Top 5 Albums of 2010
Arcade Fire -The Suburbs
How could any band follow up an album like Funeral? Thankfully Arcade Fire have never tried to impersonate their debut. What we ascertain from The Suburbs is that the methods Arcade Fire use to deliver their message is as important as the lesson itself.
Told through the eyes of those who have escaped their childhood home Ready To Start speaks to a past love while City With No Children serves as a warning to future generations.
Longer than the last two productions, at first glance it can seem like harder work. But stick with it and you shall be rewarded.
Arcade Fire will take you on a journey of time, senses and memories. There is one resounding question- Would we and could we ever go back?
Beach House- Teen Dream
Beach Houses third album was released in January 2010 and even after a year of spectacular releases Teen Dream still holds its own.
The album begins with Zebra – a magnificent symphony that blurs the lines between real life and fantasy. Norway and Used To Be flaunt Victoria Legrands buttery voice -she makes it sound so easy. Teen Dream draws you to a parallel universe, shows you around and makes you not want to leave. Similar to Devotion at times, but the overwhelming feeling is this is Beach House subtly amplified and more grown up.
An album for all seasons, it is a comfort and a friend whatever the weather. If you have not visited Beach Houses world, make it a must for 2011.
The National – High Violet
If anyone was attempting to dismiss The National then High Violet will deny them the pleasure. They are simply a band that just love to surprise.
The opener Terrible Love will satisfying old supporters and encourage new enthusiasts. Sorrow is strangely uplifting –that somehow, someone has managed to capture your downhearted spirit.
Three albums in and we still don’t know if Matt Berninger is singing for something he once had and lost , or for something he yearns to possess.
High Violet is simply an absolute pleasure to listen to.
Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. – Record Collection
You have to hand it to him, Mr Ronson could have ploughed ahead with Versions part deux – but love him or hate him he is not going anywhere.
Record Collection is so shiny and luminous it’s almost airbrushed. It thunders along championed with collaborators including Boy George, Q Tip and MNDR – a testament to Mark Ronsons massive appreciation for all genres of music. With Bang Bang Bang he makes the ordinary sound extraordinary. Likewise if you assume The Bike Song is just another track about burning rubber- think again. In producing Somebody to Love Me he makes Boy George sound vulnerable again.
Rising to the challenge to make the pop album of the year, Mark Ronson is possibly the only person in history who could reinvent the wheel.
Perfume Genius- Learning
Mike Hadreas inaugural offering makes for interesting listening. Awash with contradictions it is reassuring but unsettling, brave yet vulnerable, outspoken and painfully shy. Filled with tormented lyrics -there is little more than a whispered voice and a hushed piano, but he needs no props.
The first lyrics profess “No one will answer your prayers till you take off that dress” – startling, honest and undisguised. Mr Peterson tells the story of a relationship with a teacher, even through scant lyrics there is great detail of the enormity of the crush.
We are left wondering is Learning the work of a world weary sage or else youthful innocence. If it is the latter we hope Perfume Genius never ever comes of age.
Top 5 Tracks of 2010
Tennis – Marathon
The most deliciously perfect track of 2010 if not ever!
There is an amazing contrast between Alainas’ voice and the accompanying organ –we wonder could one exist without the other. Their debut album Cape Dory is out in January, it makes me hope this Christmas business hurries up quick smart so I can get my hands on a copy.
Caribou – Odesa
Even if you haven’t taken to the album (you know who you are!) if this doesn’t hook you at first listen you are not of this world. I challenge you to only listen to this once.
Sleigh Bells – Crown on the Ground
You will always remember the first time you heard this track, Sleigh Bells marry the immaculate and the nitty gritty. Crown on the Ground is the musical equivalent of jumping around in puddle of rain.
Gold Panda – You
You delivers quirky beats and curious chimes, and makes you think there is more to Gold Panda than meets the eye.
Deerhunter – Helicopter
As prolific and enchanting as ever Bradford Cox shows that no matter now famous and applauded you become you will always question your own existence.
Jan Croasmun
March 2, 2011
Great article!