So, I’m getting a bit better on posting my favs from the prior year. 2010 theme: size and depth. It was a good year for the grandiose and high minded concepts. Amidst the cacophony, it was also a notable year for thoughtful lyrics. Put it all together and it was a great way to end the first decade of the aughts.

Honorable Mentions

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – I told you. I respect it as a work of high art. There is a ton of talent on display. And it really can’t get any more (tastefully) bombastic. But there is too much lacking in lyrical quality to deign a top ten placement let alone the top spot.  Maybe next year.

Girl Talk, All Day – I just listened to this album again. Like today. It’s damn good. The formula is familiar but it stands on it’s own. No revolution starting with this one, but it’s supremely solid.  It’s been a let down year for Pittsburgh in general – abismal baseball, underachieving hockey, and let down superbowl dreams. Here’s to Greg Gillis holding up his end of the bargain (oh, and this guy was on too).

The List
7.The Morning Benders, Big Echo – This album definitely filled the space of “new indie rock group with a definitive album of the moment but will inevitably fall off the radar in 3 months”. Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear can both count themselves as alums. This does not diminish the strength of each band’s respective album. Nor does it limit my desire for each band to come back and amaze me with new work. Just sayin, sometimes one great album is all you’ve got. And that’s not entirely a bad thing. For this genre, The Morning Bender’s seem to have the most range with a possibility of heading in many different directions. I’m hoping they realize their potential.

6. Big Boi, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty - Bar none, the best hip hop album of 2010. Pure in it’s delivery, varied in subject matter, bouyant, boistrous, and terribly Atlanta. For all of the gains in regional, emo, ringtone, and whatever rap, a good old fashioned Deep South R&B laden, sizzurp sippin album with the talents of half the best rap group ever (yeah, I’m making that claim. That’s probably another post altogether. Stick with me until I get there) still bubbles to the top of the fray. Full of (non- Solja Boy) swagger and delightful, slippery energy, Big Boi delivers a great resurgence to the forefront of hip hop.

5. Janelle Monae, ArchAndroid - Partly based on the actual quality of the music, partly based on the aesthetic and future possibilities of the emerging genre, The ArchAndroid has vaulted Janelle Monae towards the top of my pile. Her voice is undeniable – cheeky, brash, energetic, and more experienced than she lets on. She has mastered the appearance of youth and wide eyed idealism through many years of practice. It’s easy to sense there is much more to come from Janelle. But what she has already done is surprisingly well formed – a concept that is well shaped but not to the point of feeling put on. And potentially ready for world domination. If this world will have her.

4.Arcade Fire, The Suburbs – The consummate band creating another killer concept album. It is such a pleasure to witness a truly talented band slowly but surely take over the world.  I’ve been waiting, hawkishly, for any of their efforts to be less than worthy. Or at least not as good – on some level – than the previous. Looks like it may be a long wait. The Suburbs further cements their prowess as in depth documentarians. First is was our relationships, then it was the world at large, now it’s our (so called) lives. Everything is under review and very little get’s past the rueful gaze of Win & Co. They are one of the artists that I can listen to and actually feel smarter for just listening to them. Strident, assertive, and on point. And now that the rest of the world knows of their prowess, let’s hope we all get smatter.

3.Robyn, Body Talk – By now you know that I tend to throw in some Euro dance album into the heap as a good faith nod to dance music actually staying relevant beyond the dance floor. The world has their Gaga, I have my Robyn.  Taking the unusual approach of releasing drafts via mini albums, Body Talk is so jam packed with hits, it almost doesn’t build into a sensical flow. Robyn is obviously on form and not afraid to prove it at every possible instance. Write a hit about a spurned girlfriend who can only seek solice on the dancefloor? Check. What about an anthem to giving love a second chance after you have been burned? Check. How about something completely goofy, with Snoop Dogg? Absolutely. What sets her work apart is the absolute attention to crafting lyrically significant dance songs. These songs stick in your head not only for their beats, but for the endearing and often introspective concepts. Falling in and out of love is only cliche if you fall on cliches to describe it. Robyn, thankfully, knows no such easy cliche. There is a lot of grey area in relationships and she is more than happy to frolic merrily in these waters. And now we all get to reap the benefits.

