Favorite Albums of 2010

Here are some of my favorite albums of the year.

20.  The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards


Of all Jack White's side-projects this is probably my least favorite.  But that's not saying much.  Still a great band, still a phenomenal album.


19.  Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

Upon first listening I was actually very disappointed.  But something happened between now and then-- now I have a much greater appreciation for it.


18.  John Mark McMillan - The Medicine

Technically this could be considered an '09 release.  But it was pulled and then re-released this year.  I'll let it slide.


17.  Vampire Weekend - Contra


They took all the things haters complained about in their first album and cranked it up.


16.  Horse Feathers - Thistled Spring


Somewhat brighter than their previous albums, and just as good.


15.  Cloud Cult - Light Chasers


As I write this I wonder why this isn't higher on the list.  Phenomenal album.


14.  Best Coast - Crazy Fot You


It's a little hard to sing these songs in public.  But they're so catchy it's a little hard not to.


13.  Sleigh Bells - Treats


I never thought I'd hear this kind of mash-up of genres.  For the most part it's pulled off incredibly.


12.  LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening


Another genre that I usually don't gravitate towards, but this album is just amazing.


11.  The Black Keys - Brothers


This is the album I wanted their last couple to be.


10.  Jonsi - Go


This was the sound of our Spring.


9.  Janelle Monae - The Archandroid


One of the most ambitious debut albums I've ever heard.


8.  Shad - TSOL


The best hip hop artist you may have never heard of.


7.  Frightened Rabbit - The Winter of Mixed Drinks


One of the most consistent albums of the year.  Just as good as their previous record.


6.  Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy


Not a lot of beauty on this album, but the ambition and scope is just incredible.


5.  Arcade Fire - The Suburbs


Despite being a band that's way too serious for it's own good, I really admire them at the same time.


4.  The National - High Violet

I had extremely high expectations with this album, and wasn't let down one bit.


3.  Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More


I've heard this band compared to the Avett Brothers and Fleet Foxes, among others.  While there are definite similarities, there are just as many distinctions.


2.  The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt


My surprise album and favorite musical discovery of the year.


1.  Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz


Sufjan took noise and made it into a beautiful sound. Heartfelt, honest, and introspective.