10. Skunk Anansie - Wonderlustre
When Skunk Anansie called it quits in 2001 many of their fans (and yes, myself included) were disappointed with the fact we'd never hear from them again. Like many other bands they're back and playing gigs to an audience consisting of old and new fans alike. Unlike these RATM and Faith No More guys Skunk Anansie are carrying on with recording and releasing, and this album is fantastic. The sound contains many similar elements to the original sound, and the album itself treads the line between the anger and observation of the earlier albums mixed with an almost adult-contemporary feel. It works, recommended listening.09. Yeasayer - Odd Blood
The word Odd really does belong in this album title - Yeasayer are a strange band, but also a very interesting band. I came across them thanks to the track O.N.E. which features on FIFA 11 this year - so Pix is probably familiar with it. There are so many genres on this album, more often than not all mixed into the one song. The soundscapes go from haunting to danceable and everywhere in between. Theres no particular pretense in it, everything kind of relaxes, the hooks dont smack you in the face but subtly work their way into your brain. Not exactly intense, but well planned.08. Washington - I Believe You Liar
Now I'm well aware that in this 'blogosphere' it seems to be blasphemous or unacceptable to show any kind of appreciation for an album that wins awards and critical acclaim in this country. It seems that success is a cancer for credibility between us bloggers and indie kids, its 'uncool' to dig it if it sells. Washington has had a fantastic year and while some people might retch dissaprovingly at my selection you can fuck off. Its a fantastic album with considerable thought. Its not just some generic piece of pop shit, its original, ambient and diverse. To me, many of these songs sound like the kind of music a band like Queen would still be making today if Mercury hadn't died. But you probably havent even fucking listened to it, just dismissed it. If not, fantastic. But if you're an unwarranted hater then honestly, you really are an idiot.07. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
You know its been a good year for music when an album this good can't get any higher than number 7 on the list. In the scheme of things I've only recently been turned onto this album by a good friend. Who knows, maybe a few more months of listening would take it higher but it NEEDS to be here. A band that always seems to hit the mark, no matter what the objective. The use of orchestra/electro/hip-hop and more works ridiculously well and the 'beach' theme is done incredibly well. It reminds me at times of playing Monkey Island. A fantastic mix of everything that could sound over the place but really, really doesn't.06. Grinderman - Grinderman 2
I never got into the Birthday Party. I never really got into the Bad Seeds. I've never really had a scope of who Nick Cave is and what he does. I've seen Warren Ellis live with Dirty Three and he is absolutely fantastic. It was knowing him, and Caves reputation that led me to give this album (and the first) a try this year. Absolutely brilliant. If this was 30 years ago these guys could be one of the biggest bands in the world. The sound is phenomenal, Ellis' multi-instrumentation fantastic, Cave's voice is simply badass. Sorrowful, maniacal, ultra fucking cool. Thanks to 2 Big Day Outs I will definitely have seen these guys within the next month. That excites me.05. Vampire Weekend - Contra
It's hard to see this album not making the majority of 'best of' lists this year. You may have to cast your mind back all the way to January but, given the summer we're currently having thats not too bad a thing really. Its the same minimalist approach, same interesting hooks but done in subtly different ways. From the feelgood fun of 'Holiday' to the epic and slightly emo 'Giving up the Gun' it doesn't miss often. The obvious difference is in the production, as well of the hints of (only) slightly more mature songwriting. Do I prefer this one or the first one? Meh, I prefer to listen to them together and pretend its one big album, but a good one at that.04. Little Red - Midnight Remember
It was always going to be interesting to see how Little Red handled their second album. The first worked, and worked well with a distinctive direction and sound that couldn't be replicated twice for these guys to succeed. They've managed to keep the sound of being much older than they are but the incorporation of new styles helps us really get to know what Little Red is about. They've kept the elements that worked and have put the feelers out to see what else does. Its a very carefully structured album but absolutely beautiful. The second step was always going to be the hardest for Little Red, and thank god they put it in the right place. Young men (still) making music beyond their years. Fantastic.03. Die Antwoord - $O$
If I learned anything about South Africa this year its that vuvuzelas are fucking annoying after a while. I was also introduced to 'zef style' and die (fokken) Antwoord. Describing this album is hard, it sounds stuck in time somewhere in about 1996-97 in many parts. I'm not sure what the music scene is like in SA, what they listen to and enjoy but its obvious they like trance and hip hop. So what do I like about it? Its cheeky, very offensive, at times disgusting. Its gangsta and bogan, its cool and cheesy at the same time, and the constant changing between English and Afrikaans is something I really enjoy. Its a walking paradox, and no one else is doing it. These guys wouldnt be out of place in Mt Druitt. But they'd be the coolest fuckers there.02. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
First things first, the title of this record is fucking stupid. A surfeit of adjectives and I've no idea why. I suppose if I worked at the label and tried to tell him he wouldnt listen. Second thing, I hate Kanye. He's an attention grabbing ego maniac who thinks he's king of the world or some shit. That being said, I will not deny that this album is brilliance. Easily the most polished, worked-on record of the year. If I had his time and money I'd do the same but I dont. Is he the messiah of music? No. Is he as good as he thinks he is? I don't think so. But this albums greatness and unfortunate poignancy means that even I cannot deny its place on this list.01. Mike Patton - Mondo Cane
When Faith No More got back together and toured at the start of the year everyone thought they might be back. They would not be, it was actually to help Mike Patton earn the money he needed to finally release this truly spectacular project. Recorded with a 65 piece Orchestra the album is a collection of Italian pop-songs from the 50's and 60's. It truly is like nothing else you've ever heard this year. Pattons charisma exudes through the music, he sings the language beautifully. We should all consider ourselves lucky to have had this album come out. When you look at what this man has done with his life - Faith No More/Fantomas/Peeping Tom/Tomahawk/Mr Bungle and more, its amazing that he still manages to find a fresh take on music, a new way to do things, and challenging himself and conventions. Truly beautiful and so much more, it really is about time I gave the CD back to a friend of mine. Its not the obvious choice, but to me, truly deserving of the #1 spot.I could rant about Bieber and Gaga and the collapse of musical integrity (moreso) this year. I could rip on Kings of Leon for making another middle of the road piece of crap. Or I could just go and listen to any of these 10 and feel better for it. I think I know what I'll do. Happy New Year!
