Top Albums 2010

A year with missing chunks due to travel I still managed to cram my head full of plenty of music - primarily of the Canadian independent variety (and admittedly much less international play, as reflected in the list). I have NOT glanced at any other year-end list yet, choosing to go with what I've actually loved this year (before playing catch up on the great things I've missed). It was also a big year for catching up on 2009 as I was travelling for 1/3rd of that year and hence was out of touch. Check the "Found in 2010" section following the list. Blah, blah, On with the List->

Top 10 of '10

#10. Kathryn Calder - Are You My Mother?

A pretty album through and through. Stemming from a time caring for her dying mother the music obviously comes from the heart and comes across as such.The stripped down So Easily is a hauntingly beautiful display of Kathryn's strengths. I loved her in Immaculate Machine, not to mention her work in The New Pornographers, so to put her lovely voice on display as the focal point here is a dream come true.

#9. Ketch Harbour Wolves – Anachronisms

This band caught me by surprise. I was surprised by how much I liked what I heard considering I’d never heard of them before. In the span of three days I discovered their existence, saw them play, reviewed the show and e-friended the band. Well-written songs that really move along with tight instrumentation. There are a hundred influences swirling around and it all comes together to sound familiar yet unique at the same time. This album deserves your ears so I’ll name-drop a few like Pearl Jam, or even a hint of Coldplay, (but not as wanky as either of those two), The National and Hey Rosetta. Who do you think of?

#8. The Books – The Way Out

Another “sample” record making the year-end. With a five year absence The Books returned and didn’t miss a beat. Part spoken word, part music, it combines for an intriguing journey of a record that calls for repeated listening, and deserves it.

#7. New Pornographers – Together

I learned my lesson by leaving 2007’s Challengers off my year-end list – and the only explanation was that it came across as an instant classic – so good that it was as if I’d loved it for ages already, and hence forgotten it was a new release by year’s end. The New Pornos continue to craft practically-perfect pop on Together and this time around I’m going to recognize it. (Permanent addition of Kathryn Calder [#10], and finally seeing them live, kinda, this year helps too!)

#6. Hollerado – Record in a Bag

Short, catchy, indie rock’n’roll that bounces around your head all day. Good on them for cracking the FM dial – lord knows there’s enough singles on this album that deserve the airplay. Have you heard Juliette with the volume up?!

#5. You Say Party! We Say Die! – XXXX

XXXX is the best You Say Party! We Say Die! album released to date, period. It had already attained that status well before the absolutely devastating and sad on-stage death of their drummer, Devon Clifford. This occurrence will overshadow this year for the now-name-changed band (understandably dropping the “You Say Die”), but they still deserve the recognition for this release. I XXXX it.

#4. Tokyo Police Club - Champ

I’m a sucker for a hook. If I find myself belting out the lyrics third listen through that puts me in a happy place (as I did with summer-singalong Favourite Colour). Tokyo Police Club burst out of the gates with catchiness packaged up in microscopic packages leaving you wanting more. It seemed damn near impossible that this band would fulfill the promise (and match the hype) but on this, their second full-length, I’m tickled to report that they have.

#3. Girl Talk - All Day

It has come to the point that Greg Gillis has sharpened his craft so much that the sample swaps come across that naturally that you’re almost saying to yourself “Of course this riff came next” when in reality no mortal could predict what’s twenty seconds ahead. I listened the shit out of Feed the Animals and didn’t think it could be matched. Having only had two weeks with this sample-dense record the verdict is still out – but it is enough to say that it is in the running!

#2. Brasstronaut - Mt. Chimaera

The EP was promising and the full-length is just that “Full” - and phenomenal. The instrumentation of this 6-piece is tight and the song dynamics really, really smart (ie: Six Toes). Boy did I rave about these guys before Hillside, and they didn’t embarrass me in the least. I'm not intelligent enough to adequately describe this album so please save me the effort and listen to it for yourself.

#1. Sufjan Stevens – Age of Adz

Sufjy placed fewer obsessions on the lyrics this time around, focusing on the overall feel of the music. Sure he may repeat “I’m not fucking around” fifty or so times in one song for example, but the song absolutely soars – as does this album. Soars straight to the top of my list (closing track auto-tune and all) as a fall release that I still can’t get enough of come January.

Oh, one more thing... as always the ordering could change from day to day, but Sufjy would decidedly remain #1.

Honourable Mention 2010

Owen Pallett - Heartland

Shad - TSOL

The Acorn - No Ghost

LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening

Description written BEFORE getting bumped...

"The final offering as LCD according to James Murphy, it is a strong one. Considering the repetition and some long track lengths I thought I might tire of this one quickly, but there’s just enough build up to keep you waiting for that beat to drop, that tempo to shift, that keeps ya hanging in there. Not every single song hits the mark but there are enough strong tracks that “This is Happening”, this is squeaking onto the Top 10 (not top 3 as 2007’s Sound of Silver sat)."

2010 Artist of the Year

Okay, there's no science behind this, in fact it is basically just a title I punched in so I could have a chance to rave about Japandroids. One of those bands that at first I didn't 'get' but finally when it did click I fell harder than for bands that I love from the start (same thing happened with Death From Above 1979, RIP). Post-Nothing may have been released in 2009 and was played non-stop on my ipod in 2010. I also got to rip it up in the pit at Hillside (yes a pit at Hillside) seeing them for the first time, and this year's single, Younger Us, epitomizes youth.

Discovered in 2009

Pat Lepoidevin - Blue Tornadoes

If this had been a 2010 release it would have rivaled for top spot. Discovering this East Coast artist as an opener I was enraptured by his solo live performance and loved this album. It has the ability to calm me in the most stressful times. Pure love.

Said the Whale - Islands Disappear

Despite the hype around this album last year I didn't get my hands on it til 2010 and then it all made sense. Out on the Shield, a first-person recollection of the gold rush is one of my most-played songs of the year. Goodnight Moon and Holly, Ontario - the final two outro songs - are both fantastic, Camilo (the Magician) was one of the singles of 2009. All told it sums up to greatness.

Regina Spektor - Far

It combines beautiful vocals, straightforward yet deep lyrics and catchy music in Regina's unique way. I've loved her in the past and this is one of her strongest efforts to date.

Jamie T - Kings and Queens

Not much to say but this English lad has got a flair that I dig.