a grain of salt. Single outliers are too powerful. Didn't Silent Shout get a 71 on MC?

I really think the albums by The National, LCD Soundsystem, and Janelle Monae all have a good shot at my all time top 100 by the end of the year.

Re: Albums of 2010

BillAdama
Tim E
Idiots at Rolling Stone caused Sleigh Bell's 92 rating on Metacritic to drop to 89 thanks to their all too familiar 3.5 rating. I'd like to see every record in the history of music that Rolling Stone gave 3.5 stars to. It would be the size of War and Piece.


This is why we take MC ratings with a grain of salt. Single outliers are too powerful. Didn't Silent Shout get a 71 on MC?

I really think the albums by The National, LCD Soundsystem, and Janelle Monae all have a good shot at my all time top 100 by the end of the year.


I've seen albums with a +70 metascore being regarded as the best of the last decade and others as high as 84 being forgotten by many.

This is being such a great year, i'm even scared to see some albums out of the EOYs!

Re: Albums of 2010



August!

Re: Albums of 2010

This is turning out to be an incredible year so far. My two favorite 2010 albums so far are John Green's Queen of Denmark, which quite unexpectedly knocked me for a loop (and made me go back to The Trials of Van Occupanther and realize I'd sold that album very short), and The ArchAndroid, which - depending on how good the Arcade Fire album is - could very well end up being the album of the year. It's utterly brilliant, and for all its density is fully accessible and easy to appreciate on a first listen.

I am looking forward to the May Mega-Critic update with almost the same anticipation as a full site update; I fully expect the National and LCD to enter the chart in the top 5, and deservedly so, but Monae might surprise and join them there as well. (Also, look for Sharon Jones to make a big jump - I'm guessing I Learned the Hard Way hadn't been released in the U.K. before the April update.)

Re: Albums of 2010

Harold Wexler
This is turning out to be an incredible year so far. My two favorite 2010 albums so far are John Green's Queen of Denmark, which quite unexpectedly knocked me for a loop (and made me go back to The Trials of Van Occupanther and realize I'd sold that album very short), and The ArchAndroid, which - depending on how good the Arcade Fire album is - could very well end up being the album of the year. It's utterly brilliant, and for all its density is fully accessible and easy to appreciate on a first listen.

I am looking forward to the May Mega-Critic update with almost the same anticipation as a full site update; I fully expect the National and LCD to enter the chart in the top 5, and deservedly so, but Monae might surprise and join them there as well. (Also, look for Sharon Jones to make a big jump - I'm guessing I Learned the Hard Way hadn't been released in the U.K. before the April update.)


I'm looking at the ArchAndroid review on AMG, and it looks like none of the songwriting is credited to her, unless she's credited under a different name. Edit--nevermind, she's the Robinson.

Re: Albums of 2010

VanillaFire1000


August!


I was told to not judge an album by its cover, but i hope the music its better than that.

Re: Albums of 2010

VanillaFire1000


August!


I've been looking forward to AF's 3rd effort for the past 3 years, and now, only a 68-day wait.

I gotta say... the two songs released thus far -- "The Suburbs" and "Month of May" -- are excellent, and hopefully an accurate indication of what the album will sound like.

Re: Albums of 2010

Anthony


I gotta say... the two songs released thus far -- "The Suburbs" and "Month of May" -- are excellent, and hopefully an accurate indication of what the album will sound like.


I heard "Month of May" on NPR this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Re: Albums of 2010

I just listened to Paul Weller and Sleigh Bells. Both great albums. 2010 is turning into a seriously awesome year. I seriously think by the end of the year my entire top 20 would have made my top 5 last year, and I think there are already three or four albums better than anything since In Rainbows.

Re: Albums of 2010

This year looks like a 2007 revival. Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, The National, M.I.A. and some others. And the good thing is that they all keep consistent. I'm excited about this M.I.A. album to come, since people are saying it's already receiving great reviews. It was hard to imagine she could make something as good as Kala again!

