Top 10 CD's From the Second Half of 2010, Pt. 2

Click here for part 1 (#'s 10-6)


5.) Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Deerhunter is a band that I really like (this is the 4th CD of theirs that I have), and its obvious that I really like this disc, based on where I ranked it.  However, I am really struggling to come up with a review for some reason (this is why I don't do this for a living).  And since I am trying to get this post done this week, and only like 3 people are reading it (hi Tony!), just take my word for it that this is a good CD.



4.) Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

I have always liked some of Kanye's songs, while also hating some of his others (I really can't stand "Jesus Walks" in particular for some reason ).  ...Twisted Fantasy is the first  album of his that I have liked from start to finish, and I REALLY like it (which is probably evident since I included it on this list when it wasn't released until November 22).  This CD contains the best traits of Kanye pretty much on every song from start to finish, such as fantastic beats, top notch guest stars who actually contribute something worthwhile to the song, and lyrics that throw in an occasional humorous reference (like quoting Napoleon Dynamite).  Kanye's fifth album has been getting near-universal acclaim, some of it a little overblown, but it does deserve praise.  It is his most complete album to date and pretty damn good.



3.) Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Arcade Fire has had about as good of a beginning to a career as an indie rock band could ask for.  Their first album (2004's Funeral) was met with universal acclaim by indie rock critics (it is considered one of the best albums of the decade) and sold very well for an independent release.  Their second album (2007's Neon Bible)  was met with similar high praise, appearing at or near the top of many year end Best Of lists (except for Pitchfork, which only had it at 27, but they are notoriously finicky, usually just because they can), but this time it sold like a mainstream release, reaching gold in both the US and their native Canada and reaching #2 on the US Billboard charts.  The Suburbs, their 3rd release, was the culmination of all the band's previous success and debuted at #1.

The amazing thing is that they were able to accomplish this success while retaining all of their indie cred.  This is only possible because their music lives up to all the accolades they receive.  The Suburbs is meant to invoke a feeling and sound right out of its title and succeeds.



2.) Belle & Sebastian - Belle & Sebastian Write About Love

As I mentioned in my last post about Belle & Sebastian (my post about 1997 music),their music may not be the most "rock 'n' roll" sounding, but it certainly is beautiful.  In the follow up to 2006's The Life Pursuit (which contained one of my favorite songs of the last decade), B&S again continue with their signature sound, while this time adding a little bounce to the songs that calls back to early 70s pop.   Its a fitting that one of the least rocking bands around is paying tribute to one if the least rocking genres in rock 'n' roll history, but it works for them.



1.) School of Seven Belles - Disconnect From Desire

Disconnect From Desire is the second release from School of Seven Belles, which is the band that the lead singer of the Secret Machines left his former band to start.  I was disappointed at the time, as I really liked Secret Machines.  However, I think, based on this release and their first disc, 2008's Alpanisms, that I like this band even better.  The sound of the 2 bands are much different - Secret Machines had a prog rock sound straight out of the 70s, while School makes upbeat, electronic dream pop.  The addition of female singers helps lighten the sound even more. Disconnect... has a very atmospheric sound that swirls around you like a fog.  It is an excellent record and I am really looking forward to where this band goes in the future.



Now that I have finally finished that list, here is my overall top 10 CD list for 2010:

1.) Yeasayer - Odd Blood
2.) Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void
3.) School of Seven Belles -  Disconnect From Desire
4.) Beach House - Teen Dream
5.) Belle & Sebastian - Belle & Sebastian Write About Love
6.) The National - High Violet
7.)  Spoon - Transference
8.) Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
9.) Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
10.) The New Pornographers - Together