Greg's Favorite Albums of 2010

I make my sheepish Culturephiles return to participate in my favorite type of post --- the year end lists! I thought long and hard as to whether I would look at Martin's list before I posted mine for fear that they would be identical, that this blog is truly dominated by the the same tastes, and that Martin and I are just the same person, with and without glasses. I looked, and my fears were somewhat confirmed. Here's hoping my departures will give my identity/dignity back.

2010 was chock full of great music. I found myself having the following conversation:

Me: You should build some system, or logarithm in iTunes, so you know what you listened to most and why.
Me: What is a logarithm?
Me: I don't know.
Me: I am going to determine my list by A) Albums I returned to over and over, and B) Albums that were adventurous and cohesive.

So here they are, sans math, all feelings:

10. Justin Townes Earle -- Harlem River Blues
Always an admirer but hardly a fan, this album rounded out Earle's sound in a way that I loved. Well crafted songs and great guitar playing; I loved that he wrote a country album about New York, following the simple formula that writing about what you know is always best. If I could find cheap drinking in the East Village, this is what I would play.

9. Das Racist -- Sit Down, Man
There is a lot that I wanted to hate about Das Racist, but the fact of the matter is they are smart, funny and can rhyme. I love the smooth flow on this album that is often accompanied by fractious, off-kilter beats and texture. The lineup of producers on this album gives it an "anything can happen" feel -- more like a mixtape. This is rap for people with no experience hustling on the streets but did well in college.

8. Sufjan Stevens -- Age of Adz
Whe I first listened to this album I wanted to call it "Age of ZZZ." It was so far removed from what I was used to with Sufjan (tinkling/precious/historically-motivated music) that I don't think I gave it a fair chance. Having spent time with it, I'm hooked. There is an insane depth of sound to this record - like Sigur Ros meets Brian Eno. Hopefully his next one will go in a total opposite direction: like a concept album about the presidency of James K. Polk played entirely on dulcimer.

7. Josh Ritter -- So The World Runs Away
Always disliked Josh Ritter. Why? Who knows. If you looked at my iTunes library you'd think he was a shoe-in. Maybe it's because he is Canadian from Idaho, and I think Canadians are retarded Idahoans are too ambiguously Western. In any case, I was prepared to hate this album and well, here it is at #7. It's a concept piece with many types of songs, and really good writing. When I put it on my wife always says: "I like this." I like it too, Josh Ritter, you wiley Cannuck coyote.

6. A.A.Bondy -- American Hearts
This guy needs more press. Jagged, raw Americana, there is a chance I listened to this album the most in 2010. The playing on "Vice Rag" is great and "American Hearts" will make you wish this milquetoast recession was straight up Dust Bowl.

5. New Pornographers -- Together
I got goosebumps when I heard the opening track of this album. Not a far throw from previous NP's stuff, but who needs departures when Delta has it as their in-flight magazine? It is also Martin's #5 record, so I will stop talking about it now.

4. Broken Bells -- Broken Bells
This album made the list almost solely because of the single "High Road," which may be one of the best pop songs of the last few years. Listening more, I love how James Mercer sings on this album - out in front of the music - whereas with the Shins, he is often buried more. The production is straight Danger Mouse, who has yet to lay his hands on something I don't like. If you like pretending you are in your own movie (who doesn't) listen to "High Road," break up with your girlfriend, and walk around alone in the snow somewhere.

3. Dr. Dog -- Shame, Shame
Another band I have always liked but "Shame, Shame" threw the switch. Holy sh*t are there some great songs on this album. In a year of albums that took some time to access, this was the opposite -- nearly every song is straight hook and and juicy fish.

2. The National -- High Violet
I'm sure you are on the edge of your seat seeing that my #2 is Martin's #1. Everything he said, plus the fact that I have listened to a bunch of their older stuff (pre-Boxer) and it's amazing to hear how far this band has come. Dark and textured, this is an album in it's truest sense. It has an amazing overall feeling and tone -- like a painting. A sad, sad, expensive painting.

1. Jonsi -- Go
This is on so many lists and for good reason. Sigur Ros lead man Jonsi has conjured some Icelandic wizardy on this album. With help from neo-classical composer Nico Muhly (who I once tried to get Martin into) each track on this album feels like it's a delicate, fantastical toy. Some of the toys are robust. Others break in your hands, turn into doves, and shit stars from the sky. All are fun to play with on Christmas morning.

Honorable mentions go to:

Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt
It took everything I had not to include this. I just got it last week. I will regret this for the rest of my life.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. EP
Didn't make the list because of it's EP status but it's a must get in my opinion.

Black Keys - Brothers

Ceelo Green - The Ladykiller

Local Natives - Airplanes

Happened too early in 2010 for me to remember it. Next time, release this jammy in November, Natives.

Well, that was fun. I'll be back, when the lists are due for 2011.