Year In Review (Top 10 of 2010)

10. Old Abram Brown - Restless Ghosts
Old Abram Brown sounds at least a little like the Cold War Kids that we all came to know and love. Actually, that may serve as a good example of an understatement. They sound STRIKINGLY like Robbers and Cowards-era Cold War Kids. That fact, however, should not serve as a deterrent from this incredible and talented band. Their newest album, "Restless Ghosts" is haunting and moving. It has heart in a way that most bands aren't able to achieve.

9. The Morning Benders - Big Echo
The Morning Benders is a band that I had yet to really appreciate, that is, until I saw the video that they had made for the song "Excuses". They gathered as many of their friends as would fit into a large recording room and had them all playing together and there is an intimacy and a strong sense of immediacy (in that they are all there together and like time is standing still) that comes across that gives the song depth beyond just listening to it. Great album, great band, very strong release.

8. Tift Merritt - See You On The Moon
If she isn't already, it's only a matter of time before Tift Merritt is monopolizing the NPR airwaves. She is insanely talented and writes songs that are deeply rooted in blues and pop, but that have a depth and oh, how her voice is haunting. Great for fans of Feist, Hem, Over The Rhine and others.

7. Beat! Beat! Beat! - Lightmares
So, I am willing to bet that this is the first that you are hearing of Beat! Beat! Beat! which isn't terribly surprising as they are a relatively unknown (and now defunct) Brooklyn-based band. Their brand of indie pop is reminiscent of bands like Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Nada Surf, but with a touch of that straightforward New York rock drive.

6. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
I'm sure that it comes as a great surprise that The Arcade Fire's newest (and strong contender for best) album isn't topping my Year In Review list, and I'm surprised as well. However, keep in mind that if this amazing album is at #6, then the remaining 5 albums must be something really special.

5. Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse - Dark Night Of The Soul
It really is a shame that Sparklehorse (aka Mark Linkous) ended his life earlier this year, because if he was successful before, then this would have been the album to launch his into the stratosphere. Featuring collaborations from such reputable musicians as The Flaming Lips, James Mercer of The Shins, Iggy Pop, and The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, "Dark Night Of The Soul" has soul and depth. A great album for late nights spent with friends or late nights spent alone. These are the kind of songs that you want on your life's soundtrack.

4. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
There is nothing that I can say about this album, other than that it is epic in scope and execution. Brilliant from a musical and production standpoint, and one that I'm sure will remain close to my heart for a very long time. Can't wait to see what these young lads from across the drink have in store for the future.

3. Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws
Here is an album that few people caught wind of prior to its release, and I'm not entirely convinced that it has caught on quite as well as it should yet. In stark contrast to their previous releases and sound, "Flaws" is a lush and beautiful exploration into folk territory (and a very successful one, if I might say so).

2. The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt
Oh, this album. To think that one man was able to (for the most part) create such lush and fleshed out songs with little more than a guitar and his voice is mind-blowing. Suffice it to say, there is a reason that Kristian Matsson is being referred to as the "Swedish Bob Dylan". There is nothing more that I can say other than if you have yet to listen, then do it already!

And last but not least:
1. The National - High Violet
I have learned in my life that the bands that I hate (disclaimer: this is not always the case) have a way of becoming some of my favorite and most treasured. The National is a band that I just couldn't appreciate when I first listened to "Boxer" a few years ago. They had an interesting sound, but I couldn't understand why they were surrounded with such hype. Then, one day it clicked. It made sense and since then, they have been one of my favorite bands. When it comes to bands that I love so dearly, sometimes I get nervous when they are gearing up for a new release. What if they have changed their sound and it doesn't work? What if they have lost whatever it is that makes them so special? What if the songs just aren't good? We've all seen these scenarios played out and bands like Dashboard Confessional, My Morning Jacket (though I still hold out hope for them) and Sufjan Stevens have caused me to lose interest with their more recent outings (and believe me, there is a reason that "The Age Of Adz" isn't on this list). None of these fears were even close to being realized with the release of "High Violet". It takes their trademark sound and expands it. Makes it bigger. Breathes more life into it. Brilliant.

Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know!

Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws

Bombay Bicycle Club is just okay in my mind. Nothing special. That is, until I heard their newest release, Flaws. Similar to bands like Mumford & Sons, BBC decided to try something new on their sophomore effort. What you have is 11 tracks of totally brilliant folk songs, quiet and moving. This, of course, comes as somewhat of a shock after listening to their debut album, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, as it was a very straightforward indie/shoegaze album. Maybe the biggest change, for me, is the maturity of the writing. Songs like "Rinse Me Down" has a vibe and a life all of its own. It moves and swells.

This album has been a great traveling companion over the last few weeks. It is perfect for driving through what some call the "magic hour". Give it a try sometime.

Tracklisting:
1. Rinse Me Down
2. Many Ways
3. Dust On The Ground
4. Ivy & Gold
5. Leaving Blues
6. Fairytale Lullaby
7. Word By Word
8. Jewel
9. My God
10. Flaws
11. Swansea