sonicdork: best of 2010 - #17 through #11
#17 Phosphorescent - Here’s To Taking It Easy
Formerly based in Athens, GA (just like The Brothers Gore..wink wink) and now out of Brooklyn, I was hooked on this album from the opening chords of “It’s Hard to Be Humble (When You’re from Alabama)”.
#16 Fang Island - Fang Island
Someone initially described this band to me as Frank Zappa meets Faith No More meets Fleet Foxes. I didn’t really hear much of the Faith No More, but the other two are close. Zappa more for the noodling. An extremely fun record with some of the best guitar work I heard in 2010.
#15 Kathryn Calder - Are You My Mother?
Kathryn Calder has always been the hidden gem in the New Pornographers in my opinion. Yes, I’m on Team Kathryn over Team Neko if it came down to blows. This is a beautiful record that was written in the aftermath of her mother’s passing that could easily stand up alongside with some of Carl Newman’s best. Highly recommended.
#14 Crowded House - Intriguer
Neill Finn will always be one of my top songwriters. He’s one of those songwriters that makes it seem so easy. Genius lyrics. Brilliant melodies. It isn’t so easy.
#13 The Parting Gifts - Strychnine Dandelion
The Reigning Sound’s “Love & Curses” was one of my favorite albums last year, so it just makes sense that I’m currently addicted to this album from another of Greg Cartwright’s bands. Wish this would have come out earlier in the year to give me more time with it.
#12 Menomena - Mines
TAOS builds and builds and blows you the fuck away.
#11 Ben Folds & Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue
One of my favorite musicians. One of my favorite writers. Perfect. I hope they keep this Taupin/John-esque relationship going for more albums to come. And I hope the next album also includes a song about how much of a redneck Levi Johnson is.
Top 10 - coming up next!
