Friday, December 31, 2010

Top 25 Albums They Made That I Dug In 2010


Ok Readers, here is my list. Wow, this took a while. First, the list is in no particular order, I liked all of them equally. Second, not all the records actually dropped in 2010, I just happened on them in 2010. Third, the list includes artists that have more than one album that stuck with me this year. For one reason or another their 2010 release lead me into other releases which I really dug into. Without any further ado, I present:

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thebigtoeproductiondiary[toptwentyfiveoftwentyten]
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themorningbenders


I love a good cover song. Covers are a great way for an artist to show their talent and interpretation. Sometimes their rendition sounds even better than the original. I will say that the original versions of these covers are like cement on the brain, TMB do an amazing job of recreating their original allure with added bonus. Their cover of the Paul Simon favorite Mother and Child Reunion is down right delicious. The Crystals cover of He's A Rebel will knock around your head for years to come. But all this stuff is good, the best part about this whole thing is that TMB are giving this record away! A true honest-to-goodness freebie! If your looking for new material for a mix tape, consider your search officially achieved. Call off the dogs, close your search, not even Google could return you results this fast. The songs are produced with a crispness that most albums aren't even made with. Oh, and did I tell you its also FREE! Go see for yourself and open up your heart and let these fools rush in.

Album : The Bedroom Covers
Website : Blogspot


jayfarrar&benjamingibbard


This album snuck attack me. ("I snuck attacked ya" - my dad circa 1993) Just like my dad did to me, this album has done it to me again. I'm kind of partial to this album because I've had my own Big Sur adventure. I've even had my picture taken at Bixby Canyon Bridge. Kerouac was right, Big Sur is great. This album is the score to the film One Fast Move or I'm Gone. Ben Gibbard is of course from Deathcab...do I even have to type that? Jay Farrar is from Son Volt. I like Son Volt but when you are up against Deathcab even the best songs are going to sound sub-par. Over all this is a great example for both artists. I've enjoyed getting a few more of what feels like new Deathcab songs when its a Gibbard track. When its a Farrar track, I gotta admit I'm fighting the urge to FF to get to my fav's, but I've relented and have been better for it. Take a trip to Big Sur and see why this record fits it well. Or just crank out on acid and trade your Camry in for a Wolfington and then really go see for yourself!

Album : One Fast Move Or I'm Gone


tompetty


2010 saw the release of Mojo which of course led me into their entire back catalog. I do however remember being with Rin in her room on Oxford. She had a record player and a stack of vinyl. One happened to be Damm The Torpedos. A great record. When I'm listening to Tom I'm back in that green walled room with Kitten laughing and listening and enjoying a great life. On a side note, Rin and I went to the R&R Hall Of Fame and saw the actual guitar that Tom's got slung around him on the Torpedos album cover. They have it in a glass case of emotion but you can still see the miles put on her. I don't think I have to describe Tom Petty. But if you have no clue, go see for yourself.

Album : Entire Catalog


devallmusic


The only reason this record came out of my car's player was because I sold the car! Though this album has a few years on it I only got "into it" this past summer. See, I've been transitioning from the life of a college bean sprout to the life of a electrical workin man. I put down the computers and have picked up the toolbelt. I got a job with a local electrical contractor and everyday though I have well over 40,000 songs, it was Transit all the way everyday to the jobsite. I still can't listen to that record and not think about electric. For me, this album is New York. Its friends at the Cabin and long nights spent in Rochester drunk and lovin it. I reviewed this album on CDBaby where it still is today. I will now re-post my review. The opening arrangement of Transit is like the flood of fresh summer air that rolls around your car's interior when the windows come down at 65mph. A smile comes over your face and everything in life at this point in time is ok. Slowly with each cord I'm introduced to this stranger. Looking off in the distance as the air swirls around me I'm being musically inspired and feelings of comfort come over me. By mid album we are strangers no more, approaching new friendship status. We have history now and I'm feeling unfettered. My problems become a challenge, my goals become my future, my future becomes today, today becomes what matters most. It's fitting this album ends with a track called the shortest long road, I suspect its author knew the weight and quality of his work, and I'm hear to tell you he's correct in his thinking. This piece touches on all levels, yet the journey you take isn't into the depths of Devall's thinking, he's only providing the correct overtures to cozy you up letting you see your beautiful life. Go see for yourself.

