2010 has been a great year for music so far. We Vagabonds were so excited about what we’ve been hearing that we wanted to share our favorite albums from the past seven months. Some of the choices may be obvious, but we are hoping that the ones which aren’t turn you on to something new and exciting. The advantage of having so many contributors is the depth and variety we can pull from and we believe this list is a shining example of our diverse musical tastes and perceptions. We hope to excite you while broadening your musical horizons. As always you input is more then welcome, snooty comments and all. So have at it!
-music from our ears. to yours. with love. The Vagabond Team
My Gold Mask-1000 Voices
This duo hailing from Chicago is proof that you don’t need a big band to create a full rich sound. If you don’t believe us believe the EP and if you don’t believe that see them live.
Keepaway-Babystyle
Brooklyn locals, Keepaway made our list of 10 for 2010 in the beginning of the year and so far they have lived up to the nomination with stellar reviews from Pitchfork and Fader, signing with Lefsee, recording and releasing a killer EP and even opening for Yeasayer on Governors Island last month.
Black Keys – Brothers
We are thrilled to see that everyone has finally caught on to the greatness that is The Black Keys. If you keep up with us you know we have been long time supporters and are stoked to see that their latest album, Brothers is getting the attention it deserves when their other albums went generally ignored.
Sleigh Bells – Treats
This duo is a rock assault on pop music. Mixing the screaming guitars and pounding beats of Derek Mileler with the classic pop voice and lyrics of Alexis Krauss to create a sound never heard before.
Erykah Badu - The New Amerykah part 2 (Return of the Ankh)
This is the Erykah we all have been missing. Funky, quirky, catchy, but always with a valid point. This album was everything we wanted it to be and more. Welcome back Ms. Badu.
Gayngs - Relayted
Surprisingly this album didn’t get much love even with a superstar cast like Bon Iver, Solid Gold, Ryan Olson and rapper P.O.S to name a few. But we are here to give it all the loving it needs and so should you.
The Morning Benders - Big Echo
They turned to Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear fame to produce their sophomore effort and the results speak for themselves. Much of the album has that great balance of upbeat yet mellow with sleepy guitars, soft drums and an unmatched depth of lyrics along with catchy rolling choruses.
Broken Bells - Broken Bells
All we have to say is Danger Mouse and James Mercer. Get on this!
Oberhofer - ooo0000ooo00
Brad Oberhofer is one of those rare gems that we have come across. This album if you can call it that, it was never formally released (he won’t even call it that) was recorded in his mothers basement while he was still in high school. He plays all the instruments and sings all vocals. If it sounds this good in a basement recording studio imagine what the future holds.
Phanotogram-Eyelid movie
Released in February, Eyelid Movie has been a constant on our playlists. The album is complete and flows perfectly from one song to the next. It’s easy to listen to all the way through time and time again.
Delorean- Subiza
Get your dancing shoes on. This is the perfect mellow electro album to get you swaying in the summer sun from our boys in Barcelona.
The Roots- How I got over it
This album shines with collaborations featuring joint songs with The Monsters of Folk, Joanna Newsom and John Legend. Each track is better than the next. As usual we are impressed.
Frightened Rabbit-The Winter of Mixed Drinks
If Midnight Organ Fight ever made one of your lists then Winter of Mixed Drinks is sure to do the same thing. Another great album from a great band.
Janelle Monae - Archandroid
We are suckers for albums that have a story to tell from one track to the next. Like Kid A and Tommy, Janelle Monae’s, Archandroid has also captivated us.
Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
We have been telling you about this band over and over again. We chose them for our 10 of 2010 list in the beginning of the year and we can’t wait to see them next month at Governors Island. This album is full of memorable melodies, unforgettable hooks and strong rhythms.
Gorillaz- Plastic Beach
Everyone’s favorite cartoon band came back in action right where they left off with an impressive album full of great cameo appearances from stars including Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Lou Reed, De La Soul and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.
Crime in Stereo - I was Trying to Describe You To Somone
The fourth studio album from the Long Island based melodic hardcore band. It’s a surprising and ambitious follow up to their last release Is Dead and definitely turned some heads over here.