But it will be hard for any of these artists to top The Archandroid. An instant classic, for sure. Moonbeam said it remembers Sign O' the Times, for me it sounds a bit more like The Love Below, but in a much better way. That medley of the first songs is probably my favorite music moment of this year!

My top 5 of the year so far:

1) Janelle Monáe - The Archandroid
2) Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
3) Vampire Weekend - Contra
4) Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté - Ali & Toumani
5) Beach House - Teen Dream

Re: Albums of 2010

Random thought, but I CANNOT wait for the new Walkmen album, whenever it may come out (definitely sometime in the late summer or fall, I'm guessing). In my opinion they are one of the most underrated bands of the decade. Their debut was great, and Bows + Arrows and You & Me are both masterpieces. I anticipate their next one as much as anything else this year.

Re: Albums of 2010

Sean Pak
Random thought, but I CANNOT wait for the new Walkmen album, whenever it may come out (definitely sometime in the late summer or fall, I'm guessing). In my opinion they are one of the most underrated bands of the decade. Their debut was great, and Bows + Arrows and You & Me are both masterpieces. I anticipate their next one as much as anything else this year.


Nice thought! And pitchfork reported that the new belle and sebastian is in its final stages! so 2010 won't calm down anytime soon!

Re: Albums of 2010

A lot of real gems so far and I gotta agree: May 2010 could go down as one of the best months in history for new records. Seriously.

Two albums I'm really digging right now stand as anomalies against some of the great records of the year (LCD, Crystal Castles, FlyLo, Titus Andronicus etc) which all tip the hour mark; they are bouncy, exuberant, loud, raucous, nuts and capture the essence of youth really quite nicely: the much doted-upon 'Treats' by Sleigh Bells and the eponymous Fang Island record. Both worth checking out. CRANK IT LOUD.

Re: Albums of 2010

Listening to the LCD Soundsystem album right now for the 2nd time. It was a surprise for me, since I had hated their self-titled album back in 2005. Maybe that had happened cause I listened only to a version of horrible sound quality, but anyway, I'd never looked for another thing by them since that. The excess of repetition annoyed me a lot.
Now this one really seems a great album! Drunk Girls, specially, is a perfect track, kind of a more urgent, epic and catchy version of Common People. The album reminds me of Talking Heads most of the time, but there's much of current indie in it also.
Have to check out Sound of Silver...

Re: Albums of 2010

I didn't like LCD Soundsystem's s/t, but Sound of Silver is in my top 50 all time. If you like This Is Happening, definitely check out Sound of Silver.

Re: Albums of 2010

Janelle Monae

I finally got a chance to listen to it. I think it is fairly good. Not perfect like so many have said. I read a few reviews before listening to it and alot of them were trsh talking the collab with OF MONTREAL. I thought it was some kind of an inside joke between publications. I really wasnt expecting it, but that song almost ruins the album. Without it, it would undoubtably be one of the best of the year. That song takes you completely out of the loop, thus destroying alot of what has been built up to that point on the album.

7/10

3 points taken off simply on the stinker

Re: Albums of 2010

Toni
Listening to the LCD Soundsystem album right now for the 2nd time. It was a surprise for me, since I had hated their self-titled album back in 2005. Maybe that had happened cause I listened only to a version of horrible sound quality, but anyway, I'd never looked for another thing by them since that. The excess of repetition annoyed me a lot.
Now this one really seems a great album! Drunk Girls, specially, is a perfect track, kind of a more urgent, epic and catchy version of Common People. The album reminds me of Talking Heads most of the time, but there's much of current indie in it also.
Have to check out Sound of Silver...


I did not like self-titled album either at first, but gave it another chance after Sound of Silver and I would say that it is a rawer album, much more of a grower, with less immediate songs, but it is now firmly installed in my top 100 all time, despite 1 or 2 dispensable songs. And it is even better if you take it with the bonus CD regrouping previously released tracks like Yeah, Give it Up or Losing my Edge.

