{"id":3451,"date":"2010-12-07T17:57:06","date_gmt":"2010-12-07T17:57:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/?p=3451"},"modified":"2010-12-10T18:09:10","modified_gmt":"2010-12-10T18:09:10","slug":"the-year-in-music-the-year-in-song-2010-part-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/2010-12\/the-year-in-music-the-year-in-song-2010-part-i\/","title":{"rendered":"The Year in Music, The Year in Song–2010 (Part I)"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s that time of year again.\u00a0 The compilers are compiling and the spin-sters are spinning, and all are sifting their memory banks and external hard and cloud-driven drives to discern what music reverberated in their worlds this year.<\/p>\n

We’ve done the same and come up with our favorite albums, songs and concerts listed in the order of preference.\u00a0 In this Part I we give you our favorite eleven albums of the year.<\/p>\n

Top 11 Albums of 2010<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Why eleven albums?\u00a0 Tough to say, really, except that was simply the number of albums that resisted all efforts to de-list them.<\/p>\n

This year there was music that catapulted joy and others that dredged tears.\u00a0 Still others smacked headlong through the stratosphere.\u00a0 And others dropped us behind both friendly and enemy lines.\u00a0 It’s the conundrum you’re invited to each year.\u00a0 What’s your favorite music?\u00a0 Be careful now, others are watching and listening.\u00a0 It might get subjective, and it might get loud.<\/p>\n

1. Arcade Fire–The Suburbs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In all honesty, this record’s theme took us back and aback.\u00a0 We grew up racked and saddled by suburbia.\u00a0 For heavens sake, we WERE suburbia.\u00a0 We were raised in a shot-glass shack behind the Kmart, adjacent to a flood basin and city limits signs.\u00a0 We WERE the Blue Light Special.\u00a0 Or not so special.\u00a0 The bottom line:\u00a0 this record roundly resonated deep within us. \u00a0 While some of you grew up in the inner city or the inner sanctum, most of us were part of the 60s and 70s housing belch that begat bewilderment (every time they sing the word “sprawl,” which is regularly, it makes your skin crawl).\u00a0 We were “boomers” or, worse yet, “sons of boomers.”\u00a0 Win Butler, Regine and crew give us our story back, framed in varied and brilliant (but subtly so) music. Others have tried to tell this tale, but it took a couple of ex-pats and other Montrealians to give it perspective and really level (with) us on American suburban life.\u00a0 Arcade Fire.\u00a0 On fire.\u00a0 Again.\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 The Suburbs, Suburban War, Deep Blue, We Used to Wait, <\/em>and The Suburbs (continued)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 High Violet–The National.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We have a soft spot for these hard Brooklyn lads.\u00a0 The album grabbed us immediately by the ears and tendrils, as with most National recordings. But until we saw these songs presented live, we had no idea the worth and weight of this record.\u00a0 If you want superb musicianship, composition, passion and relevance, The National are for you.\u00a0 High Violet only surprised by managing to take their discography up yet another notch.\u00a0 Highlights: Terrible Love, England, Afraid of Everyone, <\/em>and Conversation 16<\/em>.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Sufjan Stevens–The Age of Adz.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This album seemed intended as both a smack to Stevens’ ever-ardent fans and a fob-off to the world.\u00a0 But Stevens was just going about his business as usual, though taking it to a new level and magnifying it with new structures and overlays.\u00a0 Filtered from the electronica-symphonica backdrop, we hear the usual, perfect melodies strewn throughout this justly ostentatious record.\u00a0 So get over the length of the songs (not to mention the 25 minute opus), and check out the elaborate evolution of a still-yearning artist.\u00a0 We admit that we doubt the ultimate merit of Creole “prophet,” Royal Robertson, and his story that provides the backdrop for this record, but there’s enough humanity here for all humans.\u00a0 It’s also the soundtrack for Revelation, so check out the new Revelator.\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 I Walked, Vesuvius, Now That I’m Older, Impossible Soul, <\/em>and Too Much<\/em>.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Joanna Newsom–Have One On Me.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We admit that Ms. Newsom’s voice is an acquired taste.\u00a0 But after spending some effort, the purchase pays back the investment in spades.\u00a0 With the three-disc recording, “Have One On Me,” Newsom gave us a dense and astonishing opus, filled with Newsom’s gifted vocals, harp and piano playing and complex song arrangements.\u00a0 As usual, the music is layered, kaleidoscopic, and epic in scope. What impressed most on this record was the awe-inspiring attention to detail, and especially lyrically.\u00a0 Her prior efforts, while brillig, had been comparatively jabberwocked and obtuse. But with the new record, Newsom’s lyrics have evolved and become more cogent and discernible.\u00a0 Chapeaux to Joanna!\u00a0 Highlights: ’81, Baby Birch, Good Intentions Paving Co., In California, Easy, Go Long <\/em>and Soft as Chalk.<\/em><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 The Walkmen–Lisbon<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

