Every Music Critic's Year-End Top 10 List Explained

MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan · Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:03 am

This is fucking brilliant.

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsu ... ums_li.php

MgoBlue-LightSpecial · Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:52 pm

Nice. I'm certain I haven't heard as many 2010 albums as you, but my vote would go to The New Pornographers - Together.

Beach House sucks ass. The hipsters really outdid themselves with that band. If you took all the skinny jeans from a Beach House concert and made one big pair, KC Paul still couldn't fit his pinky in one of the pant legs.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 7:33 pm

MgoBlue-LightSpecial wrote:The hipsters really outdid themselves with that band. If you took all the skinny jeans from a Beach House concert and made one big pair, KC Paul still couldn't fit his pinky in one of the pant legs.

This makes Portland guy laugh much.

While Puffycoat might not fit into those jeans, he could buy himself a very nice pair of American made jeans from RJack's store by selling off the scrap metal that could be salvaged off said hipsters' belts.

And I wonder how many of them actually have a prescription for that stupid pair of eyeglasses they're wearing? Or does being a hipster require partial blindness?

MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan · Sat Dec 11, 2010 3:34 am

MgoBlue-LightSpecial wrote:Nice. I'm certain I haven't heard as many 2010 albums as you, but my vote would go to The New Pornographers - Together.

Beach House sucks ass. The hipsters really outdid themselves with that band. If you took all the skinny jeans from a Beach House concert and made one big pair, KC Paul still couldn't fit his pinky in one of the pant legs.

I've made a conscious effort to listen to the indie darling bands this year (Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, The National) but I still feel like a college freshman cramming for a midterm. My Top 25 (with the Top 10 annotated) is due Monday morning and I still haven't listened to MGMT yet. Just got the new Kanye a couple days ago. It's decent, but I don't get Spin AND Rolling Stone putting it at No. 1. I DLed that New Pornographers. I'll give it a listen. I think I've got my Top 10 pretty well nailed down, but 11-25 is still up in the air.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 2:12 am

Do not finish your top 10 list unless you've heard "Steeple" by Wolf People.

http://www.amazon.com/Steeple-Wolf-Peop ... pd_sim_m_1

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 6:36 pm

Sudden Sam wrote:This redeems "new" music for me after all the wimpy-ass, untalented shit I've endured from this board.

Avoiding links from Screwey and MaGoo improves the overall experience of reading this forum.

And it ain't from this year, but it's recent --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqFb6VXW86Y

Good old fashioned rock and roll.

I'll check out BSmack's links later.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 6:58 pm

1. Belle and Sebastian - Write About Love
2. Wolf Parade - Expo 86
3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
4. Yeasayer - Odd Blood
5. New Pornographers - Together
Everything else: Things that get Slobbering Sam's panties bunched.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:52 pm

Dinsdale wrote:I'll check out BSmack's links later.

You will so totally not regret that. The lead singer is definitely a Winwood clone. But he's channeling Traffic era Winwood, not the Back in the High Life bullshit that helped ruin the 80s. And they play like mothers.

Another band that those of us who like their rock straight with no chaser should be listening to is Black Dub. It's a project of Daniel Lanois, who is more noted for working with Brian Eno, U2 and a shitload of other folks as a producer. But he can rock the fuck out.

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:57 pm

Screw_Michigan wrote: 5. New Pornographers - Together

Finally. Finally, you motherfucker...

:bode:

RACK it, Screw.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:19 pm

Martyred wrote:
Screw_Michigan wrote: 5. New Pornographers - Together
Finally. Finally, you motherfucker...

RACK it, Screw.

Hey, 3/5 of my list are Canadian bands. What's this "finally" shit?

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:19 pm

BSmack wrote:not the Back in the High Life bullshit that helped ruin the 80s.

Please.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:22 pm

Screw_Michigan wrote:
BSmack wrote:not the Back in the High Life bullshit that helped ruin the 80s.
Please.

You didn't think for a second that I would let that chance to rip Winwood's 80's schlock slip by me?

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:24 pm

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/Aranya

Some previews submitted for your approval...

But I'd skip the first sample, since it's the weakest.

MgoBlue-LightSpecial · Wed Dec 22, 2010 1:27 am

Dinsdale wrote:http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/Aranya

Some previews submitted for your approval...

But I'd skip the first sample, since it's the weakest.

What the fuck is this teen angst shit? You listen to this stuff?