Re: Albums of 2010

Don't forget LCD Soundsystem's 45:33. I still listen to that one as much as Sound of Silver.

Re: Albums of 2010

I'm going to listen to the new Ariel Pink for the first time right now. It has received great reviews and i'm more curious about the guy now cause i just read at Pitchfork that he is going to record some vocals to the new (long awaited) Avalanches album. Now.. if the avalanches release this album this year, 2010 will be without a shadow of a doubt the year to beat, this new decade! It's being amazing and it only gets better! I also can't wait to the new M.I.A. album, i'm so desperate to hear something by that girl that i'm even digging her collaboration with Christina Aguilera: Elastic Love, the only worthy track of Bionic, since this album sucked big time, completely dated for someone who claimed to bring something futuristic and had such collaborators as Goldfrapp, Ladytron, Le Tigre, Peaches and Santigold.

And there's the Best Coast debut album coming in July, haven't heard a lot about them, but people usually compare the vocalist to Liz Phair (i'm a huge fan of hers, the 90's era!).

Re: Albums of 2010

The new Ariel Pink is excellent.

That's what makes this year so great. It's not just that the anticipated acts are (for the most part) meeting or exceeding expectations (Vampire Weekend, Erykah Badu, The National, LCD Soundsystem...) but that a lot of good stuff is coming from left field as well (Ariel Pink, John Grant, Sleigh Bells, Avi Buffalo...). And then you have the previously impressive-but-nothing-special artists who have broken out this year (Flying Lotus, Beach House, Titus Andronicus, Janelle Monae...).

Re: Albums of 2010

Ariel Pink and his Haunted Graffiti band have given me my #2 record of the year. I don't see how anyone could not like that album. It's such an ecletic blend of pop styles, yet it remains in the "not pop" category.

Re: Albums of 2010

Sean Pak
The new Ariel Pink is excellent.

That's what makes this year so great. It's not just that the anticipated acts are (for the most part) meeting or exceeding expectations (Vampire Weekend, Erykah Badu, The National, LCD Soundsystem...) but that a lot of good stuff is coming from left field as well (Ariel Pink, John Grant, Sleigh Bells, Avi Buffalo...). And then you have the previously impressive-but-nothing-special artists who have broken out this year (Flying Lotus, Beach House, Titus Andronicus, Janelle Monae...).


I second this thought! And i add Joanna Newsom to the people who exceeded my expectations! And even the "smaller" releases that didn't get as much attention like Dum Dum Girls, Fang Island, Anais Mitchell are more than just fine

Re: Albums of 2010

I've heard nice things about Hjaltalin's Terminal. I'll check this one out.

Re: Albums of 2010

Ed O'Brien said that the new Radiohead album is in "the finishing line."

from Pitchfork

"Talking about a timetable for the release, O'Brien offered the following: "Ideally, it would be great if it came out sometime this year. It has got to; I hope so. We're at the finishing line. When you're making a record, a film, write a book for ages and ages you think the finishing line is miles away. Now it feels it's in touching distance. But of course, it being a creative process, at the last bit also, you have bursts of energy, you achieve a lot of things in a small period of time and then you're nearly there. It might slow down. But yeah, hopefully it will be a matter of weeks.""

if this happens... damn what a year!

Re: Albums of 2010

This year is certainly going to be better than any year for the last decade. No album so far hasn't lived to it's hype, while some new acts are coming to the fore and showing us how it's done. With only half the year gone I think we can say this is a golden year, but how golden? Better than 1997? Better than 1995? Dare we say better than 1991? If someone put every album of 2010 in one pile and every album of 1991 in another, I'd pick 2010 in an instant.

Re: Albums of 2010

SR
Ariel Pink and his Haunted Graffiti band have given me my #2 record of the year. I don't see how anyone could not like that album. It's such an ecletic blend of pop styles, yet it remains in the "not pop" category.[/quote
Ariel Pink is HUGE in LA probably because he used to play free gigs every week. Reminds me of Lilys and Bryan Jonestown Massacre.

