Top 10s
These are my top ten albums of the year. This will both represent what I've been most listening to and what I've been most impressed by. Feel free to post your own
10. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Self-Titled
This record is exemplary of your classic college-radio jangly pop, but it has some particularly biting moments, like on "The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth" (featured on an episode of The Office) and "In This Home on Ice."
09. LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem
An obsessively thorough dance CD from an obsessively thorough afficionado. Reworks The Normal and other influences in a blender.
08. Animal Collective - Feels
Going on a three-for-three record is rare for any artist, but meeting the expectations of your best-received work to date is rarer still. Building upon their classic playfullness, the Animal Collective reign in some of the more avant-garde experimentation but maintain their artistic flair.
07. Architecture in Helsinki - In Case We Die
An interestingly "ADD" record in the tradition of The Who and, of course, the Fiery Furnaces. The songs are intensely interesting too.
06. Edan - The Beauty and the Beat
The kind of schizophrenic, lyrical rap album that stands alongside the rich tapestry of Madvillainy, rather than in its shadow. Check out "I See Colours."
05. M.I.A. - Arular
While it will surely have the kind of television-background-music glory that LCD Soundsystem had, M.I.A.'s Arular stands up as one of the most energetic and danceable records of the year.
04. Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
Though now cementing their legacy as that indie band that should have hit American radio but never did (see also: Buzzcocks), Broken Social Scene are still filling out that cred-requirement of the underground band that refuses somewhat stubbornly and somewhat admirably to explode.
03. Deerhoof - The Runners Four
It's the new Deerhoof album.
02. Kanye West - Late Registration
One of the best rap records this year. One of the best records this year. Probably one of the best records of the last five years. Jon Brion's production complements Kanye's wide-eyed and soultry flow with a rich and dynamic sound.
01. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
While the most obvious candidate for any year-end list, it does hold so many treasures that it's hard not to fold under the pressure. I know it had riculously long song titles, but that was endearing. Overly or lushly orchestrated? Either way, this record is my favorite of the year hands down.
10. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Self-Titled
This record is exemplary of your classic college-radio jangly pop, but it has some particularly biting moments, like on "The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth" (featured on an episode of The Office) and "In This Home on Ice."
09. LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem
An obsessively thorough dance CD from an obsessively thorough afficionado. Reworks The Normal and other influences in a blender.
08. Animal Collective - Feels
Going on a three-for-three record is rare for any artist, but meeting the expectations of your best-received work to date is rarer still. Building upon their classic playfullness, the Animal Collective reign in some of the more avant-garde experimentation but maintain their artistic flair.
07. Architecture in Helsinki - In Case We Die
An interestingly "ADD" record in the tradition of The Who and, of course, the Fiery Furnaces. The songs are intensely interesting too.
06. Edan - The Beauty and the Beat
The kind of schizophrenic, lyrical rap album that stands alongside the rich tapestry of Madvillainy, rather than in its shadow. Check out "I See Colours."
05. M.I.A. - Arular
While it will surely have the kind of television-background-music glory that LCD Soundsystem had, M.I.A.'s Arular stands up as one of the most energetic and danceable records of the year.
04. Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
Though now cementing their legacy as that indie band that should have hit American radio but never did (see also: Buzzcocks), Broken Social Scene are still filling out that cred-requirement of the underground band that refuses somewhat stubbornly and somewhat admirably to explode.
03. Deerhoof - The Runners Four
It's the new Deerhoof album.
02. Kanye West - Late Registration
One of the best rap records this year. One of the best records this year. Probably one of the best records of the last five years. Jon Brion's production complements Kanye's wide-eyed and soultry flow with a rich and dynamic sound.
01. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
While the most obvious candidate for any year-end list, it does hold so many treasures that it's hard not to fold under the pressure. I know it had riculously long song titles, but that was endearing. Overly or lushly orchestrated? Either way, this record is my favorite of the year hands down.