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 1:36 am

agreed on the Beach House. lots of shit like that I aint a fan of. muted stuff like tallest man on earth and best coast make me ill.

overmodulated indie stuff like titus andronicus and wavves and sleigh bells and tame impala i was down with.

wife was able to get me whistling gayass vampire weekend and hot chip. like 'em both. so I am probably gay.

big fan of the walkmen. thanks to moorese turning me on to them at bows and arrows.

I wish I could say grinderman, but its more production than nick cave's man angst. disappointing.

i liked the arcade fire album. was worried that the suburbs are a tired ass thing to rise against, but they did a great job with it. and the songs the chick sings aren't annoying on this album.

didn't get the new pronographers. saw them early in their existence and wasn't impressed. bland.

kanye's album was good. big boi's was damned good. gets played more in my ipod than all the others in this list.

and the best nsfw video of the year: el guincho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CreEuaS8QY

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:33 am

Rack Bace for bringing the heavy indie lumber. Post here more, ASSHOLOE.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 6:27 pm

MgoBlue-LightSpecial wrote:
Dinsdale wrote:http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/Aranya

Some previews submitted for your approval...

But I'd skip the first sample, since it's the weakest.
What the fuck is this teen angst shit? You listen to this stuff?

Not by choice, really.

Just hear the rehearsals in the basement.

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:08 pm

Top Ten including fav song...

10. Broken Bells (Broken Bells) - October
9. The Morning Benders (Big Echo) - Promises
8. The Black Keys (Brothers) - Too Afraid to Love You
7. The Pass (Burst) - Treatment of the Sun
6. Surfer Blood (Astro Coast) - Take It Easy
5. Band of Horses (Infinite Arms) - Compliments
4. Foals (Total Life Forever) - Black Gold
3. The National (High Violet) - Terrible Love
2. Arcade Fire (The Suburbs) - Modern Man
1. Wolf Parade (Expo 86) - In the Direction of the Moon

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:12 pm

Screw_Michigan wrote:
Hey, 3/5 of my list are Canadian bands. What's this "finally" shit?

Because you hit on a band that isn't some awkward, metrosexual, American Anglophile, post-Napster, avant-poseur drivel.
There's nothing...and I mean NOTHING more tragic than Yanks doing "kitchen sink drama" as only the Brits can do.

It's like your only prerequisite for quality, modern music is an "awwww, shucks" attitude coupled with the entire
Johnny Marr discography.

Here. Here's the real thing, you ballsack draining half-wits...

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:19 pm

The only reason Arcade Fire exists is because Stereolab isn't around anymore to punch them in their twee, faggoty faces...

...and because ruffled shirts and dollar store cosmetics for men are "in".

Die. All of you.

MgoBlue-LightSpecial · Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:19 pm

Dinsdale wrote:Not by choice, really.

Puss. At least own up to it since you're so quick to dish it out.

MgoBlue-LightSpecial · Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:52 pm

Marty, I see you workin', but have you heard 99% of the horseshit this country lauds? Arcade Fire might as well be the fuckin Beatles by comparison.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:55 pm

L45B wrote: 1. Wolf Parade (Expo 86) - In the Direction of the Moon

Good minds think alike. Did you hear about the band going on "indefinite hiatus?" Sucks. I think both Dan and Spencer are really into their solo projects, but realize WP is how their bread is buttered, so I bet they'll be back in four years (instead of the usual two) to re-fill their coffers.

And my dream of hosting a Wolf Parade show at the Canadian Embassy just died a little.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 10:51 pm

Martyred wrote:The only reason Arcade Fire exists is because Stereolab isn't around anymore to punch them in their twee, faggoty faces...

...and because ruffled shirts and dollar store cosmetics for men are "in".

Die. All of you.

Every time Marty sneers at popular indy music an angel gets its wings.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:30 am

Martyred wrote:The only reason Arcade Fire exists is because Stereolab isn't around anymore to punch them in their twee, faggoty faces...

Stereolab don't punch people. Too much tragedy already. [oldmanindierock]my then girlfriend/ now wife was a superfan in the early 90s. hung out and had a meal with them everytime they hit the midwest. she always mentioned that laetitia had the softest cheeks imaginable[/oldmanindierock]

last time they came through St. Louis, my wife gave them her robin's egg blue '69 fender musicmaster. it only took a year for her to realize that it was a stupid gesture.

at my wedding the DJ guy acted like we didn't choose enough music for him to play during dinner. after a stereolab french marxist song, he played andrew lloyd weber. i was too drunk to care.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:39 am

and Arcade Fire is fucking awesome. I can't imagine being a young kid today and having that first arcade fire album come out. I can't think of what was comparable in my days. nirvana's nevermind came out when I was a junior, but that was less an album than a culture change. my bloody valentine's loveless and stone roses came out around then. pretty hate machine? 13 Songs?

maybe a kid wouldn't appreciate the disappointment of wasted youth and the reaction to fix that error that makes up the angst in the first arcade fire album. only old people like me who are disappointed a lot appreciate it. context, baby.

