And so another year draws to a close and the time comes to draw up the best of the year. There is no doubt that 2010 has been a fantastic year for albums, in terms of quality it has been amazing. Sure some people would doubt this as 2010 has been the year that has lacked a big record that everyone got behind, nevertheless if you look hard enough there is some real gems. Anyway here is my absolute top ten:
1. Sufjan Stevens – The Age Of Adz
The Age of Adz, being Sufjan’s sixth album proper, is arguably his most ambitious album yet. There are so many musical ideas in this album. Some would say too much, but Sufjan has a way of pressing a mass of ideas into one song and making it sound incredibly full yet never overcrowded. This album has sounds ranging from electronica to grand orchestras, revealing more and more on each listen. Sufjan is a musical genius. What more can I say?
2. Deerhunter –Halcyon Digest
On buying this I was told by the record store owner “this album is incredible”, he was most definitely not wrong. Listening to this album for the first time I was blown away by it. Bradford Cox is arguably one of the best songwriter’s of our generation and I think this album lays testament to that. Deerhunter are yet to release an album that totally defines their sound, they are ever changing.
3. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
Probably the most anticipated record of the year, Arcade Fire’s third full length album. This album really showed just how accomplished a band Arcade Fire have become. It feels so complete as an album, that it is hard to comprehend listening to any of the tracks individually. My only gripe is it is maybe a couple of songs too long; however I would never be able to decide which songs to get rid of.
4. The National – High Violet
On first listening to ‘High Violet’ I thought it was a bit average. It was not until a couple of train journeys listening to nothing but The National that this album really clicked with me, it became my perfect soundtrack to travelling. It really is spectacular, a perfect follow on from 2007’s ‘Boxer’. The National’s sound is massive on this record with Matt Berninger’s voice sounding as incredible as ever. It has been a bit of a surprise that The National did not get launched into the mainstream spotlight with ‘High Violet’.
5. Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
It is hard to describe how happy Broken Social Scene records make me. I always find them to be amazingly chilled out yet so fun. ‘Forgiveness Rock Record’ is no different here; everything that I love about Broken Social Scene is in this record. Their dreamy pop sound on this record takes you on a journey. You cannot help but want to shout out the choruses and dance along.
6. Belle And Sebastien – Write About Love
7. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
8. Los Campesinos! – Romance Is Boring
9. Errors – Come Down With Me
10. Weezer - Hurley
RT
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