Albums of the Year

I sometimes wonder how one individual could choose 30 albums of the year. I listen to music for as much as possible each and every day, but I can never find the time to soak in everything that requires a look at. I guess liking a wide amount of music has it's pitfalls. One day I'm searching through the latest 12" releases at Piccadilly and Boomkat or consulting lists on Juno and the next I'm reading reviews of the latest alternative/indie releases on Drowned in Sound. It certainly can become overwhelming. This doesn't even give a mention to all the music of the past to discover (which seems to be more with each passing year, often with the reaction of "how the hell did i miss this!"); and of course enjoying the music you already known. With the internet making music more and more disposable, albums can easily be ignored. Tracks can now be downloaded by themselves and any 'filler' tracks can be discarded. Listening to an album nowadays is now a matter of discipline or an old habit. 'Shuffle' certainly messes with the concept of the album; but the strength of the music in my opinion will always overpower this when the quality is there and make you listen to the album how it was intended. I may have criticised albums of the year lists and the motives behind them on a recent post, but the simple reason I have decided to do lists such as these is to share music others may not be aware of, and hope for recommendations from others. Anyway, enough chit chat.
So here I give you my top ten albums of 2010.

10. The Drums-The Drums (buy)

They may have split critics and fans of their original EP 'Summer', but the Drums self-titled release is full of enough pop hooks, harmonies and tales of woe to be judged as a success. The upbeat/downbeat music/lyrics create an engaging listen however the simplicity and sincerity of it all may be questioned. But its great pop music, so who cares?

The Drums-Me and the Moon

9. Women-Public Strain (buy)

Whilst Women's debut self titled album was a heady mish mash of melody, catchy riffs, and noise; Public Strain aims for a more coherent structure and with greater continuity. The songs may appear slightly bleak (even those Beach Boys-esque vocals can't lift the mood);  however this a display of a band developing their sound and trying new things. The record may not have the instant satisfaction of their 1st record, but overall it is a much stronger full length, one which will be appeciated more with each listen.

Women-China Steps

8. Mark E-Works 2005-2009 Selected Tracks & Edits (Vol 1. & Vol 2) (buy)

I know it's not a new album, but seeing that I haven't a compilation list I have had to include Works by Mark E because it is that good. I was pretty late to cotton on to the edit king from Birmingham. How foolish I was. This compilation includes the classics (apparently they are) of 'RnB Drunkie', 'You' and 'One Way Your Way' over the two volumes. To top it all off, he's djing as part of the End of Year Riot! hosted by The Unabombers on 27th December at Legends. It's a fantastic lineup and well worth dancing off all that xmas indulgence for more ... indulgence.

Mark E-RnB Drunkie

7. Caribou-Swim (buy)

A late change. There was plently of records I needed to give a go and this was one of them. I guess end of year lists can be good in some ways that it gives the reader a chance to explore recommended music (if you ignore all the shite that goes along with it etc.). 'Swim' is certainly one I shouldn't have waited this long to listen to and now it's high up (and rightly so) in many leading media outlets for albums of the year. Beautiful electronica music that's both uplifting and reflective in perspective. Get your hands on it.

Caribou-Leave House


6.  The Fall- Your Future, Our Clutter (buy)

A return to form? I really hate this term (even though I'm sure I've used it in the past). It seems a lazy way of explaining that you like this release, but didn't even bother listening to much of an artists recent prior releases. Your Future, Our Clutter is not a return to form but a ode to stability. The band now has had the same lineup for over 3 years and it shows. The tightness of the music is a perfect foil for Mark E Smith's rants about youth and his time holed up in a hospital. A great rock record, the old man ain't going out quietly.

The Fall-Y.O.F.C. Showcase

5. Retribution Gospel Choir-2 (buy)

The majority of Alan Sparhawk's career has been a quiet one. For over 15 years, he and his wife Mimi Parker have pleasured our ears with the subtle, slow and beautiful sounds of Low. They have 'rocked out' a couple of times, most notably on their 2005 release The Great Destroyer. With his side project, Retribution Gospel Choir he really does put the foot down. It's rock n'roll reminscent of the best of Neil Young and they wear their influences proudly on their sleeves, most pefectly captured in the 43 second track '68 Comeback'. New Low record next year too.

Retribution Gospel Choir-White Wolf

4. Wild Nothing-Gemini (buy)

Last year, the revialist sounds of early 90s alternative rock was filling the airwaves (Cymbals Eat Guitars, Japandroids, Surfer Blood). However there was also a nod to the jangly pop sounds of the Smiths and My Bloody Valentine with the added element of shoegaze (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart). So it was no real surprise, when Wild Nothing burst onto the scene this spring with their excellent full length Gemini. Composed single handedly by Jack Tatum, this was bedroom music of the highest quaility. Infectious dreamy pop with an ode to the dreary (On 'Pessimist' he groans "Boys dont cry, they just want to die"). However, the album is upbeat pop about young love and those long hazy summer days.

Wild Nothing-Live in Dreams

3. iLIKETRAINS-He Who Saw The Deep (buy)

Iits been a long time coming but it's a welcome return from I Like Trains. After releasing the epic slow burner 'Sea of Regrets' in late 2009, the band accepted that their next album would have be self-funded. Using the website pledge.com they were able to raise enough funds by their excited fans to do the album justice. What we are left with is a quality collection of songs, once again reflective in their mood and a full of yearning to re-write the wrongs of the past. The Leeds quintet were rightly praised after this release and a tour in February is already filling me with excitement. Shame I'll have to get over to Liverpool to catch them.

iLIKETRAINS-A Father's Son

2. The Walkmen-Lisbon (buy)

Lisbon was probably the most excited I was for a album release in 2010 (I ordered it on vinyl from the States). This was on the back of a strorming set at All Tomorrow's Parties back in May and the rediscovery of You and Me, arguably THE album of 2008. While it would have nigh on impossible to match the epic beauty of their previous release, this is still a strong album and a close second for my album of the year. It ranges from the immediacy of 'Angela Surf City' to the reflective beautiful 'While I Shovel The Snow'. Stunning.

The Walkmen-Juveniles

1. The National-High Violet (buy)

The National have this year gained the widespread acclaim and exposure they have always deserved. With each album, they just get better. Words don't do it justice. If you haven't heard it yet, get on it. This is an essential purchase. The album has now been re-released with a bonus disc. Everyone should have this in their Christmas stocking this season.

The National-Sorrow

Other notable releases: -

Onra-Long Distance
LCD Soundsystem-This Is Happening
No Age-Everything In Between
Four Tet-There Is Love In You
Surfer Blood-Astrocoast
Broken Social Scene-Forgiveness Rock Record