Music Monday 12.20.10 – Top Albums of 2010

Every Monday I share some new music I’m listening to, just bought or wish I had more money to buy. As a special Music Monday (this is the last one of the year), I thought I’d share my top 10 favorite albums of the year:

1. “High Violet” The National. I realize The National has been around for years and has several albums, but I discovered them this year and wow. If you haven’t grabbed this album yet, it is easily my favorite of the year.
2. “The Suburbs” Arcade Fire. I love how this album is a shot at materialism and the angst that comes from pursuing the American dream. It is also great musically. Reminiscent of the 80′s.
3. “Sigh no More” Mumford & Sons. In the vien of The Avett Brothers, but I just love this album. A littler poppier & less country than The Avett Brothers.
4. “The Changing of the Guard” Starflyer 59. Starflyer 59 has been one of my favorite bands since I started buying music back in 1994 when they released Silver. There sound has changed as I’ve grown older, which makes them kind of like my life band. This album is easily their best ever. Great follow up to Dial M.
5. “The Five Ghosts” Stars. Along with The National and Arcade Fire, I discovered Stars this year and promptly bought their previous albums. This one though is easily their best. Haunting vocals.
6. “The Orchard” Ra Ra Riot. If you are a fan of Vampire Weekend or Arcade Fire, then you will love Ra Ra Riot.
7. “I and Love and You” The Avett Brothers. Katie and I got to see this band this year. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do it. They are so good.
8. “Infinite Arms” Band of Horses. Band of Horses is a band you should have in your library. So good. This is their 3rd album and they just keep getting better and better.
9. “Mt. Desolation” Mt. Desolation. Superbands are the new thing. Whether it is Monsters of Folk or Mt. Desolation. This one has guys from Mumford & Sons, The Killers and Noah & the Whale. This album just came out and is getting some steady play in our house.
10. “Broken Bells” Broken Bells. This band is made up of guys from The Shins and Modest Mouse. If you like those two bands, this is worth checking out.

Honorable mentions:  “All Alone in an Empty House” Lost in the Trees, “Go” Jonsi, “Volume Two” She & Him, “Contra” Vampire Weekend, and “The First Days of Spring” Noah & the Whale.

To see my favorite albums from 2009, go here.