Re: Albums of 2010

Zorg
This year is certainly going to be better than any year for the last decade. No album so far hasn't lived to it's hype, while some new acts are coming to the fore and showing us how it's done. With only half the year gone I think we can say this is a golden year, but how golden? Better than 1997? Better than 1995? Dare we say better than 1991? If someone put every album of 2010 in one pile and every album of 1991 in another, I'd pick 2010 in an instant.


Not sure if you meant albums that were hyped after they were released/leaked or albums by anticipated acts. In the second group, there have been some disappointments for sure, such as The New Pornographers, Yeasayer, Broken Social Scene, MGMT, Serena-Maneesh, and more. (This is a personal list, but I'm sure most would agree with some.) So it hasn't been a faultless year, but yes, it's been a damn great one, mostly because of the unexpected successes and just enough anticipated acts living up to their past releases.

To underline my point, I bring up two upcoming releases. The new Eminem album: very underwhelming. The new Roots album which I just listened to: incredible.

Re: Albums of 2010

Loving the new Roots album! Amazing colabs! That album is truly "Right On"!

Re: Albums of 2010

Laurie Anderson's album is getting major acclaim too.

Seriously, who *won't* release a really good album this year? Next thing the Rolling Stones and The Who will come out with new classics.

Re: Albums of 2010

BillAdama
Laurie Anderson's album is getting major acclaim too.

Seriously, who *won't* release a really good album this year? Next thing the Rolling Stones and The Who will come out with new classics.


OMG i was just going to talk about Laurie now! People are saying is her best since Big Science! And as good as her opus United States Live. This must mean something, since i'm a fan of latter albums like Strange Angels and Mister Heartbreaker.

2010 will be perfect if Kate Bush announces a new album, same with Fiona Apple. Come on, 5 years already! I'm actually fearing to see some terrific albums out of this year's top 10 albums. It's a lot and it's only half of the year!

Re: Albums of 2010

This new band Perfume Genius has been receiving some pretty great reviews so far for their debut album, Learning. I'll check them out.

Re: Albums of 2010

Bjork and the Dirty Projectors are going to release a collaboration LP: now that's something i can't wait to listen...

Wolf Parade's and Interpol's upcoming albums might be nice albums too... and yesterday i listened to Tame Impala, pretty good stuff.

Re: Albums of 2010

HRS
and yesterday i listened to Tame Impala, pretty good stuff.


I want that but can't find it in the US at a reasonable price.

Re: Albums of 2010

BillAdama
HRS
and yesterday i listened to Tame Impala, pretty good stuff.


I want that but can't find it in the US at a reasonable price.


*psst* it's available in lossless at btjunkie, if you do torrents. Yes, it surprised me too. Sleigh Bells isn't, Ariel Pink's new one isn't, but Tame Impala's Innerspeaker is.

Re: Albums of 2010

Then I could hear it, but I want to own a hard copy of it.

BLK JKS - Zol!

An EP that is an homage to the World Cup. I'm surprised I didn't hear about it until I happened to check the divider for BLK JKS at the store.

One I'm not liking at all is Robyn - Body Talk Part One. She's getting away from the melodic dance pop I liked in her s/t and more toward, I don't know, trying to be Lady Gaga. With a lot of the lyrics it's obvious she's trying to sound hip-hop. And she sounds like a Swedish woman trying to sound hip-hop. It's the first album I've bought this year that I hardly even find listenable.

Re: Albums of 2010

BillAdama

One I'm not liking at all is Robyn - Body Talk Part One. She's getting away from the melodic dance pop I liked in her s/t and more toward, I don't know, trying to be Lady Gaga. With a lot of the lyrics it's obvious she's trying to sound hip-hop. And she sounds like a Swedish woman trying to sound hip-hop. It's the first album I've bought this year that I hardly even find listenable.


I kinda like Robyn's, but it's true: not as great as her last one and maybe she could have waited a little while more to release a more complete, satisfying release. It's not in heavy rotation to me either, but i'd give 3.5 stars. Here's hoping the others keep the level or enhance it.

