The Sounds of 2010

Here are the most memorable albums of 2010 that graced my stereo in no particular order. It was a good year for music.

Sufjan Stevens-Age Of Adz

Different from all of his other albums in a good way. More electronic, deep, personal lyrics and weird guitar solos. This album will forever remind me of the Pacific Northwest.












Sufjan Stevens- All Delighted People-EP

Usually EP's serve as predictors for what to expect on the upcoming full-length. This was not the case. Beautiful songs written in the traditional Sufjan way. The only consistency between this album and the full length are the lyrics that set the stage for Adz.













The Tallest Man on Earth-Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird-EP

It has been awhile since I anticipated an album. This was such a great EP with insightful lyrics, wonderfully played guitar tracks. It's just fun to listen too!













The Drums-The Drums

Lo-fi recording with fun lyrics and upbeat rhythms. This is probably the closest I will ever get to being a fan of The Smiths.













Vampire Weekend- Contra

Released during the cold, cold months of January listeners were magically transported to a secluded beach, sipping on a pina colada or in this case, horchata.













Dum Dum Girls-I Will Be

Surf + Punk + 60's garage rock = Dum Dum Girls. If punks surfed, I imagine they would listen to this.













Foals-Total Life Forever

Contains one of my favorite tracks this year "Black Gold". As one friend put it "This record is eclectic".













Eryka Badu-New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh

Played this while driving through Santa Barbara Wine Country and it was so perfect as my car hugged the curves of the road. Funky, soulful and smooth.












Sleigh Bells-Treats

Fun music to listen to on a long bike ride. Loud, crunchy guitars, pulsating drum beats and aggressive female vocals. I put this on when I am having "One of those days".













Local Natives-Gorilla Manor

Harmonies, harmonies, harmonies!!! Enough said.













The National-High Violet

Once you get used to the monotone vocals it is a really enjoyable album. Lemon World captured the feeling of driving to Wyoming with my closest friends.

"So happy I was invited. Gave me a reason to get out of the city".













The Walkmen-Lisbon

Didn't like it at first. Listened to it while doing some bike repair. Loved it! Not sure why I like it so much. It's juts a great Walkmen record.













Club 8-The People's Record

Fun pop record with calypso, afro, and brazilian beats. In search for unique sounds this year, this did not disappoint. When you listen to this album you cannot help but smile, feel happy and shake yo money maker.