Jeremy's Top Albums of 2010
The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
If you’re still asking, “Who is Arcade Fire,” I’m not sure what to tell you. If you’re into great LIVE shows, we along with the other 50k+ fans at this year’s Lollapalooza can assure you that you’d be hard to find much better. If you’re just into great albums, it would be easy to declare this one as the best release in 2010 without much deliberation. If you’re into geeky technologies, go here to download Google Chrome and enjoy this amazing short film. “Desperate to elude its own corrosive dread, it keeps moving, asking, looking, and making the promise that hope isn't just another spiritual cul-de-sac. After all, you never know who might be coming in the next car.” Since we just moved to the suburbs, I’m more terrified than ever. ☺
Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons might sound like a defunct plumber that jacked up your drain this year, but don’t let that fool you. They’re a group of very talented banjo pickin’ Brits that quite honestly put together one of the most authentic albums of the decade. It took Sarah dragging me to a show in Nashville, but thankfully I connected the dots and added this to regular playlist rotation.
Brothers by The Black Keys
Once dismissed as yet another garage rock revival band in the wake of the White Stripes and the Kills; the Black Keys have proven remarkably durable, having now released five albums and four EPs . Brothers was primarily recorded in Alabama's Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and is a great progression for this band. I also find the sarcastic album art amusing.
Gorilla Manor by Local Natives
This album is right up there in terms of best debuts in recent years. This L.A. band features three-part harmonies, euphoric chanting, and really cool percussion. Think of a mixture of Fleet Foxes, The Format, and Grizzly Bear all rolled into one. The vocal harmonies and the melodies are fantastic. Did I mention they played 9 times at SXSW? Work ethic = check.
Lungs by Florence & The Machine
Why should you spend 45 precious minutes with Florence (that’s the white pasty self-professed geek and lead singer) and the Machine (her band)? Maybe because of the unbelievable voice on “I’m Not Calling You a Liar”. Or because of the near-brilliant lyricism of “My Boy Builds Coffins”. Or maybe because few moments in pop history have captured joy like the last 30 seconds of “The Dog Days Are Over”. Whatever the case, you should at least check it out.
The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monae
“The ArchAndroid” is a 70-minute / 18 track epic adventure comprising of two parts. Each beginning with an overture, telling a futuristic story starring a messianic android. It is really hard to absorb in one sitting but is a really over-the-top-cool album.
Let me know what you think and what your picks are this year. You can also share below with friends and follow me @jeremyholley. Here's to a great 2011... Happy New Year!
Jeremy's Top Albums of 2009
Click on any of the album covers to take a listen or purchase through the Amazon MP3 store:
Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix
The rest of my picks below are in no particular order but this album deserved a #1 ranking. It can simply be described as familiar meets fuzz synth meets sleepy French dude. The lyrics are a bit schizo like on the opener “Lisztomania” ("So sentimental; not sentimental, no!/ Romantic; not disgusting yet") but it is an essential pop album and a good listen all the way through.
Brand New Eyes by Paramore
Certain office mates would not soon forgive me if I left this album off of the list (those will remain nameless) however, this is a great album and I’m always willing to support a good chick fronted band from Nashville. We missed the show at the Ryman but were able to catch them in San Fran. Haley can wail and this album is a great progression from Riot!
It's Blitz by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
We continue down the path of female vocals with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If there were any doubts that the YYY’s could return with a relevant album, they are now gone. All indie “hipster” keyboard players should take notes. “It’s Blitz” shows just how much this trio has grown and is a great balance of emotion and artsy.
The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z
I'm not sure how many times Jay-Z will retire this year but do know this post-retirement comeback (his 11th album) will not disappoint. It is the third and final entry in his Blueprint series and usually makes Friday rotation in my office (the edited version of course).
I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers
Some would argue this is a sell out album. Those arguing would be previous Avett fans who have all 5 of their previous albums. That said, A major label. A stylist. A Malibu Hills recording studio. A mystical producer (Rick Rubin) and bam... you have a record people care about. The first single, “I And Love And You” is amazing! Check it out.
My One And Only Thrill by Melody Gardot
I found myself growing tired of always going back to Plans by Death Cab on rainy days so decided to replace rotation with these tunes. This album displays slow tempos, elegant vocals, and great arrangements. Do not listen to this if you need a pick-me-up.
The Outsiders by NEEDTOBREATHE
This band has perfected their songwriting over 3 albums and remained true to their roots. Some call them the Christian Kings of Leon but being a fan of both, KOL’s songs just don’t hold up anymore. I am a bit bias on this one, so you should take a listen for yourself and decide. Favorite tracks: All of them!
Love Save The Empty by Erin McCarley
This one might be disqualified because it actually released digitally in Dec 2008. The physical version was released on Jan 6th 2009 so I’m going to include it. There seems to be a theme this year with either female vocals, the fact that these bands are from Nashville, or they start with a P. In this case, 2 of the 3 apply. I love this album!