2.Menomena, Mines – Yes, I am using my wild card on a band no one recognizes in hopes of everyone starting to recognize them I think I did a pretty good job summing them up here, so take a gander. It’s really worth a few good hard listens.

Top Drop. LCD Soundsystem, This is Happening - If this is the last album for LCD (and I BEG of you to please make this untrue, Mr Murphy…), it is the only way to go. Emotive, contrite, and utterly poignant. As I stated earlier, I really didn’t think you could top “All My Friends”. When you’ve already created a song that is in the pantheon of life changing music, where do you go? Apparently to Drunk Girls. I don’t think anyone can say enough good things about this band or this album. Each listen only makes you want to dig deeper. James Murphy has such a way of striking to the heart of a subject that is at once obtuse and yet so familiar. See “Pow Pow” as an example. His signature vocal style of rambling stream of consciousness dissecting the dynamics of perspective paired with heavy disco levity. Who gets away with this? Ever? Only LCD. It’s simply amazing. It’s visceral and conceptual at the same time without relying on histrionics. A fitting achievement for a man who genuinely believes that he isn’t worth the accolades. Humility never sounded so good.

Yes I know, I am a bit delayed on my top picks of last year. Don’t worry dear friends, I will be assesing the blame for 2010 shortly. In the meantime, please do check out the 2010 mixtape as provided by Said the Gramophone. It’s always nice when they share both commentary and downloads!

STG Best Songs of 2010

Way too old of a post to even deign with a “man, I fell off the wagon” type beginning. This is purely saving face (and setting up so I can claw back dignity to post some 2010 stuff before that year ends too).  2009 theme: women, thanks for showing up. Here we go.

Honorable Mention

The Clipse Til The Casket Drops - Not as gritty as Hell Hath No Fury but ultimately more listenable.  Higher production value from the Neptunes lends to a more cohesive sounding album. Honestly, I just like indulging in my inner coke dealer once in a while. And for that, I thank you my Clipse friends.

Passion Pit, Manners - Never got a proper review on the blog, but I fell into this phenomenon just like everyone else. There were a couple of weeks when I couldn’t let this sound go. It was like a Red Bull for your eardrums. And then it faded fairly fast. Still, it is a wondrous achievement to have an eerily compelling falsetto reign in the indie rock space for even half a minute.

#8 The XX, XX - Fine. I give in. Uncle. Trendy doesn’t always have to be bad. And the XX proves it. They have a sound, no doubt. And it’s different. Which can be refreshing at times. Others, a bit distant and monotone. But it is all theirs and no one can really point to a specific derivation to force it. I give them extra credit for milking the power of of their staid voices given their lyrical content is fairly narrow (anyone else want to comment on relationships? I think the XX has it covered.). The interplay from male to female, slight inflection, restrained emotion – it all works. Let’s see what they do next.

#7 Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Honestly, I had to put it in the list. I would have been THAT girl who wanted to hate on the band that took the world by storm and (rightly) snatched the mantle as saviors of catchy indie rock from The Strokes. I admit to the greatness of this album – front to back it is as solid as can be. But I, personally, didn’t fall in love. I enjoyed, but never ingrained. And then when Cadillac got a hold of these guys I simply tried to forget (in vain). So, with  some reluctance, I pay homage to a great album.

#6 Florence and the Machine, Lungs - By far, in my top 3 most listened to albums. It doesn’t hurt that she was also ridiculous live. That voice! Beth Ditto should take notice on how to capture spectacularness (yes, it’s a word) in a studio environment. Florence not only executes in capturing her magnanimous voice but manages to pair it with stellar production. Sure, it steals a lot from Kate Bush. But Kate Bush doesn’t have pipes like this. And didn’t collaborate with Dizzee. Or get a dope remix from my #8 best of. Take that.

#5 The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It’s Blitz - Call me nostalgic, but I can’t get enough of Karen O. Her voice just gives  me chills. I always get this Le Miserables like reaction to start waving flags and build a following for them. I mean, who else could really pull off “Zero”? Seriously. Add in some subtlety and downright mesmerizing phrasing and I’m hooked. And the album cover. Come on.