Album : Transit
Website : Myspace


thefling


Ok, so I already reviewed this record. I will now paste what I wrote. Listening to Wanderingfoot and loving it. I find myself just rocking to the slow churning beat. I think churning is a good descriptive word to use here. It's just very turn of the century industrial to me right now. Wow, you probably weren't shooting for those feelings, but too bad....you got them out of me. Just a great record. Perfectly capturing the sound of youth and how fast its escaping us all. With each track I feel like I did after those two back to back summers of going out to California were over. Sad that the trips were over yet satisfied to have traveled such a distance. This is a California record through and through. I need sunglasses and SPF 50 before listening to this thing. The sun drenched feeling oozes from every track. Its the slowness that a perfect summer afternoon feels like, spent with good friends over good food and drink when a million things happen throughout the day making the time seem longer than it was. For me, this is a headphone record. I listened to it on the stereo, then in the headphones. My subsequent turn in between the "phones" revealed a second album to me. One of a certain quality. The arrangements, the showmanship, the fact that on some tracks the musicians involved could have chosen a more intricate musical path yet held out because its just not what the song wanted or needed at that very moment. Not to say that this is a simple record, on the contrary. Only the good people will see its genius, and in a way those are the people you want listening to this record. In addition I want to add a congratulatory slap on the back and a way to go for signing to Dangerbird Records. All us "indie-(low)(vers)" nod our heads. And with that, go see for yourself.

Album : When The Madhouses Appear


freelancewhales


I can't remember how in fact I came to find FW. More than likely Rin went out and I sat down on the internet and did a little band research. I'm on a forever hunt for new stuff. For me, Weathervanes is about 3 genres in one. You've got electronic, there's some indie rock ditty and lets not forget its euphony, polyphony, tunefulness, melodiousness, and mellifluousness! Ok, all that means the same damm thing to my ears. I like the freakin record ok! Actually for a while the line "Hanna takes the stairs and I usually take the elevator, every now and then she offers me a lemon now and later, please don't play the matchmaker, please don't be a player hater, if you dig her latest work you should go congratulate her" is like whoa - genius or something. Go get hooked on this stuff yourself.

Album : Weathervanes

goodoldwar


It's 2008 and I'm on the bus to Apple. What is in my ear? Good Old War! This band has just carved its sempiternal mark on my heart. I will never get tired of this. For me, its right up there with Bright Eyes. It's on a grand scale for me. And when I found out they were homegrown right out of Lancaster County I will admit my scrutinization of indie kid crowds while I'm out around town where in hopes of a sighting. But alas nothing. Looks like the records will have to do. And that's fine by me. Their 3 part harmonies co-piloted by guitar and capped off with great lyrics is the makings of longevity. Hence the notch in my heart for this album. I'm not calling anyone in to fix it either. The notch allows Good Old War to be close by when I need them. Go see for yourself.

Album : Self-Titled (ST)


themaldives


I love this new alt-indie-country stuff! Maybe its because I'm 30 and "slowing" at an old age, but a slow twang, lap steel and some time to spare = the cat's meow/pajamas/whiskers. At times I need a little introspection. Not too much or I might not come out of the house for a month, but a little goes a long way these days. Just enough time to sit and wonder mentally about stuff. The Maldives provide me my SERENITY NOW! Go see for yourself.

Album : Self-Titled (ST)


manchesterorchestra


Wayfarers all around! They are a required adornment in this landscape. How to spot an indie kid. Wayfarers on the face and Manchester Orchestra in their ear. Wayfarers aside, I have MO in my ear. Its very very hard to not spin this record and not completely dive into the opener "The Only One" without going all the way to the bottom and back up again. Your going to hit your freakin head soo many times on your cars headliner from the involuntary thrashing that it will be hard to reach for the stop button or the breaks. A true driving record. Track after track after track will eventually smash those Wayfarers off your face. No matter, your a real MO fan now. No need to look the part. You've won the role. Go see for yourself.

