This is almost at the point where you can say ” This late, what is his deal?”. But, I figure as long as it’s before the Academy Awards it’s still OK to post year-end lists for the previous year. Plus, after Taylor Swift won the Grammy for Album of the Year I knew I needed to write something.
Just like the other lists (except for the comics), this is in descending order. I also added an embeddable player from Lala.com for all of the eleven albums that are available to stream there. Unfortunately the number 2 album is not available there.
11 - Black Moth Super Rainbow – Eating Us - There are a lot of odd vocal effects on this, but it’s a great album. If someone who hadn’t heard them asked me to describe their sound I’d say their name suits them very well.
10 - Atlas Sound – Logos - This album, like Eating Us, might take some getting used to. No weird vocal effects, just slower chill-out jams.
9 - Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – These French guys released one of the best pop-rock albums of the year. Most of these songs are so catchy you’ll be humming them for weeks. You’ve probably already heard part of one of their songs in a Cadillac commercial.
8 - Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career – Great album by a female-vocal driven band with a bit of a folky tinge. If the first song doesn’t make you fall in love with this band, there is no hope for you.
7 - The Appleseed Cast – Sagarmatha - You can call this emo if you must, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love their sound and this album.
6 - Obits – I Blame You – Whether or not you were upset that Hot Snakes broke up, if you like rock music or miss Drive Like Jehu you’ll like this.
5 - Neko Case – Middle Cyclone - Another group with a female singer, this time it’s actually named for her. If You like her as a member of the New Pornographers and don’t mind that it’s a bit country you’ll find a great album.
4 - Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures - Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, Dave Grohl, and John Paul Jones (the bassist of Led Zeppelin) got together and made an album. I’d be more surprised if it wasn’t awesome.
3 - Future of the Left – Travels With Myself and Another - I’ve expressed my love for Andy Falkous’ band Mclusky before. I think with this album his new band might be the best thing he’s done.
2 - Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest - I still can’t decide whether I like this more than Yellow House or not, but they’re both amazing albums. I love their willingness to experiment with different instruments.
1 - Mastodon – Crack The Skye - One of the best (if not the best) metal bands working today put out a prog album and it’s excellent.
There you go, feel free to tell me how much you agree or don’t agree in the comments.