Re: Albums of 2010

Anyone listened to the new (leaked) M.I.A. album? I wasn't a big fan of either of the previous ones, although I liked Paper Planes, but this one really is wildly uneven. It starts out kind of annoying, then XXXO is quite good, Teqkilla is bad, Lovalot interesting but I don't really see what that Spin reviewer is seeing, and it goes on like that.

Re: Albums of 2010

Every 2010 album I've heard, ranked best to worst. (Not to say the last album is bad, so far every album I've heard I've at least liked.)

1. This Is Happening- LCD Soundsystem
2. The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)- Janelle Monae
3. Teen Dream- Beach House
4. Have One On Me- Joanna Newsom
5. Contra- Vampire Weekend
6. Plastic Beach- Gorillaz
7. High Violet- The National
8. Treats- Sleigh Bells
9. There Is Love in You- Four Tet
10. Cosmogramma- Flying Lotus
11. Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty- Big Boi
12. Congratulations- MGMT
13. Transference-Spoon
14. Blackjazz- Shining
15. Wu- Massacre- Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon
16. One Life Stand- Hot Chip
17. Broken Bells- Broken Bells
18. I’m New Here- Gil Scott-Heron

Re: Albums of 2010

Stephan
Anyone listened to the new (leaked) M.I.A. album? I wasn't a big fan of either of the previous ones, although I liked Paper Planes, but this one really is wildly uneven. It starts out kind of annoying, then XXXO is quite good, Teqkilla is bad, Lovalot interesting but I don't really see what that Spin reviewer is seeing, and it goes on like that.


A friend of mine listened to it and he called an "over-ambitious all over the place pretentious mess". He said she lost some of her character. It's no Kala or Arular and didn't deserve the reviews it has received so far. I'm yet to listen, so i hope it isn't that bad since i really like her, but Spin also gave her last album 4.5 stars so i'm thinking: Is it really on pair with Kala, one of last decade's terrific albums? I need to listen!

Re: Albums of 2010

I'm listening to the new Liz phair album. "Funstyle". Well it sounds like a big Fuck You album. She really didn't care about anything when she recorded that. I really don't know what to say... it's not a return to form, it's a mess, it's all over the place, it's an experiment, she must be mocking someone or some people. People are saying she is abusing of irony in this record, and it does sound like that, but it's no Girlysound... it's an interesting mess, i hope she's not being fucking serious then it will be another kind of mess. It's sad cause everyday a girl comes out doing something that liz phair did and even receiving raves sometimes (Whip-Smart is so underrated). I love Best Coast and i swear all i can think about is Liz and Kim Deal when i hear that girl. There was no better time for Liz to come back than now , doing some lo-fi, noisy-rock or noise pop kinda stuff, not this messy-easy-to-be-overlooked all over the place failed experiment. This is a big irony or just the end of Liz Phair (yeah she has beaten her self-titled). I hope she at least come out of the ashes stronger... or maybe i should give up...

Re: Albums of 2010

Konono no 1's new album is really good. A mix of electronica and african beats.

The bad reviews for M.I.A. seem to be from the more mainstream oriented sources like Entertainment Weekly. I'm glad she released an album that alienates all the people who only liked her when Paper Planes broke through to mainstream. It's like, 'We found her first!'

But with those divisive reviews I may have to change my Megacritic guess. Although I'm unsure whether rap gets good reviews from Europe.