Album : Mean Everything To Nothing


she&him


Elf The Movie. Nuff said. All the greatness of hearing Zooey sing and M. Ward arrange. It's been heaven (and I'm a non-believer) hearing this modern day reminiscence of times of past. Though the songs are all original you'd swear they were made 60 years ago. This past year saw Rin and I at a She&Him show in Philly. Right on the water, it was delightful, engaging, compassionate, charming, marvelous, lovely, gratifying, entertaining and enjoyable. And that was just Rins company! The show was also ok - Ha. Listen if you haven't heard this group yet, your too deep into your little suburban nightmare to care. If this is the case then please, by all means, stay there. But if you'd like a chance at the whimsical and waggish world of Volume Two, come out and Go see for yourself.

Album : Volume Two


surferblood


It took me a while to actually see the shark coming at me on the cover of Astrocoast, but thats akin to Surfer Blood's code. They surfed in (pardon the pun) completely under the radar. Roaring at times and ambient in others, this album has a great mix and arrangement. One picks you up and another lays you down. "Take It Easy" is a nice time machine of sorts. I'm split at what motivated this sound, but I'm not confused at its ability to move my feet. The production on this record has a nice sound when its jiving its way out of my Bose. This is some good indie rock for your day. Go see for yourself.

Album : Astrocoast


deltaspirit



I remember the conversation vividly. Heck, its prolly written down somewhere. Justin tells me about his happenings out their on the West Coast. His path has led an interesting route. He tells me about a band Delta Spirit and that they hang with them, play with them and are friends with them. He tells me to check them out. They have been on my chart ever since. A sweet mix of heady folk and youthful fire. Each track just beats you over the head with its intensity yet its the melody that keeps you standing and foot tap'in. I can see myself hanging out at The Gibson in D.C. with a old fashioned in one hand (I hate whiskey, but if Delta Spirit were there I'd reconsider) and a martini in the other. This is some booze soaked love that I have truly fell wholeheartedly for. Cozy up to Delta Spirit but do some vocal warmups before hand. You don't want to hurt those tender pipes as you'll no doubt be screeching out the choruses like the drunken sailor that you are. Go see for yourself.

Album : Ode to Sunshine : History From Below


mothermother



At about the time I needed a hit record, along came Mother Mother. One word - Holy Shit! I've been eating this stuff up since that fateful evening this past summer. If you can listen to Hay Loft and not jump out into a boogie woogie groove please check your pulse because your dead. This is some of the most catchy and likable indie pop I've heard. I'm all but amazed that bands like this exist and yet Justin Bee-ber gets artist of the year, this is not a just world at all! But whatever. While the rest of the masses eat poppycock, I'll enjoy a true musical delight with a cherry on top. Go see for yourself.

Album : Touch up / Oh My <3


thezolas


Wow, did this record ever liven up my summer. I posted the lyrics to Marlaina Kamikaze to much acclaim. The post was one of my most hit on entry of the past few months. Its no surprise that people are searching out this group. The tracks are flavorful and beaty with complete sing-ability. I danced my way through more than a few traffic jams to this album. I can't honestly say this about too many albums, but this ones tops from start to finish. Every tracks a hit. It's honest to goodness high end at a low end price. Get into the group now and beat the Kamikaze rush.

Album : Tic Toc Tic

jenny&johnny


I think in the following posts I've talked Jenny Lewis up and down. She's a super duper indie queen. And up until this album I'd never given Johnny the time of day. I have subsequently gotten a few of his records. I totally dig Further North. As for a duo, who can resist an indie couple dream team. This has by far been one of my most spun disc's of the year. "Big Wave" being amongst my fav's. It's got beat, the classic Lewis voice and a sing-able chorus. This is a great record. Go see for yourself.