Gonjasufi - A Sufi and A Killer
You may remember him from a cameo appearance on the Flying Lotus album Los Angeles. It’s fitting since his new album sounds much like a Flying Lotus style ambient jam with Gonjasufi’s lilting, spooky vocals intertwined throughout.
Bonobo - Black Sands
Although this album seems to reach back and take ideas from his previous three albums it’s still a good listen packed with richness and textures that you begin to appreciate more and more after each listen. It’s a grower not a shower!
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way
We thought the last album was amazing this one blew us away. Nothing but good things to say. If you ever wish you were around during Motown’s golden age then you need to pick this up immediately.
Big K.R.I.T. - K.R.I.T. Wuz Here
This self released album has gotten this southern rapper tons of attention, especially in the blogesphere. Pitchfork says, “K.R.I.T.’s ear is his biggest strength; as a producer, tracks like “Return of Forever” and “Country Shit” find him revitalizing the staid indie rap template with the 808s and swagger of Southern rap.”
Das Racist - Shut Up Dude
Some people hate “joke rap” we think its clever and entertaining. You decide. Plus if you’ve ever heard “Combination Pizza Hut Taco Bell” then we are sure you’re curious about what a full length album from these guys would sound like.
High On Fire - Snakes for the Divine
Oakland, California-based power trio released this album back in February. On this album it is easy to hear the bands natural progression in to a faster, stronger, heavier band then in the past. If this is your genre you need to know these guys.
Vampire Weekend - Contra
The Vagabond team is split on this album some of us love it and others don’t understand the hype. However it seems that most critics are in love with it. Thoughts?
Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me
Joanna Newsom and her unique place in the world in between folk and indie rock music.
Caribou - Swim
In Dan Snaith’s own words, “dance music that sounds like it’s made out of water.”
Beach House - Teen Dream
Ummm, have you heard this album? Enough said.
jj - jj n° 3
You know us Vagabonds have a soft spot for elctro-pop duos from Sweden. This elusive duo is no different.
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti - Before Today
A man known to hole up in a home recording studio and create hundreds of unreleased songs while only a few making it to public ears on mix tapes and EP’s. This was his first effort putting together a group of songs to be released and heard cohesively at one time and it’s no to shabby.
Fang Island - Fang Island
This album is happy and inclusive. Have a listen and let the good times roll.
M.I.A. - /\/\/\Y/\
Although not received very well some of us Vagabonds stay true to our girl MIA. We get what she’s trying to do and it’s still danceable. M.I.A for life!
Kurt Vile - Square Shells
His music eschews the electronic for the organic, which puts him at odds with much of what the hipsters are flocking to these days. Square Shells is a great follow up to his last release Childish Prodigy. Both are go-tos in our music library.
Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma
Global bass music matriarch Mary Anne Hobbs recently told The Fader “Flying Lotus, for me, is like the Hendrix of his generation. When speaking of his genre we are inclined to agree.
David Byrne & Fatboy Slim - Here Lies Love
Another concept album, yippie! Sharon Jones teams up with David Byrne and Fatboy Slim to tell the story of Imelda Marcos, former First Lady of the Philippines. The disco-y interpretation of her life is set to take to the theatrical stage in the future, but for now we can picture what it would have been like to live in Imelda’s shoes through Tori Amos, Cyndi Lauper, Sia, Florence Welsh (of Florence and the Machine) and Santigold.
The National - High Violet
Most of us love The National some of us don’t. If you’re an fan you are sure to love this album filled with sad songs, that deep unforgettable voice and the memorable brass and strings section to accompany it all.
Jonsi - Go
the lead singer of Sigur Rós first solo effort with moving lyrics and a voice that could move angels to tears.
Yeasayer - Odd Blood
A favorite with all the Vagabonds, this album tracked perfectly a great listen from start to finish. One of those bands that you’re sure can’t sound that on point live, until they do.
Dead Weather - Die By the Drop
Although not as impressive as their debut Horehound this album still kills it. With Mosshart on lead vocal and White shredding in the back there is no way to go wrong.
Angus and Julia Stone - Down the Way
Another pick for our 10 for 2010 we fell in love with this album from the Oz brother and sister duo. Her unique voice is enough to captivate audiances.