Re: Albums of 2010

HRS
I'm listening to the new Liz phair album. "Funstyle". Well it sounds like a big Fuck You album. She really didn't care about anything when she recorded that. I really don't know what to say... it's not a return to form, it's a mess, it's all over the place, it's an experiment, she must be mocking someone or some people. People are saying she is abusing of irony in this record, and it does sound like that, but it's no Girlysound... it's an interesting mess, i hope she's not being fucking serious then it will be another kind of mess. It's sad cause everyday a girl comes out doing something that liz phair did and even receiving raves sometimes (Whip-Smart is so underrated). I love Best Coast and i swear all i can think about is Liz and Kim Deal when i hear that girl. There was no better time for Liz to come back than now , doing some lo-fi, noisy-rock or noise pop kinda stuff, not this messy-easy-to-be-overlooked all over the place failed experiment. This is a big irony or just the end of Liz Phair (yeah she has beaten her self-titled). I hope she at least come out of the ashes stronger... or maybe i should give up...


Good for Liz standing up for herself. I don't know what these critics want from her. She made two great records after Guyville, Whitechocolatespaceegg being my fave. Critics for some reason hated both those records and she went pop probably because she couldn't please anyone unless she made Exile in Guyville Part 2. I liked s/t Metallica sold out. Liz just polished her sound a little. You can't tell me you'd rather hear all these generic manufactured auto tune pop "artists" of today over a more glammed up Liz. Once you start making money it makes no sense to keep going lofi. Everyone knows you have the money to buy better equipment.

Re: Albums of 2010

Tim E
HRS
I'm listening to the new Liz phair album. "Funstyle". Well it sounds like a big Fuck You album. She really didn't care about anything when she recorded that. I really don't know what to say... it's not a return to form, it's a mess, it's all over the place, it's an experiment, she must be mocking someone or some people. People are saying she is abusing of irony in this record, and it does sound like that, but it's no Girlysound... it's an interesting mess, i hope she's not being fucking serious then it will be another kind of mess. It's sad cause everyday a girl comes out doing something that liz phair did and even receiving raves sometimes (Whip-Smart is so underrated). I love Best Coast and i swear all i can think about is Liz and Kim Deal when i hear that girl. There was no better time for Liz to come back than now , doing some lo-fi, noisy-rock or noise pop kinda stuff, not this messy-easy-to-be-overlooked all over the place failed experiment. This is a big irony or just the end of Liz Phair (yeah she has beaten her self-titled). I hope she at least come out of the ashes stronger... or maybe i should give up...


Good for Liz standing up for herself. I don't know what these critics want from her. She made two great records after Guyville, Whitechocolatespaceegg being my fave. Critics for some reason hated both those records and she went pop probably because she couldn't please anyone unless she made Exile in Guyville Part 2. I liked s/t Metallica sold out. Liz just polished her sound a little. You can't tell me you'd rather hear all these generic manufactured auto tune pop "artists" of today over a more glammed up Liz. Once you start making money it makes no sense to keep going lofi. Everyone knows you have the money to buy better equipment.


I agree that whitechoclatespaceegg and Whip-Smart are underrated. I just love those records and deserved a better reception, especially "Whip-Smart". I didn't hate her self-titled, although i really disliked its follow up, but i must say that after re-releasing guyville and signing to ATO and saying that she felt creative like never before, i thought she was going sorta like back to basics, which is not only "Guyville" but "Whip-Smart" and "whitechocalespaceegg" too. This album is creative (specially after listening for a third time) and she does experiment with stuff i thought she didn't care after album number 4, but she does care and she does has this quirky sound sonically never shown on record. I guess i just wanted to Liz to do some guitar and voice more like the "Girlysound" tapes, it fits her so much better , but i must say that the chick has always been herself. She never cared about anything, she didn't make a top 40 album for money or "commercialized" her sound because she had to put food on the table but because she wanted to do and it was far and way better than Avril Lavigne, it was an unexpected move that got people talking and people did overreacted, she is very faithful to herself and this album is a proof of that. It is an interesting album, that i can't say if it's genius or mess, i bet if it was Laurie Anderson making that (and she does sometimes) there would be people raving it. So this is stuff that you gotta listen and make your opinion, i think it is something she can build on it (she uses irony on this record like she never did since the early-90's). Like Ann Powers it is very easy to overlook, but just don't do this.

