Inception had one of the most memorable score in a movie for me this year. I saw the movie three times in theatres, and each time I walked out humming the song "Time", which plays during the last few scenes of the film. Hans Zimmer used notes from the Edith Piaf song "Non, je ne Regrette Rien" in parts of his score. In fact, if you play the song in slow motion, you can really see his inspiration. Every year, I find a soundtrack or two that I enjoy, and this year, Inception is one of them.
Sounds like: The Dark Knight soundtrack, Sherlock Holmes soundtrack, The Prestige soundtrack
Definitely listen to: "Dream is Collapsing", "528491", "Time"
2008's New Surrender by Anberlin was one of my favorite albums. I can't even tell you how many times I've listened to "Feel Good Drag". I was worried that they wouldn't be able to follow that album up with another good one, but they definitely have in my book. The band brought in Grammy-winning producer Brendan O'Brien for Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place. He's worked with famous acts like AC/DC, Pearl Jam, and Rage Against The Machine. I think he really expanded the band out to provide new and different sounds. Really enjoying this one lately.
Sounds like: Acceptance, Bayside, Nevertheless
Definitely listen to: "We Owe This to Ourselves", "Impossible", "Take Me (As You Found Me)"
Although the soundtrack and score for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World are separate albums, I am combining the two for my list. Honestly, I was hoping for this soundtrack to be better than it is, but that doesn't mean that it's bad. It's still quite good and has a bunch of songs on it that have been some of my favorites of the year. I like two of the songs Beck did for Sex Bob-Omb, "We Are Sex Bob-Omb" and "Garbage Truck". I also liked Metric's contribution with "Black Sheep". Just about as catchy as you can get. Nigel Godrich did amazing things with the score for the film. A lot of the 16-bit sounds, but also exploring different musical genres. Electronica, club, rock, classic, etc.
Sounds like: 10 Things I Hate About You soundtrack, Kill Bill Vol. 1 soundtrack, Gorillaz
Definitely listen to: "Garbage Truck", "Black Sheep", "Hillcrest Park"
My favorite rapper as of late is KiD CuDi. I go through phases where I like one or two per year. Cudder just has this intoxicating voice to me. Sure, it sounds like he's high 24/7, but how many music artists aren't? The answer: 3. Anyway, his lyrics are smart and I love how he experiments with different sounds. It's not just simple beats with deep bass. He uses electronica, rock, and hip-hop with his rhymes. Very much in the same style as Kanye West, but with his own flair. The Legend of Mr. Rager marks Cudi's second album and I might like it even more than his first one.
Sounds like: B.o.B., Kanye West, Drake
Definitely listen to: "Scott Mescudi vs. The World", "Don't Play This Song", "Mr. Rager"
It's rare for me to have so many soundtracks be on my list of favorite albums of the year, but that's not how I look at Tron: Legacy. I see this simply as Daft Punk's ninth album. And boy is it good! Talk about music that pumps you up. I swear I drive twice as fast when I'm listening to this thing in the car. Another cool aspect of the music is that when I did finally see the film, the movie appeared to enhance the music. I know it's supposed to be the other way around, but that's how I felt.
Sounds like: The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method, Moby
Definitely listen to: "The Grid", "The Game has Changed", "Derezzed"
Death Cab for Cutie is to The Postal Service as Radical Face is to Electric President. I've been a fan of the indietronica band since even before they released their debut album back in 2006. I was stationed in Germany at the time and remember having to buy the CD online as it was no where to be found in stores. It played a lot in my car. Each Electric President album shows an improvement on the band's part. Ben Cooper's voice can put me to sleep because it's so soothing. The Violent Blue is unlike their previous albums though. For one, it's their first themed album since it's mostly about the ocean. Also, they are with a new studio. The new sound is good... it's very good. Less electronica and synthy. Seems louder. If their last album Sleep Well was a lullaby, The Violent Blue is the gradual wake-up call.
Sounds like: The Postal Service, Notwist, Radical Face
Definitely listen to: "Mr. Gone", "Safe and Sound", "Eat Sh*t and Die"
Very satisfied with Arcade Fire's latest album, The Suburbs. While maybe not as amazing as 2004's Funeral, that might be because that great record came out of nowhere. Their third album is certainly a hit for me. Only a couple songs that I don't like, but that's on a 16-track album. It has received nominations for Album of the Year and Best Alternative Music Album for the 53rd Grammy Awards, and the single "Ready to Start" was nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Sounds like: Band of Horses, MGMT, Broken Social Scene
Definitely listen to: "Rococo", "Half Light I", "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)"
I've always found pleasure in listening to Sigur Rós, so when it was brought to my attention that Jónsi made a solo album, I quickly had to have a listen. And boy is it amazing. His falsetto voice has never sounded more beautiful. He'll make you feel joy and sadness all within a 40-minute timespan. One of the best albums of the year.
Sounds like: Sigur Rós, Explosions in the Sky, Magenta Skycode
Definitely listen to: "Go Do", "Tornado", "Grow Til Tall."
From a falsetto to a baritone. I first heard The National's High Violet a couple months after it came out in May, but I am still listening to it all the time even now at the end of December. High Violet wins second because I like practically every track on the album. I think "Little Faith" and "Runaway" are my least favorite songs, but as for the rest, well, you can't miss. Lead singer Matt Berninger's baritone is hypnotizing.
Sounds like: Chris Isaak, Band of Horses, Interpol
Definitely listen to: "Sorrow", "Afraid of Everyone", "Bloodbuzz Ohio"
Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for...
Sike!
The Drums' self-titled debut full-length came very much anticipated by me. Last year, they released a single on an EP that took the indie world by storm. "Let's Go Surfing" is as catchy as they get and was my theme to last summer. The Drums were placed at #5 on the BBC Sound of 2010, and when their album came out, it reached #16 on the UK music charts. The Drums is #1 on my list because I love the entire record. Every single song is catchy to me. Their sound is a mix between guitar pop and 50s-throwback. I will probably be the only one to ever say that if The Beach Boys and The Smiths got together and had a band baby, it would be The Drums. It's the most unique thing I've heard all year. I can totally see myself on the beach in California listening to this album. I can't recommend this band enough.
Sounds like: The Beach Boys, The Smiths, Surfer Blood
Definitely listen to: "Me and the Moon", "Book of Stories", "I Need Fun in My Life"
A very personal list, which are the best. Three soundtracks for your top albums? Gotta love that. I loved Trent Reznor's soundtrack to "The Social Network," and considered adding it to my top 20, but there were so many other great albums in 2010. I may have to check out The Drums now.
ReplyDeleteThe Drums reminds me of Voxtrot.
ReplyDeleteJoel, yeah, there was a lot of good stuff this year. I also wanted to add the Maroon 5 album. If there was a #11, that would be it.
ReplyDeleteSam, I have never heard Voxtrot before, but I listened to a few songs of theirs on YouTube and definitely hear the resemblance. Good example.