With their last few albums, The Walkmen have matured and evolved as a group, and “Lisbon”<\/a><\/strong> is positive proof.\u00a0 For several months now, Lisbon has dominated our rebellious jukebox.\u00a0 In addition to the usual song intensity, on Lisbon the band framed their songs in a spare, reverb-soaked production that deftly drew out the songs’ hooks, subtleties and dramas.\u00a0 And we even hear on Lisbon <\/em> <\/em>intermittent murmurs of optimism and assurance.\u00a0 The Walkmen have added immensely to their already great discography.\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 Juveniles, Angela Surf City, Woe is Me, <\/em>and Torch Song.<\/em><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 Gorillaz–Plastic Beach.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Yeah, these are the anime mofos fronting Damon Albarn and a stalwart cast (Lou Reed, Bobby Womack, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, etc.) .\u00a0 Just make believe, really, so why should you care?\u00a0 Really?\u00a0 Come on!\u00a0 Damon Albarn has been amongst the best songwriters of the last decade-plus, and with “Plastic Beach,”<\/strong><\/a> he is particularly animated.\u00a0 These are no cartoon songs.\u00a0 What may first appear to be mere storyboard and cels, ultimately hits hard regarding the world’s environment and its effects on our internal environment.\u00a0 And the music is a polyglot, with something for everyone.\u00a0 Tour de force, not farce.\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 On Melancholy Hill, Broken, Some Kind of Nature, <\/em>and Empire Ants. <\/em><\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 Local Natives–Gorilla Manor<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Local Natives burst onto the scene this year with their critically acclaimed record “Gorilla Manor,” and their mega-melodic songs, gregarious group vocals and engaging instrumentals (including pounding, polyrhythmic, percussion).\u00a0 In the vocals department, they out-Fleet Fox the Fleet Foxes.\u00a0 In addition to the vocalese, their songs are laden with marvelous melodies and inventive, driving, dynamic song structures (akin at times to Vampire Weekend and Talking Heads).\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 Camera Talk, Airplanes, World News<\/em>, and Cards & Quarters.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.\u00a0 Damien Jurado–Saint Bartlett<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Damien Jurado has been revered on the indie scene for quite some time, penning intense and emotionally authentic songs that comprise one of the strongest catalogs on the scene.\u00a0 But on “Saint Bartlett”<\/strong><\/a> Jurado finally found the perfect complement in producer Richard Swift.\u00a0 Swift’s production draws out and diversifies Jurado’s well-wrought songs and, as a result, they shine through the haze.\u00a0 There’s everything from Spector-esque songs, to Flaming Lips-ish moments, to Neil Young-like guitar flourishes, to the usual deft-Damien ballads.\u00a0 And lyrically it’s another deeply contemplative set of lyrical Jurado El Dorado. Highlights:\u00a0 Cloudy Shoes, Rachel & Cali, Arkansas, Kalama, Throwing Your Voice, <\/em>and Kansas City.<\/em><\/p>\n