Absence by Paper Route
After a 2 year break from their last EP, Paper Route is back with a full length debut on Motown Records (I’m not sure how I feel about Motown putting out synth pop but...) three of the guys from Paper Route were in a previous band, which I also loved, called For All The Drifters. These guys are a great live act and toured a majority of 2009 with Paramore. Check out “Enemy Among Us”, “Wish”, and “Gutter”.
Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix
The rest of my picks below are in no particular order but this album deserved a #1 ranking. It can simply be described as familiar meets fuzz synth meets sleepy French dude. The lyrics are a bit schizo like on the opener “Lisztomania” ("So sentimental; not sentimental, no!/ Romantic; not disgusting yet") but it is an essential pop album and a good listen all the way through.
Brand New Eyes by Paramore
Certain office mates would not soon forgive me if I left this album off of the list (those will remain nameless) however, this is a great album and I’m always willing to support a good chick fronted band from Nashville. We missed the show at the Ryman but were able to catch them in San Fran. Haley can wail and this album is a great progression from Riot!
It's Blitz by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
We continue down the path of female vocals with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If there were any doubts that the YYY’s could return with a relevant album, they are now gone. All indie “hipster” keyboard players should take notes. “It’s Blitz” shows just how much this trio has grown and is a great balance of emotion and artsy.
The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z
I'm not sure how many times Jay-Z will retire this year but do know this post-retirement comeback (his 11th album) will not disappoint. It is the third and final entry in his Blueprint series and usually makes Friday rotation in my office (the edited version of course).
I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers
Some would argue this is a sell out album. Those arguing would be previous Avett fans who have all 5 of their previous albums. That said, A major label. A stylist. A Malibu Hills recording studio. A mystical producer (Rick Rubin) and bam... you have a record people care about. The first single, “I And Love And You” is amazing! Check it out.
My One And Only Thrill by Melody Gardot
I found myself growing tired of always going back to Plans by Death Cab on rainy days so decided to replace rotation with these tunes. This album displays slow tempos, elegant vocals, and great arrangements. Do not listen to this if you need a pick-me-up.
The Outsiders by NEEDTOBREATHE
This band has perfected their songwriting over 3 albums and remained true to their roots. Some call them the Christian Kings of Leon but being a fan of both, KOL’s songs just don’t hold up anymore. I am a bit bias on this one, so you should take a listen for yourself and decide. Favorite tracks: All of them!
Love Save The Empty by Erin McCarley
This one might be disqualified because it actually released digitally in Dec 2008. The physical version was released on Jan 6th 2009 so I’m going to include it. There seems to be a theme this year with either female vocals, the fact that these bands are from Nashville, or they start with a P. In this case, 2 of the 3 apply. I love this album!
Absence by Paper Route
After a 2 year break from their last EP, Paper Route is back with a full length debut on Motown Records (I’m not sure how I feel about Motown putting out synth pop but...) three of the guys from Paper Route were in a previous band, which I also loved, called For All The Drifters. These guys are a great live act and toured a majority of 2009 with Paramore. Check out “Enemy Among Us”, “Wish”, and “Gutter”.
Jeremy's Top Albums of 2008
Click any of the album images to listen to clips or purchase through Amazon MP3 Store:
In Rainbows by RadioHead
Hands down, the best album of 2008 (minus the fact that it was released independently in 2007). Sarah and I got to see these guys for the first time this summer and they truly live up to all the hype. Everyone talks about the marketing and PR that went into the “name your own price” strategy but the bottom line is this album's success was based on the fact that the music is amazing... it exudes confidence and is full of energy.
Consolers Of The Lonely by The Raconteurs
The guys did a two night run here in Nashville before they kicked off the tour. It was one of those moments when you wondered if this is what it must have felt like to have seen one of the great rock bands before anyone really appreciated them. The guys rock and are great story tellers. If you don’t believe me, check out “Carolina Drama”. "I'm not sure that there's a point to the story but I'm going to tell it again," "So many other people try to tell the tale, not one of them knows the end." Guess the point of the story is in the telling Mr. White.
Only By The Night by Kings Of Leon
The most played album in our office this year (other than our own releases of course)! Moving past the fact that some of the songs were a bit confusing lyrically and I couldn’t tell if the song, “Use Somebody”, was a NEEDTOBREATHE song or one of their own, the band offers up an overly addictive (gritty pop rock) album. I might be a little bias due to the fact that these guys are from Nashville.
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
I’ll keep this one short as this is either (a) the most obvious choice for inclusion or (b) you’re a music snob and can’t acknowledge the fact that you like Coldplay. From start to finish, Viva La Vida was worth the money spent. I bought it on vinyl and digitally and thought the guys really stretched their sound while remaining true to their roots.
