MV’S TOP ALBUMS OF 2010 // #41-50

It’s that time of year, Vagabonds. In the next series of posts, we reflect on the 50 awesomest albums from 2010 (in no particular order) and look forward to another awesome year of music in 2011. Enjoy the video montage of the list below and without further adieu, albums 41-50:

50. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs- Enjoy the video above, read our past posts and hear from Matt on why this is one of the best for 2010…

“Arcade Fire resurfaced after a long break with this album about growing up in the suburbs, something that presumably many of their fans can relate to. One major highlight of the album is Régine Chassagne’s The Sprawl II, which sounds unlike anything the band had ever put out previously.” 

49. J.Roddy Walston and the Business-  Self Titled - L.Sizzle says… watch this video 

“Hailing from Baltimore by way of somewhere in Tennessee, Rod and company give us what this whacked out hipster/electronic world is lacking, some feel good rock n’ roll. Rod’s gritty voice coupled with some dirty keys reminds me why I fell in love with rock n’ roll in the first place when I was a kid. Their sophomore album was recorded on tape (yes you heard me right) the old fashioned way, it’s proof that there are some things a sample machine and Macintosh computer just can’t do or replicate. I respect the shit out of that. Take that nerds! «crushes beer on head»”

48. The Morning Benders- Big Echo - L.Sizzle says…

“Simply gorgeous, I don’t think there’s anything else to say. Listen to the full album in Jess’ post from earlier this year”

47. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Matt says…

“Even after weekly G.O.O.D. Friday leaks and several major live TV performances, the release of Kanye’s best album to date was a massive event.  As much as you might not want to love this album, it’s close to impossible.  Special shout-out to Bon Iver for being Kanye’s not-so-secret weapon.”

46. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More - L.Sizzle says…

“Proving their worth at Telluride Bluegrass Festival this year, it’s no secret I just plain love this album. I love banjos, stand up bass, dobros and well, i love bluegrass! If you aren’t sure how much you like the twine and twang of bluegrass music, Mumford and Sons is a great place to explore your courtship. Fused with traditional folk style, the boys from Britain give us an easily relate able sound that pays homage to the roots of folk and bluegrass. All in one album you could feel like you are pleasantly lost in Kentucky, Alabama or on the Scottish countryside.”

45. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening- Matt says…

“Like the first track on the album, “Dance Yrself Clean,” the latest (and final?) album from LCD Soundsystem is a slow build, growing on you with every listen until it ranks up with the best of their previous work.  Just try not to dance while watching this video.”

44. Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty- Matt says…

“After listening to this album, it’s impossible to imagine why the decidedly more gangster half of Outkast had so much trouble getting it produced and distributed.  This is Big Boi back in Speakerboxxx mode with bouncing hip hop tracks like Shutterbug and Follow Us.”

43. Erykah Badu- New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) - L.Sizzle says…

“One of my favorite artists of all time, Ms. Erykah Badu fails to dissapoint in 2010’s Part 2 Return of the Ankh. Opposed to the social and politically themed Part 1, 4th World War, Part 2 is intimate and carries themes about self respect, relationships and longing, showcasing her titanic voice and charismatic yet vulnerable thoughts. This album reflects the soulful jazz and R&B that made Baduizm an amazing album but brings the modern Erykah to life. We brought you the video for Window Seat when it came out, we hope you checked out the rest of the album.” 

42. Sleigh Bells- Treats - L.Sizzle says…

“When I first heard this album I couldn’t put words to it. Critics write it off as noise, but those listening a little deeper discovered melodies and a sound that pushes the envelope. The purely heavy sound of Sleigh Bells were a welcome change at a time when I felt that I hadn’t heard anything new and truly creative in a while. Definitely worth checking out and not for the faint of heart!”

41. The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards - KyKy says…

“White and Mosshart et, al. continued to deliver their seductively demonic, sweat-soaked blues. MV caught their collection of carcasses at Prospect Park this Summer, restoring our faith in rock.”

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.

NEW VIDEO - The Morning Benders: Promises

As you may remember I totally fell in love with Big Echo and mostly due to how awesome the video for their first single “Excuses” was.

