I was wondering around a record store with a friend last December when I spotted an album that I had been listening to an awful lot. “This,” I said to her, “is one of my top albums of the year.” I paused. “Well, it didn’t come out this year; I’ve just really gotten into it…It’s one of my personal top albums of 2010.” I then started thinking of what others I should include on such a list. It wasn’t until a recent lunchtime conversation that I decided to share my thoughts. Only one of these albums came out during 2010, but each one had some sort of effect on me. Anyone who knows my feelings on music knows my “albums as albums” philosophy and that I like to truly bond with a record. So, here are a few that were dear to me during 2010.
NOTE: this music isn't necessarily all similar. In fact, it's all a bit different. I didn't purposely list albums that were varied; I did purposely only choose the ones that really stood out to me. Each of these listed holds a certain purpose and corresponds with a different mood, feeling, or activity. It only makes sense that each is unlike the others; if any were redundant, I wouldn't find them as meaningful. I enjoyed an awful lot of music last year, but these are the albums that I bonded with, became close to, and relied upon.
Merriweather Post Pavillion - Animal Collective (2009)
I can’t get enough of this album. I get lost in its countless layers of sound and constantly changing rhythms. It’s something I can study to or dance to – a statement that can’t be said about too many albums. “My Girls” was the single, but I also suggest “Lion in a Coma,” and not just because I love puns.
Nashville Skyline – Bob Dylan (1969)
This isn’t the breathy, “Just Like a Woman” Bob Dylan, this is the crooney “Lay Lady Lay” Bob Dylan. I can put on this album, completely lose track of time, and be surprised when it’s over; it flows beautifully. To me, it’s about setting aside daily troubles and lost loves to enjoy spending time with someone you care about. No wonder it’s called Nashville Skyline.
Not Even In July – JBM (2010)
I saw JBM open for Rogue Wave in April. This one man show captivated me; his voice and guitar enveloped me. His soft, acoustic guitar sets the stage for beautifully poetic lyrics. Top tracks include “Cleo’s Song” and “Going Back Home.”
Badmotofinger (1991)/Superunknown (1994) – Soundgarden
I got really into Soundgarden this year (before the Lolla reunion, for whatever that’s worth). A coworker several years ago tried to get me more familiar with them, but the timing wasn’t right and it just didn’t stick. I couldn’t decide between which album was more influential to me this year. Superunknown is more radio friendly, and “The Day I Tried to Live” is still one of my favorite songs of theirs. But Badmotofinger is filled with raw power and angst that just can’t be beat. Whatever you do, don’t stare at them in your Jesus Christ Pose.
Thickfreakness – Black Keys (2003)
I know, I know, everyone else is talking about Brothers. But go listen to their older stuff, like Thickfreakness. It got more edge, less ballad, and great tracks like “Set You Free” and “Have Love Will Travel.”
Honorable Mention:
Baby Darling Dollface Honey – Band of Skulls (2009)
This isn’t as hardcore as the name suggests, but it’s not lacking in power. It opens on a single note that sets the garage rock backdrop for the album. You may already know “Light of the Morning” from a Mustang commercial, and I also recommend “Death by Diamonds and Pearls” and “Fires.”
One more thing: I would like to state publicly that I believe the song of the year for 2010 was “Unknown Brother” by the Black Keys. And I mean it.
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