Album : I'm Having Fun Now


timkasher


First I have to thank Heather for this guy. I'm in Gainesville, Florida living right across the street from Common Grounds. I'm a college kid and loving it. I'm meeting folks. One just so happened to be Heather. Saying she was a little in slove with Tim Kasher is like saying fish like water. His music was a needed necessity for her survival. One night we got tickets to see him playing with The Good Life (another amazing band) play at common. We go over early and see some band and then Heather has to leave for some reason. So we leave. I laugh now because I remember us leaving to get a bite to eat before the set and on our way out I remember seeing that Rilo Kiley was due to play next. We look at each other and say "who is Rilo Kiley?" Whatever, lets roll. What a jip! I could have seen Rilo play a 40 person show. But who knew, it was only 2003. I can say I ditched Rilo for the inside of a Dennys. We got a quick bite and ended up staying well past the Rilo set and decided to skip The Good Life's set too. Hell, I was soo dumb back then. Again, I skipped a Good Life show for Dennys. So we are ready to leave and Heather scribbles a thought on to a napkin. We head out of the "restaurant" if you could call it that and walk back to Common. It just so happens that Mr. Tim Kasher is walking out of the venue hauling stuff back to the van from the stage. Heather gets some courage and walks up to him. Now, keep in mind this is her man. He's her everything. She's standing there and I could hear some talking. I wasn't going near that situation. I was in the background just observing, I did a lot of that in 2003. Still do in 2010. She hands over the note and that was that. She met her idol. I was jealous. I have yet to meet Eddie Vedder. But at that very moment I was face first in love with indie rock. The idea of rock to me up until that point was strictly Eddie Vedder superstar. I never saw the world of indie before. But that was it. I've been on this trip ever since. As for Tims solo album. If you like Cursive, The Good Life or anything else Tim's touched, you'll tripout over this treasure. Go see for yourself.

Album : The Game Of Monogamy

theweepies




There is something to be said about California. Sometimes it produces well, produce. And other times its the shittiest place on the planet. I think Jenny Lewis coined it perfectly with the lyric "I guess its spring, I didn't know. It's always 75 with no melting snow." But sometimes a husband and wife combo can fend it off and come together to produce an all organic set of albums. Actually, there are 4 total but I only own 2. My sights are set on the next two which will almost definitely make my Best Of list in 2011. The music is happy and enchanting. A great blend of song crafting and melody. Go see for yourself.

Album : Be My Thrill / Hideaway

jennystockdale


An intro to The Stock is not required. She will for sure be the first one to reach out and shake your hand. And that's just what she does with her mostly un-released demo's. In a recent email chat I was talking to her about how on Sunday mornings I'll just pop on the headphones and take in "Asters" the one and only album I own. Made a long time ago she scoffed and quickly emailed me 6 of the best tracks I've heard this year. "Monsters", "Night Sky" and the alt-country rocker "Way Down" have found their way into my stream. I can't say how many commutes have found me looking out over the horizon during my drives in the early morning Pennsylvania hills, seeing the sun rising up over the trees, its rays shooting out like crazy slingshot beams of light, all brought together by Jenny's lullabies. Thanks Jenny. Go see for yourself.

Album: Un-released Demos. Sorry readers!
Website : Myspace


goldmotel


Up front I have to say I wasn't a fan of The Hush Sound. Frankly because I'm not into showtune'esque anything. But on their last release Greta Morgan mostly sang and yet I still didn't enjoy it. But throw all that sour out and welcome the sweet with "Summer House." Quite honestly these days anything with the word summer in any of the titles is a 99.9% sure bet solid gold. And with Gold Motel everything in this lodge is first rate pay dirt indie pop celebration. Soaked in the feeling of mid-summer. When everything is great. The record gets immediate slove within the first 5 seconds of "Safe in LA." Think later Jenny Lewis without the "I'm sooo indie" baggage and a band that actually sounds good. Now, I really enjoy Rilo and Lewis respectively. It's just when Lewis is writing the songs, don't expect much. But with Gold Motel, these are not worries. Take a Winter vacation and check into the Gold Motel. They will treat you well. Go see for yourself.


Album : Summer House

matt&kim


With the first track your hooked. If Sidewalks were a crack pipe, Block After Block is the lyrical cocaine within. The beat and vocal sessions and club'esque shouts immediately send your body into motion. Hell, the first time I listened it was 6:26am on my way to work and hell yeah I was head bopping, fist bumps in the air and the whole shebang. Do your ass a favor and disregard the negative reviews of this album. Go see for yourself and make up your own mind. I guarantee your ears will require more than one spin around this block, skip the car and take the sidewalks!