Above is another great video for their song, “Promises” which is about growing up to fast and features kids doing “adult things”, ie drinking, smoking, shooting, shaving, robbing banks.  All of these things I achieved by the ripe old age of 10 so I can totally relate.  They are touring with some great groups this summer as well as on their own so catch them at any of these venues listed below.

04/15 – Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
04/16 – Winooski, VT @ The Monkey House
04/17 – Boston, MA @ Newbury Comics Instore (3:30PM)
04/17 – Boston, MA @ TT The Bear’s (Sold Out)
04/18 – Clinton, NY @ Hamilton College
04/22 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge (Sold Out)
04/24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg (Sold Out)
04/28 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge (Sold Out)
05/01 – Carlisle, PA @ Dickinson College#
05/18 – San Diego, CA @ Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay*
05/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater*
05/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom*
05/24 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom*
05/25 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market*
05/26 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom*
05/29 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theater*
05/31 – Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre*
06/01 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall*
06/02 – Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre*
06/04 – Boston, MA @ Royale Night Club*
06/05 – New York, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza*
06/06 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory*
06/07 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club*
06/10 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
06/11 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club*
06/23 – Canandaigua, NY @ CMAC Performing Arts Center%@
06/27 – New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage% (Sold Out)
06/28 – New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage% (Sold Out)
08/06-08 – Chicago, IL (Lollapalooza)
# with Grizzly Bear
* with Broken Bells
@ with The Flaming Lips
% with The Black Keys (via stereogum)
-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp

REVIEW: The Morning Benders - Big Echo

If you have been following our posts about The Morning Benders then you know how much we loved the video for “Excuses” the first single of their new album, Big Echo. The sound they were able to generate with all of their San Fran musician friends was phenomenal and mixed with those lyrics and harmonies, tre magnifique!

Therefore, it will come as no big surprise that I give this album a great review.  While it is full of mellow sunnyish California indie rock-pop songs there is nothing totally shocking about it, but that in no way takes away from the fact that it’s an album to be excited about.

For this album they have tried some new things, moving in another direction from the twangy indie sound found on their first album, Talking Through Tin Cans. This creative change may be due to that fact that Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear fame was tapped to produce their sophomore effort.

I find that many of the tracks have that great balance of upbeat yet mellow with sleepy guitars, soft drums and an unmatched depth of lyrics along with catchy rolling choruses.  One of my favorite tracks, “Pleasure Sighs” is a perfect example.  It’s able to guide you into a peaceful tranquil state while still leaving you wanting more as opposed to wanting your pillow.  This is an album that you can play from start to finish on a laid-back Sunday afternoon making brunch, drinking mimosas and discussing the debauchery of nights past with some of your closest friends.

Over all this is a strongly instrumental album with some exceptions like the track, “Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)” Which proves to have that really poppy catchy sound. I dare you not to sing along.  It’s also an album that grows on you, at least that’s how it was for me.  Although I liked it at first listen, I’m now falling hard.  It may be an affair to remember.  I’m a positive thinker and I always believe there is room for improvement.  Though I’m a fan of this album, I think The Morning Benders will continue to grow creatively and will turn out an even better album next time.  Lyrically, I’m beyond impressed.  A+ on that front.

This could be a big year for them especially after signing with Rough Trade and being in the BNM category on Pitchfork for their song “Excuses” as well as number one on Hype Machine.  If you like this Vagabonds taste in music then you should go out and grab this CD.  It drops today March 9th so don’t hesitate or your ears may go on strike.

Buy it here

http://www.themorningbenders.com

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp

The Morning Benders - Big Echo

Last week we posted the video for “Excuses” featuring all of The Morning Benders musician friends in a recording studio in San Francisco.  The song is beautiful and the video is inspiring.  In honor of the release of their new album, “Big Echo” they have decided to stream the album on their site and allow us to embed it above.  Enjoy!

The Morning Benders

Something beautiful happens when The Morning Benders are inspired by Phil Spector’s recording methods.  For the recording of “Excuses” they piled all of their musician friends from San Francisco in to one recording studio.  The results are phenomenal.

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp

http://themorningbenders.tumblr.com