Yesterday, I revealed my Top 10 favorite albums of 2010. But I don't do this alone, people, and it wouldn't do this blog justice if I didn't also present our readers with the top picks from some of the music aficionados who make up my fabulous team of contributors. Here they are, with some audio for your listening pleasure...
Joel Weiss
10) Kylesa, Spiral Shadow
Savannah, Georgia’s Kylesa manage to pack more melody and raw chaos into the follow-up to their 2009 breakthrough, Static Tensions. The ethereally gloomy sludge is great “headphone album” material with its dual drumming and spacey guitars.
9) Arctic Monkeys, Humbug
It’s a common story in the digital music age – an over-hyped debut followed by inevitable backlash. But evolution and maturity suit Arctic Monkeys well on their third album, and it’s the haters that miss out on melodies these Brits pair with their trademark cheeky humor.
8) High On Fire, Snakes For The Divine
Multiple recommendations led to my gamble on stoner metal I once found monotonous. High On Fire’s latest is more like Mastodon without the prog. Matt Pike’s froggy croak is definitely an acquired taste, but crushing, grinding riffs and wild solos should be universally appreciated.
7) Arcade Fire, The Suburbs
Concept albums often suffer from bloat, and that’s a malady even Arcade Fire can’t escape. But a half-good Arcade Fire album is still better than most. The piano-driven title-track evokes a parade of houses from classic sitcoms in keeping with the disc’s theme; and “Month Of May” is a raw, fuzzy garage rocker.
6) Marksmen, The Blue And Grey EP
I’ve never listed a local act among my top releases of the year before, though I’ve come close. Marksmen and their lush, emotive rock featuring jangly guitars, propulsive drums, and the singer’s unique voice don’t leave me a choice.
5) Wolf Parade, Expo 86
I cross my fingers hoping Wolf Parade’s third and best album yet won’t be their last. Expo 86 finds their quirky post-punk somewhere between Talking Heads and Bauhaus.
4) Sleigh Bells, Treats
Production choices make this eardrum party the most polarizing album of 2010. Either you can cut through the noise for the unabashed catchiness and melodies beneath, or you can’t. Trade your earbuds for a windows-down drive on the highway when pumping Treats.