#4 St. Vincent, Actor -I told you I had a thing for women (pun firmly intended). I’m so glad that Annie came back with a quirkier, further out there sophomore release. It makes going to her shows a lot easier – gone are the “pretty girl with a guitar” band wagoners, in come the vinyl heads that actually listen. This underscores that actual value of her sound. She plays so well with juxtaposing a dark sound with her light as air vocals. What is more fun on Actor is that the levity in vocals is no longer tied to a naiveté – it’s an angel singing you sweetly to your death. Or something to that effect. I can’t say there are many other artists that have found a better way of managing this dualistic nature while remaining timeless. And for that, my favorite from 2007 remains firmly affixed in top picks.

#3 Grizzly Bear, Vekatimest – Hold up, hold up. Yeah, I already said that I couldn’t get into this album. I know. No need to point fingers. Get that flip flopper business out your mouth. As noted earlier with our friends from France, I do appreciate good music. Even if it isn’t always what I find most relevant for my life at the time. And I reserve the right to occasionally change my mind. And while this isn’t me changing my mind (I still prefer Menomena and the like), I have found a new respect for this album. Airtight vocals, intriguing song writing, and great balance between minimal and expansive. I can’t help but give them credit for being this strong.

#2 Royksopp, Junior - Unconventional, I know. I don’t think I read a single “Top 10″ listing that would have had Royksopp even remotely touching the bottom half, let alone the penultimate spot. But this is why I’m me. There were days that I listened to “The Girl and the Robot” non stop for hours. I still find it to be enchanting. Overall, I can’t name a better electronic dance album in the past 2 years. Furthermore, it actually has a solid journey of lyrical content. Tough for any genre, almost impossible for dance. These boys knew the right people to tap for collaborations (Siouxsie Sioux is impeccable, Robyn is, as usual, on her game) and paired it with classic rhythms. The result is, for me, an iconic album. And yet another reason to point towards Nordic domination of pop for the last 15 years.

Top Drop. Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavillion -
I fell prey to the hype. Happily. I must admit, I had a lot of resentment for Animal Collective prior to owning any of their work. I was tired of seeing any song or album they spat on being lauded as the best sonic experiment to ever be created (here’s to you, Pitchfork). But I persevered. Thankfully. I don’t know if I really have to give reason to why this is such a wonderful album when almost every best of list has it as their top album. It is simply just a better collection of songs than anything else out there. This from someone who self declares as not liking folky, psychedelic, or jammy bands. The Collective have found a way to refine sprawling space and experimentation that I had never thought was possible. And they are damn good at it. I never understood the power of having an album ruminate, gather steam, bounce to the furthest fathoms of your brain and then finish warmly, refreshingly all the while connecting dots that you never knew should be connected. I guess that is ramble speak for far out crap that works. And it still works for me.

How did Adam Lambert not make this list???

Portishead, Third - Yeah, yeah I was hiding under a rock for a while. But at least I can recognize genius. Even if it’s close to a year late. If you are as bad as me (or worse, I won’t tell…) get this album now before you are publicaly shamed.

Erykah Badu, New Amerykah Pt. One – Experimental of a different kind. Less complete than the Collective and more… Erykah like. I saw her in concert and she couldn’t stop yapping about her chakras. I guess she’s moved on to fighting against materialist concerns. But she still doesn’t complete a thought often. Lucky for her it still all sounds good.

Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion – Animals are good for your. You can read about it in JAMA or something. Anyway, my health has been restored and I’m feeling more bouyant than ever. If you don’t get this same feeling from “My Girls” then something is wrong with you.

Boyz Noise, Oi Oi Oi – Biased and subjective, yes I am. Germany is in my heart now and I can’t let go. It doesn’t help that their djs and producers consistently put out some of the best dance music in the world. And this is case in point. If the Euro continues it’s crash course, I’ll be spending more direct time stealing more music from the Rhineland. Until then, Oi Oi Oi will suffice.

Notable Mentions:

Panda Bear, Person Pitch – A Best Buy I Should Have Bought from 2007. One of the linchpin moments where music from the ’60s actually made sense to me (see also Natalie Portman’s boyfriend). While I may find it difficult to stray into Animal Collective’s realm, I fully support Mr. Lennox as a psychedelic Brian Wilson impersonator. And Panda Bear’s are so cute.

