Songbird
Dec
24
Favorite Albums Of 2010
Filed Under Album Picks, The Lists | 11 Comments
This year in music was possibly one of my favorite in a very long time… I have been thinking long and hard on exactly why this is. As I went back through 2010 I noticed that my favorite albums were some of my best friends throughout the year. I could relate to them. I listened to them when I needed a shoulder to cry on, when I needed something to calm my soul or even to just hang out and enjoy their company. This group of albums below has been a major part of my life this year. I enjoy every single track, and that I truly feel each has become the soundtrack for my life in 2010.
It has been another fantastic year at Untitled Records, it brings so much joy to my soul when I know that you have found something new here that you absolutely love. It is fun to discover new music together week after week. Happy Holidays and here’s to new music and concerts in 2011. xX
My top 6 albums of 2010 in selected order along with a group of honorable mentions:
Little Lion Man (Explicit Lyrics)
I awaited the arrival of this album in the states for what felt like an eternity. Almost a year later their music is everywhere and they have 2 Grammy nominations. I don’t think I know one person who does not enjoy their passionate, banjo-playing, folk-rock. The album is filled with romantic and heartbreaking songs that you fall in love with over and over again. I listen to this album on repeat for days and days. I love it just as much as I loved it when I first listened to it, which is why it is my #1 album of the year.
The Suburbs is a very close second, so close I went back forth for days if it was indeed my favorite. I fell in love with the soaring indie rock about growing up in the suburbs. I feel it is their greatest album to date, and one that demonstrates a clear progression and maturity of their music. I was never the biggest fan of Arcade Fire, but over the years they have won me over and I consider them to be one of my favorite bands right up there with Radiohead, which is quite an honor.
It is all about the dreamy indie-pop dripping with atmospheric melodies along with the unique vocals of Victoria Legrand that has put this 3rd full length album in the #3 spot. It was not love at first listen, but it was certainly a steady progression into my 2010 favorite albums over the course of the year building steam as it went. It is also my favorite album to date from this Baltimore based band. I felt they really came into their own on Teen Dream, they have found their clear place at the top of all the dream-pop in this world.
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
The sophomore album from this young songstress blew me away when I first heard it, and it still does. Marling’s music has matured greatly on this album. She’s an old soul who creates stunning poetic folk music that flows out of the speakers with such grace and beauty I never want it to end. I Speak Because I Can is my favorite female singer-songwriter of 2010 as well as the last couple of years, hands down.
This is not too much of a surprise, I think I have made my complete love for Stars very well known. Seeing them tour Five Ghosts this year at the Wiltern really solidified it for me. I love their whimsical booming indie-pop and I love the themes of their albums, the concise collection of songs they put together consistently year after year = Love.
The 5th studio album from The National is a collection of beautifully devastating indie-rock songs. This is the first full length album from The National that I have loved from beginning to end. Hight Violet is an explosion of atmospheric melodies and poetic lyrics about love, tragedy and life that resonates in my soul. I put this album on and I let it repeat. Gorgeous from beginning to end.
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I hesitated to add a honorable mention list… However it is entirely necessary because the following albums are a great collection of songs that I have loved over the year but on every album there was at least one or two songs that I just didn’t care for. Therefor below are my almost favorites!
Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle
Dead Heart Bloom – Strange Waves
Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks
Dec
12
Cross My Heart And Hope To…
Filed Under Music Mix Up | 3 Comments
I have made absolutely zero progress on completing my year end list this weekend. I had such high aspirations too… Just could not get motivated at all, I am a little disappointed with myself but I always do seem to work best under pressure.
Not really sure why I am just getting around to posting this song, one of the benefits of going back through the music collection I suppose.
Own Stunts – Breathe Owl Breathe
Magic Central 2010 (Hometapes)
Dec
9
In Love, Not Limbo
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This song makes me want to dance, makes me want to move, drive, run, walk. This song inspires me and makes me feel good. Enjoy!
In Love, Not Limbo – Of Oceans
Of Oceans EP 2010
p.s. My year end lists are coming… Slowly but surely. xx
Dec
6
And I’ll Grasp The Waves
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I am quiet this evening. Calm, contemplative and a little lazy. Brad Senne’s delicate folk melodies are the perfect accompaniment for this night…
Aerial Views 2009/2010 (Grain Belt Records)
Dec
2
Save Some Space For Me
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Pepper Rabbit, is an LA based band with booming multi-instrumental folk. They are currently doing a series of shows with Passion Pit and Ra Ra Riot. Check them out at the Hollywood Palladium on December 7th.
Beauregard 2010 (Kanine Records)
We both sat, on our beds, in my room.
And we talked about what was coming soon.
All the pink powder wont cover up what we did.
Doing wrong when, we were just kids.And I think that you’re the older brother,
that I never had.
I wish I could reach out and touch you.
Don’t worry, I’m not sad.
I know you’re just where you want to be,
and everyone’s a hundred grand.
Save some space for me,
and say hello to your dad.I will look after your sister I swear.
I’ll write her when she’s lonely, and send it off in the air.
I will keep her safe, until I’m dead.
She’ll always have a place to rest her head.
You don’t have to worry about it now,
you don’t have to live with that frown.
I will hold your memory close to my chest,
though I wish you hadn’t said it was best.
Could you have stayed just one more night,
for all of us to say good bye.
But all of your troubles are now gone,
you still feel so damn warm.
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