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| From | "Jeff Shelton" <AssociationWorks@comcast.net> |
| Subject | Best of 2010 |
| Date | Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:21:55 -0800 |
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OK folks,
Long post here, but I've qualified some of my top picks with a little added
descriptive text. Also. if anyone's interested, my last radio show PODCAST
of the year counted down the Top 25. You can listen to it here:
http://www.midwestusergroup.org/KSCU_Podcasts.htm
** TOP 30 ALBUMS of 2010 **
1. FARRAH - s/t
One of the most solid, articulately crafted pop albums I've heard in
a long time. Farrah has such a penchant for detailed songcraft and drop dead
hooks they would give a band like Fountains of Wayne a run for their money
anytime, anywhere. A superb album from start to finish. Not a note wasted or
out of place.
www.farrah.co.uk
2. THE ORBANS - When We Were Wild
Totally out of left field, this brand new band from Dallas, TX blew
me away with their debut album here. A rich, warm sonic assault of twangy
guitars, crafty melodies, and stellar production from Adam Lasus (Yo La
Tengo, Clem Snide). www.theorbans.com
3. JASON FALKNER - All Quiet On The Noise Floor
Even at his most mediocre, Jason Falkner is in a league of his own
with amazing songcraft, performances and arrangements that are leagues
beyond other virtuosos of his ilk. www.jasonfalkner.net
4. POSIES - Blood/Candy
After a good decade of obscurity and mediocrity, Seattle's finest
return with a superbly crafted, mature album full of introspective lyrics
and elaborate instrumentation. An unmistakable reminder that harmonies count
and memorable songs make an album.
www.theposies.net
5. SHAKE SOME ACTION - Fire and Ice
Bolstered by big full-bodied production, and textured well-crafted
instrumentation, Fire & Ice embraces everything from Britpop, to
psychedelia, to the boisterous, driving 80s jangle of bands like the Hoodoo
Gurus and Stone Roses. Main man James Miller's attention to detail is
evident on nearly all the album's 10 tracks - the hooks are immediate and
engaging and showcase Miller's penchant for mining the best of the pop music
www.shakesomeaction.net
6. THE LEN PRICE 3 - Pictures
Pure, unabashed mod-tinged power pop that harkens to the early days
of the Who, The Creation and the whole underground Freak Beat scene of the
mid 60's. It's been done countless times by countless bands, and LP3 is
completely unapologetic about wearing their influences on their sleeves, yet
this album is played with such exuberance, style and self-assuredness you
can't help but be drawn in. www.myspace.com/thelenprice3
7. THE CANDLES - Between The Sounds
The Candles is Josh Lattanzi's first solo project, encapsulating the
varied styles and influences he's picked up while recording and touring with
the likes of Ben Kweller, Albert Hammond, Jr. (The Strokes) and the
Lemonheads, to mention just a few.
http://www.thecandlesmusic.com
8. TEENAGE FANCLUB - Shadows
There's a softer, more mature edge here, compared to their more
crunch-heavy, power pop driven efforts in the 90s, yet Shadows is still
immediate, engaging, and deceptively simple . like all good pop records
should be. www.teenagefanclub.com
9. WELL WISHERS - Post Modern Romantic
I like my new album. Not much more I can say about that.
www.reverbnation.com/thewellwishers
10. ORANJULY - s/t
Another new obscurity (thanks to Notlame), this band mines
everything Brian Wilson and gives it a psychedelic, modern indie pop twist.
www.oranjuly.com
11. TITLE TRACKS - It Was Easy
12. FIELD MUSIC - Measure
13. FREE ENERGY - Stuck on Nothing
14. IAN AXEL - This is The New Year
15. NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - Together
16. TRUE LOVE- !Pas Net!
17. THE HIGH DIALS - Anthems For Doomed Youth
18. YOUNG VEINS - Take a Vacation
19. THE PARTIES - Coast Garde
20. AGONY AUNTS - Greater Miranda
21. SUPERCHUNK - Majesty Shredding
22. ELVYN - The Decline
23. OK GO - Of The Blue Colour of the Sky
24. APPLES IN STEREO - Travelers in Space & Time
25. TAME IMPALA - InnerSpeaker
26. DUNCAN MAITLAND - Lullabies for the 21st Century
27. TED LEO + PHARMACISTS - Brutalist Bricks
28. SPOON - Transference
29. TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB - Tourist History
30. OF MONTREAL - False Priest
Biggest Disappointments:
BLEU - Four
I was hoping for a vast improvement from the low-key, overwrought schmaltz
of A Watched Pot. Four is a definitely a different direction, unfortunately,
not the right one to my ears.
PAUL COLLINS - King of Power Pop
Paul is a great guy and talented songsmith, but I think he's capable of much
better than this hurried, amateurish dreck.
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