Beach House has taken up a large portion of my listening time these last couple of weeks. Their new album, Bloom comes out May 15th and it is really amazing.

The single, Myth might be one of my favorite songs of 2012 so far. The soaring vocals of Victoria Legrand are matched with a driving rhythmic melody that you just never want to end.

MythBeach House

Bloom 2012 (Sub Pop)

Drifting in and out
See the road you’re on

You came rolling down the cheek
You say just what you need
And in between
It’s never as it seems

Help me to make it
Help me to make it

If you built yourself a myth
You’d know just what to give

What comes after this
Momentary bliss
The consequence
Of what you do to me

Help me to make it
Help me to make it

Found yourself in a new direction
Aeons far from the sun
Can you come?
Would they come to breach you?
Let you know you’re not the only one

You can’t keep hangin’ on
To all that’s dead and gone

If you built yourself a myth
You’d know just what to give
Do you lie?
Oh, let the ashes fly

Help me to make it
Help me to make it

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:

Mumford & SonsSigh No More

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.

Arcade FireThe Suburbs

Rococo

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.

Beach HouseTeen Dream

Silver Soul

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 MarlingI Speak Because I Can

Blackberry Stone

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.

StarsThe Five Ghosts

Dead Hearts

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 NationalHigh Violet

Terrible 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.

_________________________________________________________

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 SceneForgiveness Rock Record

Blonde RedheadPenny Sparkle

Shout Out LoudsWork

Dead Heart BloomStrange Waves

Frightened RabbitThe Winter of Mixed Drinks

Dark Dark DarkWild Go

Charlotte GainsbourgIRM

Dr. DogShame, Shame

I was driving home this evening while the sun was setting and Beach House shuffled on with all of their glorious dream-pop and I was at peace. This album came out back at the beginning of the year… It is a one of their best albums to date. echo.

 

mp3:  Take Care

Teen Dream 2010 (Sub Pop)

Available on Amazon and eMusic

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