Archive for December 30th, 2010

I love lists, and I especially love year-end music lists. It’s a chance to see if people agree with your favorites, and it’s also a time to see what music you missed that you’ll love. I like doing it on the blog because I get to throw up songs so you can sample for yourself and see what you see. I’m sure I’ll miss some awesome music (even from my own library) and throw some up you’ll hate, but that’s the fun. I also know there are a lot of albums I probably need to give a better chance (Walkmen and The National), but there is only so much time in the year. This list will be my favorite albums followed by some songs I loved. It was going to be ten albums, but I had too many I wanted. And I realized last year I did fifteen. So enjoy fifteen and some honorable mentions.

Top 15 Albums of 2010:

1. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

I could tell this one would be near the top of my list when I first listened to it this spring (weeks after Venhuizen wanted me to). There’s a Civil War concept that runs through much of the album that relates to things like a desire to leave your hometown and relationships, and while it’s cool, it’s unnecessary. The lyrics and energy of the album are enough on their own to make it rock.

2. The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt

Kristian Matsson is the Tallest Man on Earth, and he is something special. His voice is raw, but it can also be pretty. The songs are just so well put together. I can’t imagine any of them being better than they are. (His EP is also stellar.)

3. Vampire Weekend – Contra

If you are one of those people (more…)