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:22 am

Bizzarofelice wrote:...after a stereolab french marxist song...

~sigh~

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:29 am

Bizzarofelice wrote:and Arcade Fire is fucking awesome.

....nirvana's nevermind....

....my bloody valentine's loveless...

Arcade Fire in the context of Nevermind and Loveless?

May you trip over Jarvis Cocker's sardonic wit and land on a rusty AIDS needdle.

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:34 am

okay...the AIDS needle thing was over the top...but, still...

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:51 am

MgoBlue-LightSpecial wrote:
Dinsdale wrote:Not by choice, really.
Puss. At least own up to it since you're so quick to dish it out.

Never heard a whole song.

Just happen to frequently be in the same house.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:52 am

Bizzarofelice wrote:13 Songs?

Rack DC.

MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan · Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:16 am

For the record, here's my Top 25 of 2010:

1. The Ocean – Heliocentric/Anthropocentric (Metal Blade Records)
2. Band of Horses – Infinite Arms (Brown Records/Fat Possum/Columbia)
3. Fen – Trails Out of Gloom (Ripple Music)
4. Zoroaster – Matador (E1 Music)
5. Kylesa – Spiral Shadow (Prosthetic Records)
6. Atmosphere – To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
7. The Sword – Warp Riders (Kemado Records)
8. Torche – Songs for Singles (Hydra Head Records)
9. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Roc-A-Fella Records)
10. The Flaming Lips – The Flaming Lips and Stardeath and White Dwarfs with Henry Rollins and Peaches Doing The Dark Side of the Moon (Warner Bros. Records)
11. Kongh – Shadows of the Shapeless (Seventh Rule Recordings)
12. The National – High Violet (4AD)
13. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (Merge Records)
14. Gifts From Enola – Gifts From Enola (The Mylene Sheath)
15. Portugal. The Man – American Ghetto (Approaching AIRballoons/Equal Vision Records)
16. Sweet Cobra – Mercy (Black Market Activities)
17. The Dillinger Escape Plan – Option Paralysis (Party Smasher Inc.)
18. Envy – Recitation (Temporary Residence Limited)
19. Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues (Bloodshot Records)
20. Mini Mansions – Mini Mansions (Rekords Rekords)
21. Landmine Marathon – Sovereign Descent (Prosthetic Records)
22. Rocky Votolato – True Devotion (Barsuk Records)
23. High on Fire – Snakes for the Divine (E1 Music)
24. Anal Cunt – Fuckin' A (Patac Records)
25. Coheed & Cambria – Year of the Black Rainbow (Columbia Records)

If you want more in-depth analysis, here's my annotated Top 10 (scroll down to the second list) and my rant on why I left off Girl Talk altogether.

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 1:55 pm

There's a band called Anal Cunt? Fuckin' A.

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:04 pm

They've actually been around a while.

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:42 pm

Probably not one of Tipper Gore's favorites.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:53 am

Martyred wrote:
Bizzarofelice wrote:and Arcade Fire is fucking awesome.

....nirvana's nevermind....

....my bloody valentine's loveless...

Arcade Fire in the context of Nevermind and Loveless?

Arcade Fire's first album is far far better than Nevermind.

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:41 pm

Bizzarofelice wrote:Arcade Fire's first album is far far better than Nevermind.

No, it isn't.

Go back to listening to auto-tuned horseshit and let me know when you guys catch up to what's coming out of Britain these days.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 1:42 am

Martyred wrote:
Bizzarofelice wrote:Arcade Fire's first album is far far better than Nevermind.

No, it isn't.

yes it is. nevermind is a run-of-the-mill pop punk album with some raw nerves.

Go back to listening to auto-tuned horseshit and let me know when you guys catch up to what's coming out of Britain these days.

what does this even mean?

Shlomart Ben Yisrael · Thu Jan 13, 2011 2:06 am

Bizzarofelice wrote:
Martyred wrote:
Go back to listening to auto-tuned horseshit and let me know when you guys catch up to what's coming out of Britain these days.
what does this even mean?

I just read that on some radical dude's Twitter account and thought it sounded "fresh". I actually don't know what it means to tell you the truth, imo.