One time when an album is actually worth all of the hype. The first time I heard it, i knew I was listening to something special. Not a weak moment on the entire album, which is filled with so much energy I'm exhausted at the end. If "My Girls" does not put a smile on your face you need to see a licensed physician.
2. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
By far the best thing this band has ever done. They've finally reached their potential and created the rock opera of the decade. Yes the lyrics are melodramatic. Yes, there is no subtlety. But that's all part of the charm.
3. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
Yellow house was a good album; moody, atmospheric, but distant. With Veckatimest, they create a much more accessible album. It's catchy, joyful, sometimes heartbreaking. Loved it.
4. Brother Ali - Us
One of the best hip hop albums Ive ever heard. This albino writes lyrics of such poignancy and music with such energy. If you like hip hop, this is your guy
5. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love
Don't listen to the critics. This is by far their best work. Colin Meloy was made to write a concept album like this. I hope for better, but this may be the pinnacle of their career.
6. Pearl Jam - Backspacer
Their exciting again! Filled with such energy. Political change in the USA does this for some bands. Not a wasted moment on this album. "Amongst the Waves" is amongst the bands best songs.
7. David Bazan - Curse Your Branches
The album that personally affected me the most this year. No album's lyrics came close to capturing me like this one. The music kicks ass as well. Bazan may just be hitting his stride
8. The xx - XX
Best debut album of the year. This British quartet should be around for a while. Moody, dark, sexy, and soothing. Check 'em out.
9. Akron/Family - Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free
New discovery of the year. I'm growing tired of indie band trends such as Vampire Weekend or the Dirty Projectors. It just sounds like noise to me. A band like this, however, captures everything a good indie band should, and more. Give this album a try.
10. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Not their best effort, but still good enough. What a band this is. You know you're good when one of your lesser albums is still amongst the ten best of the year. Keep doing it guys.
11. Rodrigo y Gabriela - 11:11
What an energetic album this is. Simply two acoustic guitars banging away. Fantastic
12. Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 - White Lies for Dark Times
New band, same awesomeness. Saw them in concert, made the album better for me.
13. Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
Just when I thought this band was done recording anything new and interesting, they bust out their best since Crash. I've even gone as far to argue that this album surpasses Crash on a lyrical level. Maybe they're not done
14. Doves - Kingdom of Rust
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Never got quite as popular here in the states as Coldplay, The Verve, or Travis, but these guys are solid. This may be my favorite of theirs thus far.
15. Muse - The Resistance
Yes they sound like Thom Yorke of Radiohead replaced Freddie Mercury as the frontman of Queen, but hell, they sound awesome. Sometimes shamelessly referencing your influences is not a bad thing. Just ask Quentin Tarantino. Anyway, there are some weaknesses on this album, but the three track symphony to close the album is well worth it.
16. John Frusciante - The Empyrean
Guitarist of the Chili Peppers. As a solo artist, far more impressive than with the band. Very good album. Check him out.
17. Mos Def - The Ecstatic
Kind of disappointing given the brilliance of Black on Both Sides and The New Danger, but solid nonetheless.
18. Them Crooked Vultures - Self Titled
Nothing Uber special about this record. Just three great musicians teaming up for a solid hard rock album. I hope they continue to collaborate
19. Other Lives - Self Titled
These guys are just starting to get some press. Saw them at a bar in Denver and they are solid. The lack a driving lead instrument, but they write very good layered music with nuanced lyrics. Look forward to their next...
20. Monsters of Folk - Self Titled
Decent collaboration. Not a huge fan of M. Ward, but Jim James of My Morning Jacket and Conor Oberst do well together. Not groundbreaking, but an enjoyable listen.
Honorable Mentions
The Mars Volta - Octahedron
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South
Biggest Disappointments
U2 - No Line on the Horizon
John Mayer - Battle Studies
Thanks for reading. Your thoughts.....
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