Top 10 (Music)

I have to say that if I’m going to have a hard time with a top ten list, it’s music this year. I mean, do you list the singles or full albums? Radio or non radio?

I’ll start with albums and these are in no particular order:

1. Into the Trees, Zoe Keating

It’s hard to say how much I love this CD since I played the album A LOT at work (especially when I got aggravated) because it’s awesomely mellow, yet soaring and intense and covers such a huge range. I love the cello and it was made more awesome when I found that she loops her own music WHILE she’s playing. This is probably the single album I’ve recommended most to people this year. I also love the fact that I bought the album directly from Zoe online. Saweet. You can also find her on twitter @zoecello

2. The Adventures of Bobby Ray, B.o.B.

Dude. If there was a single hip hop album I recommended this year, Adventures of Bobby Ray was it. Accessible, nice hooks, surprising guests, great lyrics and a great voice. If you liked “Airplanes” (feat. that chick from Paramore) you’ll love the whole thing. This album got a LOT of repeat on my player.

3. Robyn, Robyn

Yeah, I know the album didn’t come out this year. For what it’s worth, I DID pick up Body Talk but on several occasions at work when people asked “What are you listening to that you’re dancing?” This album was the answer more often than it wasn’t. Konichiwa, bitches!

4. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West

Okay, the album is weird but you’ve got to admit that it’s fucking AWESOME weird. Any album where a song has “douchebags” in a chorus is going to be on my top ten list fo sho. I love that he’s kind of taken all of his crazy, embraced it and then made an album about how if you’re not okay with his crazy you’re kind of an asshole. It’s a fantastic listen, all the way through and you’ve got to love it for the balls alone. Also, his twitter feed is amazing.

5. Oh Little Fire, Sarah Harmer

I’m a mad fan of You Were Here and was kind of disappointed by her hard turn to folk (much like I’m disappointed by Patty Griffin’s hard turn to wtfcountrygospel) but this album comes back to more of a pop sound. Same smart lyrics, lovely music, great album.

6. The Lady Killer, Cee Lo Green

Yeah, you heard Fuck You and thought it was amazing. It is.  You’ll love the rest of it.

7. A Mad and Faithful Telling, DeVotchKa

DeVotchKa is not for everyone, but if you dig a soulful world-sounding beat you’ll like them. An array of instruments that you don’t typically hear on an album that will get radio play and a singer with a voice as distinctive as The Decemberists Colin Meloy. It is either the best or worst thing ever that they’re playing the same weekend in February in Denver.

8. Hazards of Love, The Decemberists

This is one of those albums that I’m kind of surprised by how much I enjoy it. While it’s far more linear (I really think it’s best listened straight through) than I normally like, I thoroughly enjoy this entire album. And yes, we’ve got tickets to this show in February. We’re still up in the air on the other one.

9. Kaleidoscope Heart, Sara Bareilles

It is a true story that I’d NEVER have purchased this album if it wasn’t for my friend Meghan. Meghan is something of a superfan and, in spite of my general loathing of Love Song (that single you COULDN’T GET AWAY FROM three years ago) I fell in love with King of Anything. The rest of the album is just as smart and catchy and heartfelt without veering into the Velveeta.

10. Lungs, Florence + the Machine

Yeah, they were everywhere this year. Even on Glee. You know why? THEY EARNED IT. This album kicks ass.

11. Belle Isle, MoZella

Holy shit. I love this album so much that I can’t even believe I forgot to put it on the list. In my defense, it was earlier in the year when I started listening to it but it’s probably the number 2 album I’ve recommended to everyone I know. Catchy, smart, upbeat and a PHENOMENAL voice. Definitely a top 3.

Honorable Mentions: (all got a lot of play but I wouldn’t recommend to just everyone for various reasons)

Wake up!, John Legend and The Roots

Here’s the thing, I love John Legend and I dig The Roots. The album is wicked listenable and appropriate for background music pretty much any time. On the other hand, it sounds a lot like John Legend. If you like him, this is a good thing. If you’re looking for more funk, not so much.

Hands all Over, Maroon 5

Not because the album is great – it’s not. In fact, I think Mutt Lange is out to ruin music as I know it. I was disappointed in this album but it still got decent play on my player. Probably because I like Levine’s voice. Definitely not for that shit ass duet with Lady Antebellum. Dear Maroon 5, If I wanted a fucking country album I’D BUY ONE. Dear Lady Antebellum, a steel guitar does NOT make you country. GACK.

Foundling, David Gray

I love David Gray. Your mileage may vary. This is why I do not talk about David Gray. David Gray is like Fight Club.

The Dresden Dolls, The Dresden Dolls

I love it. It came out ages ago. Talking to people about it makes me sound retarded. I realize “mentally challenged” is the appropriate term. I think that if you read my blog, you know I’m not using the word ‘retarded’ to be an asshole. If not, feel free to stop reading. Also, love Amanda Palmer on twitter.

The Story, Brandi Carlile

Also came out ages ago. Can’t say enough about her voice, except that if you haven’t seen her cover of Folsom Prison Blues on youtube, you are missing one of the best covers of all time.

I’m hoping to get many excellent music recs from everyone in the new year!