Top 10 (so far)

At the halfway point (or a little after), I thought I’d issue my halftime top ten (then I saw the stalwart largeheartedboy’s own version–I swear I had this almost done last week). Anyhoo, here goes:

Spoon Gimme Fiction–A remarkable work from the most iconoclastic songwriter around today. A longer piece on this album will come soon. (“I Turn My Camera On”)

LCD Soundsystem S/T–James Murphy establishes himself as the most prominent “post-hipster,” offering a concept album that name-drops as much as “Losing My Edge,” but this time by showing, not telling. “Too Much Love” is note for note ESG, “Movement” continues with the Mark E. Smith-uh, “Never as Tired As When I’m Waking Up” is vintage White Album and later John Lennon, “Thrills” is Liquid Liquid, and album closer “Great Release” is a mash up of Suicide and Brian Eno. It’s an obnoxiously deliberate but ultimately addictive album. (Video for “Movement”)

The Decemberists Picaresque–In which the Decemberists join the pantheon of hyper-literate bands (REM, The Smiths, They Might be Giants, Neutral Milk Hotel) that hipsters and the high school debate team can agree on. Plus, “Sixteen Military Wives” is the best single yet this year. Check out the video.

Black Mountain S/T–Spare, post-VU Canadian psych-rock. Somehow ended up opening for Coldplay.

The New Pornographers Twin Cinema–Still new–will probably move northward with time. “Sing Me Spanish Techno” is eminently repeatable.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah S/T–Still new as well–why has no one mentioned the (to me, obvious) vocal references to Tom Verlaine? The Talking Heads-meets-Modest Mouse is obvious (and glorious). Music for Robots had a great review.

British Sea Power Open Season–Coldplay for those who like good music. Their video was actually banned from MTV. I refuse to say anything else on this subject.
The Fiery Furnaces EP–The best 1-5 track run so far this year. Lost points because “Tropical Iceland” was on a CMJ comp last year. Their site is Flashy-cool!

Of Montreal The Sunlandic Twins–Fallen a bit from “Satanic Panic,” but still the 2nd best psych-pop band around. Check out “Requiem for O.M.M. 2”

Weird War Illuminated by the Light–Immediately likeable and overlooked “super”group (Make-Up and Royal Trux)–The first track “Illuminated” (video) is the best T. Rex impression since Supergrass’ “Seen the Light.”

And, for reference, here’s last year’s list:

Of Montreal Satanic Panic in the Attic–Kevin Barnes goes full-synth and collages together his first complete album. “Disconnect the Dots” is the best single of the year.

Blonde Redhead Misery is a Butterfly–Massive difference from previous efforts–replaced the Cocteau Twins as best rep for the 4AD “sound.” Plus, the video for “Equus” reminds my girlfriend of Kienholz.

Kanye West The College Dropout–Apart from the magnificent production, the best Marvin Gaye-ish angel/devil dichotomy since Common’s Like Water for Chocolate. Something ’bout Chicago.

Arcade Fire Funeral–I’m just trying to fit in with everyone else here.

The Walkmen Bows and Arrows–An updated Jonathan Fire*Eater, which is fine. Blew the Strokes away in concert.

Modest Mouse Good News for People Who Love Bad News–Who’s this new band?

90 Day Men Panda Park–Another massive leap toward accessibility (see #2) from their spazzy mathy early work. The opening track is transcendent.

Stereolab Margerine Eclipse–Pass the Ketchup.

Wilco A Ghost is Born–A great, experimental-but-modest follow-up to one of the best rock albums–ever.

Franz Ferdinand S/T–Really, though, Gang of Four needs to hire a lawyer. This isn’t going to stop.

Filed under: 90 Day Men  Arcade Fire  Black Mountain  Blonde Redhead  British Sea Power  Clap Your Hands Say Yeah  Decemberists  Fiery Furnaces  Franz Ferdinand  Kanye West  Large-Hearted Boy  LCD Soundsystem  Modest Mouse  Of Montreal  Spoon  Stereolab  The New Pornographers  The Walkmen  Weird War  Wilco