Re: Albums of 2010

Listened to 4 Arcade Fire tracks today -

The Suburbs
Month Of May
We Used To Wait
Ready To Start

I don't like any of them. I fear that AF are becoming a bit "poppy".

Re: Albums of 2010

Wow, maybe Ann Powers is right... maybe Liz phair has always been a genius and no one notice. After listening to the album for a fourth time and reading some stuff about it i found out what each song means. She's mocking everything about music: the each day more homogenous female Singer/Songwriter genre, M.I.A., music critics, major labels, her fans, vampire mania... now things not only makes more sense, but also even more interesting. Funstyle is not the album of the year, but it's fun, full of ironies and it's the most pleasant liz phair album since 1998, even if it is all a joke and a waste of time. She's following her muse and having fun indeed. At first i felt like: mess, but i saw between the lines and i must say that is some stuff i saw at liz delivery i hadn't seen since the good ol' Girlysound days. I'm now laughing with Phair, cause you know... i'm not a huge fan of the new MIA either and she mocked her with "Bollywood"

Re: Albums of 2010

By the third listening i found myself really liking the new Perfume Genius... short and great.

Re: Albums of 2010

I just bought Big Boi's Sir Lucious today. I've listened to it about 5 straight times now. I just had to come here to say how excellent it is. After a slow June, the year is back on track.

Re: Albums of 2010

Sean Pak
I just bought Big Boi's Sir Lucious today. I've listened to it about 5 straight times now. I just had to come here to say how excellent it is. After a slow June, the year is back on track.


I second this feeling! And i also would like to add that Janelle is receiving positive reviews from the Europeans, The Guardian just gave 5 stars to the album. Aside this R&B wave, i'd like to ask: why Metacritic is pointing that new Panda Bear album is coming next week? Is it true? Or they just messed up with the first single official release date (that i knew it was coming out sometime in July)? And July is being a promise month, the new M.I.A. is slowly growing on me, but i still feel that it was a let down compared to Kala or Arular (maybe even the Piracy mixtape). Getting ready for Best Coast, i wish i was her boyfriend though.

Re: Albums of 2010

A Panda Bear limited edition vinyl single is coming out next week. Not a new Panda Bear album.

I've only heard the new Big Boi once, but I agree it's awesome. Maybe the best rap album since Speakerboxx/Love Below.

Re: Albums of 2010

HRS
Sean Pak
I just bought Big Boi's Sir Lucious today. I've listened to it about 5 straight times now. I just had to come here to say how excellent it is. After a slow June, the year is back on track.


I second this feeling! And i also would like to add that Janelle is receiving positive reviews from the Europeans,


Mojo only gave it 2 stars. I've only listened to it once so far, so I'm not in a position to add my two cents just yet.

Re: Albums of 2010

Sean Pak
I just bought Big Boi's Sir Lucious today. I've listened to it about 5 straight times now. I just had to come here to say how excellent it is. After a slow June, the year is back on track.


Just when I thought rap was on an irreversible downhill slope, Big Boi arrives to save the day. The 2000s started of brilliantly for hip hop, with excellent albums from OutKast, Eminem, Ghostface Killah, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott and Kanye West, to name a few. But from the middle of the decade onwards the standard kinda dropped. Until now. Rappers themselves often talk about the genius of Jay-Z and how he is the greatest rapper alive. But recently no rapper has come up with something as innovative, exciting and addictive as Big Boi's Sir Lucious Left Foot.

PS: This year I've also really liked the albums by Janelle Monae, The National, Joanna Newsom, Gorillaz, Beach House and Four Tet. It's been a great year for music and I already look forward to seeing who's going to end up at the top of the year-end lists.