Album : Sidewalks

thesecretsisters


I was just listening to a podcast story about Buddy Edgerton. As a boy growing up his family lived next door to the painter Norman Rockwell. He describes the time and place of his childhood as almost exactly like all the famed Rockwell paintings. At that time, things were just good. The Secret Sisters will bring you back to this time. On the farm, brush cuts, real American made Chuck Taylors, Norman Rockwell'esque America where the Apple Pie and conversation just tasted and sounded better. When folks actually played bridge and considered their neighbors friends. Its a time when the country only held 145 million people and their really were wide open spaces instead of just open parking spaces. Take your shoes off at the door, mix up a Whisky Sour, put on your Wayfarers and relax in your backyard hammock. The Secret Sisters are a secret no more. See for yourself.

Album : Self-titled


brokenlittlesister


This album harkens me back to the moment I saw Lost In Translation. The airy and spacial album is perfect ambiance to an afternoon of writing or doing household chores. Like the movie, BLS is a native of Japan, which would explain the similarities. A great blend of voice, instrumentation, execuation and follow-through makes this album a must have in 2010. Also, look into Japancakes. They will excite your shoegazeing eyes and keep the mood going.


Album : Memories, Violet & Demons
Website : Myspace

carlamorrison


Remember that scene in Saving Private Ryan when the men are holding the bridge and someone finds a useable Victrola with "Tu Es Partout" playing on it, then Cpl. Timothy P. Upham translates. Just the sound was all they needed to hear to know that what she was singing about was beautiful. This is the exact feeling I get when I hear “Mientras Tu Dormias” (While You Were Sleeping) The inherent language barrier aside, there is just something about listening to a Mexican singer do her thing in her native tongue. At this point, screw english anyway. Spanish just sounds soo damm good when sung with an indie darling flair that Morrison creates soo well. If you ever find yourself holding a bridge in Natzi (as Pitt would say in Inglorious Bastards) Europe and someone finds a musicbox, hope to hell its got an iPod port then plug yourself in and raise your Green, White, and Red and declare your allegiance to musica and run for the border. Don't forget the sunscreen, your white ass will need it. Go see for yourself.

Album : Mientras Tu Dormias
Website : Myspace

familyoftheyear


I found FOTY on a lark. To my delight I am glad I did. We only have 2 days left of 2010 and bam another great band pops onto my screen. Almost literally - ha! I recall a certain nostalgic when spinning "Songbook." A mix of stuff I've heard yet blended into a different yet catchy indie synthesis. Perfect melodies and duel harmonies with layered guitar and if you listen to the album long enough even electronic beats to tranquilize your scenesterindienessheartstrings. Think part Lyida, part Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. Whatever you liken this band to, one thing is for sure the track "Summer Girl" will make you a fan. A piano ballad with hits of classic rock lyrical melody. This track screams for a big showy crescendo. But the fact that it stays at its easy pitch and temper keeps you with it all the way to its slow and soft end. One of my best tracks of 2010! Go see for yourself!

Album : Songbook

why?



I found Why? while researching The Lonely Island sound. Which by the way is another undeniable hit! But if your a sucker for def beats and lyrics you can hang with, I suggest checking into Why? Though Mr. Wolf's words and voice may sound like Mr. Samberg's at times, Why? is worlds away from the comedy genre. There is just something in Why? ability to formulate a grove then add words and finally melody and a hint of hook. It makes me wish this is how "White Rap" could be labeled. Lets face it, white people are not proud of Vanilla Ice. Yeah, even though it was awesome back in '91 when we howled to Ninja Rap, the facts don't lie, Ice Ice Baby was catchy but was gone before the 90's were over! Why? on the other hand is here to stay in your iPod's frequent playlist for some time. Yes, it's rap. Yes its indie rock. Yes its part Adam Green, Al Green and everything in-between. Well, ok....that's a tall order, but you get the point. These two albums will not be past over for your guilty obsession with Taylor Swift songs (yeah, mine.) Ok, so I have a bit of a love affair with Taylor Swift songs right now....she writes and sings...its respectable. But even Why? holds me off, and trust me, I have lots of music and an iPod users impatience. I'm quick to FF or only listen to :58 sec of a song. So when I don't reach for the dial, I know its good! But don't take my advice. Go see for yourself.

Albums : Alopecia & Eskimo Snow

Author : BiGTOEFiLMS @ 10:02 AM

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