Self Titled by Fleet Foxes
The best way to describe this Seattle based quintet is Appalachian folk meets classic rock meets AM country with a side of SoCal pop. The album opens with "Sun It Rises", which sure enough sounds like someone's idea of a sunrise over an evergreen mountain. All that's missing are the crackles and hisses of an old LP. (Fortunately, Sub Pop, is issuing it on vinyl.) Fleet Foxes' harmonies remain the primary draw, and they've written and arranged these songs to showcase their shared vocals. Very good listening for 4 hour trips to the west coast.
Swallow The Sea by Matthew Perryman Jones
Again... from Nashville, and one of my most played albums of the year. Matthew delivers a great sounding album with dynamic crescendos, moody guitars, and catchy melodies. One of the most moving performances this past year was the timeless song, “Motherless Child” live at the Rutledge. First time I’ve seen my wife cry at a show. Other favorites include, “Save You”, “Without A Clue”, and “Feels Like Letting Go”.
The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow
If you are not moved by relaxed soulful lullabies then this album may not be for you (as it is very chill). It was entirely self-produced, mixed and recorded by Elbow without any outside help. This was another album that I found helpful for long flights and raining afternoons on Music Row.
(Red Album) by Weezer
An opening Rogaine reference on “Pork and Beans” pretty much establishes the overall theme of a self-described “old man” reliving his lost youth. Be that as it may, Coumo (a Harvard Grad) delivers another album full of simple, fun, pop ballads with mass appeal. I found “Trouble Maker”, “Pork and Beans”, and “Everybody Get Dangerous” in frequent “running mix” rotation (which means I haven’t listened to the album since June).
In Rainbows by RadioHead
Hands down, the best album of 2008 (minus the fact that it was released independently in 2007). Sarah and I got to see these guys for the first time this summer and they truly live up to all the hype. Everyone talks about the marketing and PR that went into the “name your own price” strategy but the bottom line is this album's success was based on the fact that the music is amazing... it exudes confidence and is full of energy.
Consolers Of The Lonely by The Raconteurs
The guys did a two night run here in Nashville before they kicked off the tour. It was one of those moments when you wondered if this is what it must have felt like to have seen one of the great rock bands before anyone really appreciated them. The guys rock and are great story tellers. If you don’t believe me, check out “Carolina Drama”. "I'm not sure that there's a point to the story but I'm going to tell it again," "So many other people try to tell the tale, not one of them knows the end." Guess the point of the story is in the telling Mr. White.
Only By The Night by Kings Of Leon
The most played album in our office this year (other than our own releases of course)! Moving past the fact that some of the songs were a bit confusing lyrically and I couldn’t tell if the song, “Use Somebody”, was a NEEDTOBREATHE song or one of their own, the band offers up an overly addictive (gritty pop rock) album. I might be a little bias due to the fact that these guys are from Nashville.
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
I’ll keep this one short as this is either (a) the most obvious choice for inclusion or (b) you’re a music snob and can’t acknowledge the fact that you like Coldplay. From start to finish, Viva La Vida was worth the money spent. I bought it on vinyl and digitally and thought the guys really stretched their sound while remaining true to their roots.
Self Titled by Fleet Foxes
The best way to describe this Seattle based quintet is Appalachian folk meets classic rock meets AM country with a side of SoCal pop. The album opens with "Sun It Rises", which sure enough sounds like someone's idea of a sunrise over an evergreen mountain. All that's missing are the crackles and hisses of an old LP. (Fortunately, Sub Pop, is issuing it on vinyl.) Fleet Foxes' harmonies remain the primary draw, and they've written and arranged these songs to showcase their shared vocals. Very good listening for 4 hour trips to the west coast.
Swallow The Sea by Matthew Perryman Jones
Again... from Nashville, and one of my most played albums of the year. Matthew delivers a great sounding album with dynamic crescendos, moody guitars, and catchy melodies. One of the most moving performances this past year was the timeless song, “Motherless Child” live at the Rutledge. First time I’ve seen my wife cry at a show. Other favorites include, “Save You”, “Without A Clue”, and “Feels Like Letting Go”.
The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow
If you are not moved by relaxed soulful lullabies then this album may not be for you (as it is very chill). It was entirely self-produced, mixed and recorded by Elbow without any outside help. This was another album that I found helpful for long flights and raining afternoons on Music Row.
(Red Album) by Weezer
An opening Rogaine reference on “Pork and Beans” pretty much establishes the overall theme of a self-described “old man” reliving his lost youth. Be that as it may, Coumo (a Harvard Grad) delivers another album full of simple, fun, pop ballads with mass appeal. I found “Trouble Maker”, “Pork and Beans”, and “Everybody Get Dangerous” in frequent “running mix” rotation (which means I haven’t listened to the album since June).
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