Re: Albums of 2010

Just finished listening to Best Coast's debut album "Crazy For You" (it leaked). It doesn't disappoint, it's currently climbing steadily my top 10 of this year. It's not a masterpiece, is kinda like Girls last year: great pop songs that eventually ended up in the same album. It is a terrific album. Her voice is full of personality and easily takes you to the mid-90's circa The Breeders, Liz Phair and even Hole in some parts. The production is noisy, though very clean in comparison to let's say wavves. She has this great ear for a melody and a hook. It is an album very easy to overlook: noise pop songs with such direct lyrics, but don't dismiss it. Debut albums fully formed like this one only come, especially for females, is rare. It is no "Exile in Guyville" or "Last Splash" or "Live Through This", just a great bunch of californian noise pop tracks and it's amazing how it sounded fresh to me. If you like Girls, the more accessible tracks of Deerhunter's Microcastle, this year's Dum Dum Girls and noise pop/rock in general there's a huge chance you will like them.

Here's lead single and opening track "Boyfriend" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA0GWb3XzF8), believe me, there's much more after this: "Goodbye", "The End", "Summer Mood" and "When I'm With You". Some easy listening music doesn't hurt and honestly even non-album tracks like "Sun was High (So was I)" released last year proved to be as worthy. So here is where Best Coast's promise finally fulfill after so many promising EPs and in a year marked by so many great releases and a good, but slow, June-July period, they'll certainly find their place among other bands inside some EOYs.

Re: Albums of 2010

I listened to Best Coast for the first time yesterday having never heard anything of theirs. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Bricks of gold.

Very apt comparison w/Girls - gorgeous little nuggets of mid-fi alt-pop. As 2010 an album as you could get. I see it slotting alongside Wavves' rather excellent (no seriously, he's cleaned up production and thrown a load of amazing Blink 182-esque tracks into the mix) 'King Of The Beach' as one for summer.

Big Boi's album: HOLLLLLLLYYYYY CRAP. It further cements BB/Andre as an act that will be revered in the highest light as long as musical analysis lives on. There's barely a weak track on there - I've picked out less in the way of lyrics that make me grin ear to ear (there were heaps in Speakerboxxx) but that's because the album as a whole seems more hyperactive, propulsive and hook-laden. Stirring stuff. I'm picking up the Janelle album this week, wanted to wait to buy it physically (pretty rare occurrence for me nowadays) but I don't want Big Boi to get eclipsed!

New M.I.A: did not like at all.

The Active Child EP is superb - wistful, melancholic but uplifting 80s indebted mix of gloom and pop; ceo's White Magic is joyous, breezy and a solid 8/10. Suckers' 'Wild Smile' on first listen sounded pretty great as well.

2010 for me has been a year of endless discovery, a veritable landslide of records I enjoy, appreciate and can get into; however the 'know every word, total band devotion' thing I did with Maxïmo Park/Kaiser Chiefs/Futureheads/Muse/Franz Ferdinand/Kanye West when I was five or six years younger...that's not happening quite as much. Probably as I'm trying my hand at a wider array of music now, much of it challenging and intricate.

Re: Albums of 2010

I agree with a lot of the things you said Ddiamondd. And i need to listen to thew Wavves album! If they have cleaned up their sound, it's just another damn fine reason for me to listen to!

And still there's Arcade Fire in August and Deerhunter and Antony coming back in September. Wow there's a lot of great albums already, but keep they coming!

Re: Albums of 2010

Baths - Cerulean. Just heard it over the weekend, and really liked it, even though I am not a big fan of glitch/chillwave. I've heard alot of people call it Flying Lotus with Passion Pit vocals.



Maybe I like it so much because I have a pretty funny story about the artist. Baths, the guy, goes to another forum that I visit. He personally uploaded his first album (which was only available as an Asian import) there. But when he went to post this album up there, he found out that a low quality version of it had already leaked there!

Re: Albums of 2010

Now that I've heard MAYA, I like it. It's no Kala, and it is a bit uneven, but I think all the reviews slamming it are unfair. They're a combination of hype backlash, annoyance at her public behavior, and general outrage that she's not giving them exactly what they wanted. It's not one of the best albums of the year, but it is a good album.

Re: Albums of 2010

MAYA = YAWN

and you can get all funky with the slashes if you want, the album sucks, extremely disappointed

1 2 3