I just got this one and can't stop playing it. Feist (primarily singer-songwriter and guitarist Leslie Feist) has put together an irresistable collection of songs on her latest album The Reminder. Tinges of R&B, folk, blues, soul, rock and gospel make this a foot-tapping, highly-satisfying listening experience. Her roots in punk rock give her approach just enough of an edge, while the groove never strays. Her take on Nina Simone's "See-Line Woman" is like being in a Baptist church on a Sunday morning. Not challenging, this is just "put it on and enjoy the ride" kind of music.
1) Wilco: Sky Blue Sky – For someone expecting more experimental weirdness, I initially found this album slightly disappointing. But with each listen (as with all great albums) it has grown and blossomed and has become my favorite album of the year. The beauty of the songs, the cohesion of the band, the guitar splendor of Nels Cline, all serve to make this a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2) Arcade Fire: Neon Bible – The gang from Montreal continue to break new ground with their intense, emotional sound. Accordion and percussion give the music a dense, layered sound. Couple that with excellent songwriting, and a wide range of musical styles (including the channeling of Bruce Springsteen), and this is an excellent album.
3) Spoon: Ga Ga Ga Ga – Spoon continue to carve their own niche in the world of Indie rock. Turning up on iPod commercials, and late night tv, you know these guys are arriving. Ga Ga Ga Ga is another step in the right direction for Spoon.
4) Radiohead: In Rainbows – This, like the Wilco release, was a departure from what I would expect with less experimentation, and more straightforward songwriting. Although a bit inconsistent, the beauty of some of the songs (especially “House of Cards”, possibly the year’s best) is staggeringly good. Strange and surprising chord progressions and harmonies make this interesting and just weird enough so that we know this is still Radiohead.
5) The Good, the Bad, and the Queen: Eponymous – How can you go wrong when you have a band consisting of Paul Simonen (The Clash), Tony Allen (Fela Kuti), and Simon Tong (Verve)? You can’t. Even if this does sound like a Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz) album, the rhythm section cannot be stopped! A really fun (albeit dark and mysterious) album.
6) Panda Bear: Person Pitch - I have called Animal Collective the new “Pet Sounds era Beach Boys” of the new millennium, but Animal Collective member Noah Lennox takes it a step further with Panda Bear, utilizing lush harmonies, strange sounds and instrumentations and an orchestral feel in bringing back the spirit of Brian Wilson’s late 60s heyday.
7) Iron & Wine: The Shepherd’s Dog – Sam Beam gets rhythm in the latest release for Iron & Wine. His singing style is still subdued, but his songs are strong.
8) Various Artists: Endless Highway: The Music of The Band – A great compilation of some pretty big names doing some of the best songs in rock. Highlights include Bruce Hornsby & the Range doing “King Harvest” and Blues Traveler with “Rag Mama Rag”.
9) The Shins: Wincing the Night Away – The Shins put out another solid, consistent effort. Although not incredibly groundbreaking, this is still a nice listen.
10) Arctic Monkeys: Favourite Worst Nightmare – Another killer post-punk, pop album from the boys from Sheffield.