9. <\/strong>Band of Horses–Infinite Arms<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Band of Horses followed up their fine sophomore album (Cease to Begin) this year with their third long-player, “Infinite Arms”<\/strong><\/a>, and it was infinitely armed with great music and delivery.\u00a0 On Infinite Arms the band bolstered their sound and supplemented their normal guitar-driven, reverb-heavy lead vocals, with Beach Boys-esque harmonies to great effect.\u00a0 Our only regret is the continued bland and obtuse lyrics.\u00a0 If songwriter, Ben Bridwell, can move beyond the McKuen-esque lyrics and find a more original voice that we can hang onto, they will be moving up the list greatly.\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 Laredo, Older<\/em> and On My Way Back Home.<\/em><\/p>\n

10. Hosannas–Togeth<\/strong>er<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We were floored when we first heard this Portland band (live at the end of May<\/strong><\/a>) and subsequently became fervent fans of their dynamic and unique delivery live and on their record, “Song Force Crystal.”\u00a0 We were drawn in by Brandon Laws’ angular guitar-playing and the band’s complex compositions and uniquely harmonizing vocals.\u00a0 Then Hosannas upped the ante and released one of the best songs of 2010 (When We Were Young<\/a><\/strong>) <\/em>and a month ago delivered their phenomenal John Askew-produced record, “Together.”<\/strong> Suffice it to say (for now) that this is extremely heady, complex material rendered by the brothers Laws and the band, with perfect production by John Askew. We have been trying to complete a post that can do this fine album justice, but with each listen we hear new elements and nuances that warrant mention.\u00a0 This is one of those records that continues to reward with subtleties and bracing brilliance even after the 20th (or so) listen.\u00a0 Do yourselves a favor.\u00a0 Go buy “Together” here<\/strong><\/a> and spend the rest of the listening year listening in.\u00a0 Now let us get back to completing that dang post.\u00a0\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 When We Were Young, Open Your Doors, Hello Moon, The People I Know, John Pilgrim, <\/em>and Multi-Chamber American Future.<\/em><\/p>\n

11. Typhoon–Hunger and Thirst<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Oregon’s Typhoon came out of nowhere and stormed onto our playlist for a good part of the year with their record, “Hunger and Thirst.”<\/strong><\/a> They are literally a big band (16-19 members) with a big sound to match their passionate, well-wrought songs. Taking various pages from the Edward Sharpe\/Arcade Fire\/Sufjan Stevens\/Cake books of music, Typhoon uses its group vocals, horns, strings and dynamic feel to great effect on “Hunger and Thirst” (the title drawn from Ionesco’s final play?).\u00a0 While they are not, as yet, as musically adventurous as fellow Oregonians, Hosannas or Menomena, their songs are carefully crafted and filled with fine melodies and ardently delivered.\u00a0 Highlights:\u00a0 Starting Over (Bad Habits), Ghost Train, The Sickness Unto Death, White Liars, Body of Love, <\/em>and Belly of the Cavern. <\/em><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions (in order<\/em>)<\/strong>:\u00a0 Plants and Animals–La La Land, Angus and Julia Stone–Down the Way, Phosphorescent–Here’s To Taking it Easy, Chief–Modern Rituals, Avi Buffalo–Avi Buffalo, Flying Lotus–Cosmogramma, The Felice Brothers–Yonder is the Clock, New Pornographers–Together, Josh Ritter–So Runs the World Away, Belle and Sebastian–Write About Love, Titus Andronicus–The Monitor, and The Hold Steady–Heaven is Whenever.<\/p>\n

There you have it.\u00a0 Bring on 2011.<\/p>\n

And let’s see your favorites for 2010.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s that time of year again.\u00a0 The compilers are compiling and the spin-sters are spinning, and all are sifting their memory banks and external hard and cloud-driven drives to discern what music reverberated in their worlds this year. We’ve done the same and come up with our favorite albums, songs and concerts listed in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-music"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3451\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}