So... Highly subjective and a little late, here are my top ten albums of 2010, in no particular order:
How to Dress Well - Love Remains (Lefse)
Probably the most unique sounding artist around right now. Even if it's easy to grow weary of the lo-fi approach, it adds something really interesting when applied to r'n'b music. A stand-out record.
Wild Nothing - Gemini (Captured Tracks)
A strangely uplifting and cohesive album of shimmering Cure-esque pop that owes as much to the atmosphere of Cocteau Twins as it does to its fuzzy indie peers. Beautiful.
Women - Public Strain (Jagjaguwar)
It's complicated.
Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest (4AD)
I love you, Bradford.
Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo (Sub Pop)
I'm not a fan of lightweight, AM-friendly indie pop, but I listened to this record over and over this summer. Recommended.
Gayngs - Relayted (Jagjaguwar)
The XX of 2010?
Avey Tare - Down There (Paw Tracks) An exhausting album, lyrically and sonically. Difficult at first, but reveals itself to be a truly rewarding experience after repeated listens.
Sun Araw - On Patrol (Not Not Fun) Hesitant about this one, but I think it deserves a mention. A massive 74 minute album of uncategorizable music that borders on dub and psychedelic, dripping with ambiance.
Abe Vigoda - Crush (Bella Union)
Angsty, neurotic, and desperate. Highly recommended.
Joe Colley - Disasters of Self (Crippled Intellect Productions) Listen to a clip
Conceptual and subtle works of drones, field recordings, and noise. Massive, and equally immersive.
