Here’s the top tops. I want to know what everyone else was feeling this year too in case I missed out on anything.
10.) Future Islands- In Evening Air
Self-proclaimed “post-wave” group set gut wrenching, break-up lyrics to boppy new wave synths and throbbing basslines. Also, vocalist Samuel T. Herring has a beast of a voice. Borrowing from voices like Cocker, Waits and dare I say, Meatloaf he steals the show. His guttural, scratchy turns spurn his tales of heartache and vitriol on to a next level of hurt.
9.) Danny Brown- The Hybrid
Along with Black Milk, Detroit MC Danny Brown helped bring Detroit hip-hop to the forefront of the genre once again. His intense, absurd flow grabs listeners immediately. Not only with his ODB-like absurdity but also the head turning punchlines. Jumping from violent to introspective with ease, Brown is someone to look for in 2011. Now come do a New York show Mr. Brown.
8.) Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
Unlike his mentor (check the no. 1 spot) Scott Mescudi isn’t going to share his downfalls through the veil of humor or chalk them up to ego. His sophomore effort is like sitting in on a therapy session, there’s no walls here. Everything is fair game from a serious coke problem to depression. His flow isn’t worldbeating and his singing voice isn’t spectacular but the man knows melody and has turned his most jacked up times into one enjoyable audio journey.
7.) Horse Feathers- Thistled Spring
My favorite folk record of the year. Nothing about these songs is too immediate but they are warm and sonically full enough to keep you from nodding off like so much of this band’s ilk does for me. The band keeps things pretty simple with acoustic guitar and sparse percussion but the addition of strings, sometimes uplifting, to most songs makes this Horse Feathers’ strongest outing yet.
6.) Big Boi- Sir Luscious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty
Andre Patton brings everything you’d expect with an Outkast related release. His first solo outing combines dexterous word play, Parliament-worthy funk, great guest spots, and it’s really just a perfect warm weather rap album.
5.) Big K.R.I.T.- K.R.I.T. Wuz Here
The record draws a bit on the long side, but each dusty, dirty South track was produced by the rapper himself and it shows because he sounds like he’s right at home. K.R.I.T. is also no slouch on the mic bouncing from chest-beating bravado to shooting for Scarface level storytelling.
4.) The Walkmen- Lisbon
Weary and focused The Walkmen have their sound down to a science. The drums smack at all the appropriate times and Hamilton Leithauser’s scathing voice still inspires awe with the heights it reaches without his vocal cords just giving up out of sheer abuse.
3.) LCD Soundsystem- This Is Happening
James Murphy’s most recent, kind of final, LCD Soundsystem outing is the incarnation’s most cohesive and enjoyable as well. Still expertly drawing on his 70s and 80s influences Murphy crafted another ode to the turmoil and joy of getting older.
2.) Titus Andronicus- The Monitor
It’s a concept album about the Civil War and it totally works. It’s kind of tough to take on any kind of history when the New Jersey band is pummeling with fist-pumping, head-cracking anthemic rock ‘n’ roll. Not to be cornered the group weaves in Americana and other folksy elements as well. Always covered with whiskey stains and cigarette ash though, this is a dirty, good times record (second mosh pit of year, don’t wear glasses to Titus show).
1.) Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
What would have most assuredly been an overblown mess for any other artist is Kanye’s most complete and compelling record to date. Combining his own musical genius with that of his insanely talented and ever growing inner-circle, Kanye has produced a work I’m still struggling to fully grasp. This is why the album succeeds, the enlistment of top tier collaborators to further his own insane vision. Whether it be hanging with RZA and Swizz Beats on the boards or pushing Rick Ross and protege Kid Cudi to shine on the mic, Kanye did it. (Also, Pusha T was on the freaking VMAs because of him)
