It's that time of year when I spend WAY too much time choosing my favorite albums of the past year. This past year there were some really strong releases. Some made my list, others did not. Albums by bands such as The National, Arcade Fire, LCD Sound System, Yeahsayer, and Gorillaz were quite ambitious and gained a lot of attention, but I just could not get 100% behind them. What came as a surprise to me was that a few of the albums that I chose for my list are fairly recent arrivals for me...which means that I am running on a bit of a gut reaction. Having said this, each one of these albums really does stand on its own as something very special.
Broken Bells, Broken Bells
When I first hear that Brian Burton a/k/a Danger Mouse and James Mercer (The Shins) were teaming up I thought 'well there's an odd pairing.' Turns out the pairing is perfect. The depth of Burton and Mercer's musical knowledge and abilities complement one another so well and are prominently on display on their debut album. The songs that work well here are fantastic. Unfortunately, a few of the songs fall a bit flat and so the album did not make my final cut.
Villagers, Becoming A Jackel
Connor O'Brian is an Irish folk-pop singer/songwriter who performs under the name Villagers. On his debut album O'Brian has crafted some great songs. Beyond the strong song writing, I have to say that I just love his voice. He sings with such clarity. When you listen to him you feel like he is really thinking about each note and word and the meaning behind them. Like with Broken Bells, a few songs did not hold my attention. Having said this, there are a few songs here that are among the most memorable of the year for me.
Eels, End Time
The release of an Eels album is always an event for me. Mark Everett can do no wrong in my book. Having said this, I approach each album with as much objectivity as possible. With End Times, Everett takes things down a few notches from his last album Hombre Lobo, as he takes the listener into his post love of his life break-up head. Everett's writing is open, honest, heartbreaking, and humorous.
The Radio Dept., Clinging To A Scheme On Clinging To A Scheme, The Radio Dept. (from Lund, Sweden) continues to play with rich, textured sounds that fill whatever space they occupy. The band, the songs, and the album are in no particular rush to get from one place to another, so no one particular track really stands out from another. Both of these aspects of the album are just fine by me. It is a great listen on a cold and rainy day...or any other day really.
Deerhunter, Halcyon Digest
I'm always a bit skeptical when music critics seem to fall over one another to pour praise on album. It feels like folks jump on a ban wagon out of fear of being looked at the wrong way if they don't. This was the reason that I ignored Halcyon Digest for so long. So imagine my surprise when I took it for a spin and instantly knew that this album would make my top picks list for the year. Deerhunter's latest album is full of cool layers and textures of sound with vocals that are both contemporary sounding and a throw back to Britain in the 60's. The more I listened, the more I was drawn in to it.
The Tallest Man On Earth, The Wild Hunt
Kristian Mattson, who records under the name The Tallest Man On Earth, is a special artist. As I wrote last month, his unfiltered voice, guitar, and story telling just feels so unique and original in today's music environment where everything feels pulled, pushed, and processed. I was absolutely captivated by The Wild Hunt. His writing and story telling here is just beautiful as he explores his spirituality and the world around him.
Mumford & Sons, Sign No More
As much as I enjoyed this album, I knew that it was a true winner when my 10 year old son started requesting me to play it. Signs No More is a mash up of a British bluegrass type sound, country, folk, and a strong right elbow thrown in every once in a while for good measure. I am really encouraged that Mumford & Sons have found a wide ranging audience that has helped propel this album to the top of many music charts both in the States and in England. It is nice to hear some real diversity on the radio.
Cee Lo Green, The Lady Killer
The Lady Killer is currently my guilty pleasure. Everything about this album grabs the listener: the rhythms, beats, vocals, and lyrics..oh the lyrics....This is not a family friendly sing-a-long kind of an album...but you will be singing along. Green belts out these songs with such zeal and gusto. Honestly F*ck You (makes me cringe a bit to write this) may be my favorite song of the year. Do yourself a favor. Pick up this album, kick your kids out of the living room or car and crank this one up a few notches.
Janelle Monáe, Archandroid
I will admit that I did not think that I would like this album let alone love it. I knew nothing about Monáe going into my first listen. I knew nothing about the alter ego she created, Cindi Mayweather, a messiah figure to a community of androids, that this album chronicles. And I did not know that mixing R&P, Hip-Hop, Soul, rock, and orchestral suites could be so successful and satisfying. Every song on this album surprised me and picking one stand out from the 18 proved impossible to do.
Surfer Blood, Astro Coast
I am a sucker for music with playful guitars. I still look fondly on Built To Spill's Keep It Like A Secret for this very reason. Add catchy melodies and poppy choruses (Think Fountains of Wayne or Weezer), and I am sold. Unfortunately, bringing all of these elements together in one song, let alone 10, is hard to do well. Surfer Blood has accomplished this with Astro Coast. This album is thoroughly fun, fresh, and enjoyable.
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