Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2010

I decided to do my first post on my top 10 favorite albums of 2010. I wanted to get this out before it got too far into the new year. It’s just a simple list of the albums I enjoyed over the past year. I would really enjoy hearing what some of your favorite albums were.

So here they are starting with 10…

10. Mines, by Menomena

    This is the 4th record from the Band Menomena. I only recently came across this band and was glad that I did. Driving vocals, beautiful electron guitar melodies all mixed with strings and brass. All members contribute on vocals, this gives the band a very full and haunting sound.

    Have a listen to “Five Little Rooms” to get a good idea of what this Portland, Oregon operation is all about.

9. Brothers, by The Black Keys

   The Black Keys are back with what they do best, hard hitting blues rock. This band has put out great music in the past, and continues to do so now.

   If you have not seen the video for “Tighten Up” I suggest you do. It’s a clever video that gets a little out of control by the end.

8. Sigh No More, by Mumford & Sons

   Sigh No More is Mumford & Sons debut album. They have an authentic sound that delivers on every track. What they lack in drums they make up for in acoustic guitars and banjo playing. This album is solid front to back and song to song. Each track offers up something a little different but continues to get catchier as the tracks progress.

   This powerful live recording of “I Gave You All” should give you a good idea of what these 4 lads are all about.

7. Lisbon, by The Walkmen

   Some how The Walkmen where able to complete Lisbon in just a 5 day period. It’s not their most upbeat album, but from an indie band that’s been together this long it’s a refreshing change. Though a majority of the tracks are relaxed, there are definitely moments where the album picks up. This video of “Angle Surf City” Live at Governor’s Island, is a great example of one of those moments. It’s also a great live recording by Big Ass Lens.

6. Les Chemins de Verre, by Karkwa

   Karkwa took home the $20,000 Polaris Music Prize for album of the year. All of the vocal work on this album is in French as the band is based out of Montreal, Quebec. Even though all the lyrics are French it did not seem to bother me. Their sound is reminiscent of some of Fleet Foxes work from back in 2008. I recommend taking a go at the video below, this song is really quite beautiful.

5. Contra, by Vampire Weekend

   Oh Vampire Weekend. This album was one of the most anticipated of 2010. It is the follow up to their highly acclaimed self titled effort of a couple of years ago. This time around it’s tighter and more mature but with that same charm the first had. Mixing elements of ska, reggae, and synthpop all the way to speed rap and rave music. It’s a diverse range that manages to stay within the universe that Vampire Weekend have created for themselves. GO FUTURA!

   Have a listen to “California English” to get a taste of what Vampire Weekend has to offer on their latest.

4. The Soft Pack, by The Soft Pack

   I have not been able to get enough of this album. Its catchy as hell and feels like its over before you even drop the needle. They single handedly kept garage rock alive in 2010. Their classic 60’s surf punk sound was a welcome one in a year filled with electronic indie pop. Check the guys out on Letterman performing “Answer to Yourself”.

3. LP4, by Ratatat

   The new Ratatat album, “LP4”, a continuation of 2008’s “LP3”. Even though , most of it was re-recorded at the same time I felt that this record out did “LP3”. Though their sound has not changed much over the years the use of strings and unusual percussion is a welcome addition.

   I would say it’s their best effort since “Classics”. Check out this track,”Drugs“.

2. The Age of Adz, by Sufjan Stevens

   It has been 5 years since “Illinois” was released so “The Age of Adz” is just what the doctor ordered. This album shows that Sufjan has evolved from his banjo folkways and has created an epic story all revolving around space and love, how can you go wrong really.

   I think the only way to understand what I mean is to watch this video of Sufjan performing “Too Much” on Jimmy Fallon. Or have a listen to the entire album via Bandcamp.

1. The Suburbs, by Arcade Fire

   No surprise here, of course my number one album pic is Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs”. This album is popping up on everyone’s number one spot for the year. They have been nominated for 3 Grammys, one of which includes album of the year, and will be performing at the Grammys. Not bad for a band that has continued to do it there own way and make music for the love of making music.

   Check out this cool HTML5 Google Chrome experiment that they did for the song “We Used To Wait“.

Thanks for taking a look at my list. Do you agree or disagree with any of my pics? What are your top 10 favorite albums of 2010? Let me know in the comments area below.