Beyonce, B’Day – Yet another relic – from 2006! – that did not see the backlight of my iPod until Feb 2008. But what a showing! By far, the best workout album one could ever own. 8 absolute bangers of upbeat, ridiculous funk and 2 ballads that manage to fit in with the “sweat out your perm” tempo. Or should you just pat your weave…Before Sasha Fierce represented all of the single ladies, she snuck out early, took over Beyonce’s body, put on her Freak Um dress, and hit the town to B’Day.

5. Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago – Technically a 2007 release, but people really didn’t start digging him until ’08. If only isolation could always sound this good. I’m thinking about locking myself in a cabin this year just to see if I can come up with anything even a tenth as good as this album. Album Memory Moment – 3 days of rain in Istanbul. Being cooped up in a hostel with no where to go makes an irreplaceable atmosphere for enjoying Bon Iver. That’s not to say that he can’t do happy songs (Lykke Li can drag it out of anyone I guess). But his take on a bad end to a relationship is not to be missed.

4. Gnarls Barkley, The Odd Couple - Controversial, yes, I know. The sophomore album that took a turn to the dark side. But the turn made the album (and the artists) more accessible. Sure, I would love another “Crazy”, but I sure didn’t mind “Who’s Gonna Save Your Soul”. As cliche as it is, I enjoyed the maturation of the duo. Not everything has to be a sizzling upbeat funk head rush. Furthermore, I actually found solace from the lyrics this time around. Album Memory Moment – Being robbed in London. The first album I listened to after my laptop was taken. I think I hit repeat on “A Little Better” 10 times. And it made me feel that way.

3. Jamie Lidell, Jim – You knew it was going to happen. I don’t even know if I have to explain this. Alls I can say is that he’ll probably end up being my baby’s daddy. I saw the tour for this album twice. Twice. I saw Jamie Lidell more than I saw my own parents last year. It’s just not right. But if it’s wrong, then I don’t wanna….you know the rest. Album Memory Moment – Lake Windemere, Lakes District, England. I had Jim on blast the entire weekend of hiking. Note – hiking in England apparently means walking through farmers’ backyards. All of the “trails” looked like cattle paths. Y’all best get that sorted. Talk to Jamie, he’ll Figure it Out.

2. Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes – The nail in the folk coffin. If “White Winter Hymnal” hadn’t ruined my life last year, I might have never bought this album and left this group off the list altogether. All the hype was building to a Vampire Weekendesque burn out. But (and I repeat) then there was “White Winter Hymnal”. By far, the most delicious song of the year, full of resplendent harmonies and a meandering yet hopeful melody. The kicker – an entire album of loveliness. This was a well deserved buzz band with extreme potential. Album Memory Moment – My first 10 miler. Listening to folk. Yeah, it’s that transcendent. I normally need a red bull and a swift kick in the butt but the folksy glee from these boys was enough to carry me (at least half way – I’m way too slow).

Top Drop. Girl Talk, Feed the Animals – Annie Clark’s charming yet thick melodies owned my heart last year, but I became a sucker for this mashup masterpiece. Truly, the most frequented album in my collection of last year. There are countless moments when I just ruminate on a particular bit of cleverness (Lil Wayne over Sinead O’Connor is just touching, Kelly Clarkson over Head Like A Hole actually creates the angst KC was looking for). The fact that a mashup artist can make a compelling album is a pretty amazing feat, particularly an artist who’s live shows are outrageously inventive and interactive. And it ends with Journey. Seriously, what more do you want? Album Memory Moment – Don’t touch his Nike Air Force Ones. He stripped down to his skivvies when I saw the show in London. Rather, people clawed at him and tore off all of the appropriate bits until he was left with just his briefs and his Nikes. One kid tried to be clever and take his shoes. Not wise. Greg jumped on his back, put on a mean half nelson, and wrestled the onlooker to the ground until he got his shoe back. We all have are limits. Thank God Greg Gillis’ are few.

Thanks again Diana for the prod. Keep ‘em coming.

Read and weep – for joy of course.

NYT Hit List

More end of year lists from more semi reputable music magazines. This time courtesy of Mojo and Uncut. I dig that Uncut has an angle – find music that really represents America. But I think they get lost in the trees without seeing the forest at times.

Mojo isn’t my bag, but kudos for putting anything down on paper and trying to sell it these days. Lord knows newspapers can’t do it.

Why is Stereogum my new favorite website…check it out for yourself.