2010 has yet again been another testament to the power of new music. Those who adhere to the strict music guidelines of ‘their old shit was better’ or ‘everything has already been done’ may find themselves with a different perspective after this year. Yes, it does take sifting through a scrapheap of mediocrity in order to find the standout titles of the year, but the search is well worth the time. 2010 marks a year in indie music where artists are experimenting with a wide variety of techniques in order to make a name within a rapidly growing scene. Collaborations and bends of virtually every genre on the planet has created a pool of new music that is just as innovative and listenable as anything ever created (even old shit). Here are Indiewiretap’s best albums of 2010 (in no particular order).
Yeasayer – Odd Blood
One of the first breakthrough indie albums to be released in 2010, this one still deserves a spot on any top lists. Incredibly talented and diverse in their music, Yeasayer has taken their Indian influenced tribal rock and transformed into infectious 80’s synth pop. Possessing all of the same creative musicianship that made their first album a success, the more immediately palatable Odd Blood features dancy beats backed by meaningful vocals and blended to perfection. With the rapidly growing popularity of indie/dance/pop music that has been captivating the cool kids, it’s no surprise that this album rose as high as it did in the hearts and ears of the indie populous.
Phantogram – Eyelid Movies
The New York duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter have perfected the incredibly popular ‘guy and girl singing over synthesized beats’ trend. Where similar artists fall short in melody, voice, and creativity, I believe that Phantogram excels admirably. For just two people, the landscape of Eyelid Movies is expansive and ever-changing. Front to back, this album is a living, breathing organism that leaves listeners anxious to see where it will take them next. The vocals are absolutely heavenly, and the instrumentals offer arrangements that seemed to only exist in only the deepest of lucid dreams.
Broken Bells – Broken Bells
When Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and Shins lead singer James Mercer decided to collaborate, one could scarcely imagine that the finished product would be bad. The youthful and honest vocals of Mercer have almost become indicative of the indie genre, and the creative production and presentation of Burton is showcased in some of the best albums of the recent past. Flowing effortlessly, and supplying plenty of ambiance, Broken Bells is the perfect fusion of straight indie rock and experimental undertones. I’m not sure how Danger Mouse decided to become involved with some of the big names in the indie rock genre, but one can only hope that this trend continues.
LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
You’d be hard pressed to find a best of indie music list that doesn’t include New York’s LCD Soundsystem. Offering some of the most energetic dance/punk routines ever created, James Murphy and friends keep finding ways to make sad kids dance. This Is Happening, aside from being a prolific disc within the evolving world of indie, has also been rumored to be the last major album from LCD Soundsystem. James Murphy told some journalists that the band will likely record a few EPs, but that he needs to get away from the project being a huge thing. Whether this is their last major release or not, it remains a shining star of indie pop.
Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles
Exploding onto the indie scene with Nintendo beats gone psychotic, Crystal Castles immediately caught the attention of 8-bit fanatics all around the world. Always passionate and youthful in their presentation, the Toronto duo has returned with a new collection of tracks. More mature and involved, Crystal Castles touches on more real issues with the same charming energy of their 2008 release. Appealing to the child and adult in all of us, this album is like traversing a visceral video game landscape. Think of Crystal Castles as gothic rock 2.0.
MGMT – Congratulations
After their 2008 release Oracular Spectacular, many believed that MGMT would fade back into the aether. Their sophomore release Congratulations may be the only way that they could have followed up their groundbreaking debut release. Upbeat dance music gives way to brilliantly designed and diverse indie rock with a message: “Now What?”. It seems that the band has spent their time since Oracular Spectacular analyzing their sudden success, perhaps even obsessing over it. The beauty behind their new album is that it doesn’t attempt to live up to its predecessor, but simply gives the vibe of “here it is, we don’t care if you like it or not, beause we do”.
Spoon – Transference
Spoon is just one of those bands who is solid every time. Transference marks their first album since the revolutionary Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, and comes pretty fucking close to its brilliance. Offering the same diverse instrumental arrangements (highlighted by brilliant rock drummer Jim Eno) backed by the immediately recognizable lyrics of Britt Daniel, Transference bold and better with each listen. Apparently, one can expect spoon to continue appearing in discussions of the best and most influential indie rock bands of the time.
The National – High Violet
Those who have been following the progression of The National got exactly what they wanted out of their latest release. High Violet is the most finely tuned National album and highlights the strengths of each individual musician perfectly. The vocals of Matt Berninger are truly a thing of beauty that is perfectly enhanced by the talented Dessner and Devendorf brothers. quick and timely instrumentals offer a sense of drama that is delivered like few bands are able. The slower feel of High Violet makes it the perfect album to grow up with alongside the band itself. Absolutely brilliant.
