My Top 20 Albums of 2010

1. Janelle Monae: ‘The ArchAndroid’

Given that this is Janelle Monae’s first album and her young age, this album is of staggering proportions. The ArchAndroid is loosely based around the 1927 film Metropolis. She adopts the alter ego of Cindi Mayweather, an android sent back in time from the 28^th century, with the directive to liberate a fictitious community from a society of oppressors. It’s long and baffling at times, but quite astounding. It straddles every genre from Broadway, neo-classical, jazz, big-band, funk, soul and hip-hop. Reading this would probably scare off the casual music listener but this would be a mistake as it is one of the most accessible albums this year. This is not to be missed, prepared to be wowed.

Essential Tracks: ‘Tightrope’, ‘Cold War’, ‘Sir Greendown’

2. The Black Keys: ‘Brothers’

Very rarely am I captivated by an album from start to end; even rarer does this occur with a blues rock album. The Black Keys have, however, managed just that with ‘Brothers’. This album combines the classic elements of blues, R&B, and soul with contemporary elements to firmly place this in 2010. It’s also great to see a band that seemed so lost in direction just a few years ago hit back with something so accomplished and progressive that now they are the ones setting trends for others. The raw funk grooves, deep rhythm riffs, and falsetto; combined with interesting choices of instruments for this genre of music (harpsichord and sleigh bells) make this a must have album of 2010. There is not a duff track in sight!

Essential Tracks: ‘Too Afraid to Love you’, ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, ‘Tighten Up’

3. Gorillaz: ‘Plastic Beach’

Start with a dose of Bobby Womack, add a dash of Snoop Dog and the Lebanese National Orchestra, next a generous portion of Mark E.Smith, a pinch of Lou Reed and Mos Def, and top off with The Clash and Daman Albarn, mix together and what do we have? A recipe for disaster! However, in the capable hands of the genius that is Daman Albarn, the result not only works but is sublime. Whether he is battling for Britpop supremacy, creating Mandarin operas, or operating under the guise of a band that doesn’t exist, Albarn always seems to deliver. Plastic Beach is daring and innovative; muddled yet magnificent. The album flits between hip-hop, Shinto Bollywood, pure pop, trashy Casio beats, 80 synths, soul and rap. That’s three legendary albums in row for Gorillaz now.

Essential Tracks: ‘Stylo’, ‘Melancholy Hill’, ‘White Flag’

4. Robert Plant: ‘Band of Joy’

As if being part of one of the greatest bands ever to have graced the music world wasn’t enough; Robert Plant has done the impossible yet again and produced a classic with Band of Joy to sit proudly alongside his others (‘Mighty Rearranger’ and ‘Raising Sands’). This guy can do no wrong. He has the ability to pick the right musicians, producers, and songs and the rest appear to just come naturally and effortlessly. Unlike most hexagenarians, Plant is not content to rest on his amazing back catalogue and reveal in the pantheon of rock royalty. He has managed to pluck obscure songs like Richard Thompson’s ‘House of Cards’ and Los Lobos’ ‘Angel Dance’ and make them seem like modern classics. Underpinning the album is certainly a country vibe, yet this if often disguised with strong vocals, tremolo-drenched guitar, and feedback. Robert Plant always looks to the future when he is expected to look back on the past; that is what makes this artist so special.

Essential Tracks: ‘Angel Dance’, ‘House of Cards’, ‘Monkey’

5. Goldfrapp: ‘Head First’

If there was ever any doubt that Goldfrapp are indeed one of the greatest talents Britain has produced in their generation then this finally puts it to rest. Goldfrapp have disrobed their pagan gowns of 2007s’ ‘Seventh Tree’ and Alison has raided the wardrobe for Spandex and shoulder pads, premed her hair, and headed for the roller disco. Head First is an all out 80s synth-pop affair and it’s great. At 38 minutes it’s short, but everything here works. With disconnected melodies, dramatic key shifts and synths pouring out of everywhere, this album can be summed up in one word; fun! The wonderful vocals are the icing on the cake here. It’s as if Giorgio Moroder and ABBA have shared production duties here. Goldfrapp are back and as good as ever, they are one of the greatest duos of the 21^st century.

Essential Tracks: ‘Rocket’, ‘Believer’, ‘Dreaming’

6. Mark Ronson: ‘Record Collection’

This is undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the year. Although Mark Ronson is a great producer, it seems he found his niche in the music industry creating retro Motown hits for the likes of Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen and reworking pop tracks into a big-band mould. Quite frankly, I was expecting something very similar with ‘Record Collection’ which, although may still have been good, would have been rather repetitive. However; gone are the horns and quirky beats and in are the raps, synths, electronics, and pop. It’s very catchy pop music. ‘Somebody to Love’ is probably the greatest single of 2010 aided by the perfect choice of Boy George to pour his heart out on this number.

Essential Tracks: ‘Somebody To Love Me’, ‘Record Collection’, ‘You Gave Me Nothing’ ‘Lose it in the End’

7. Kanye West: ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’

If you had told me at the start of the year that a mainstream hip-hop album would make my top ten list I would have found it rather hard to believe. Tell me then that the artist would be Kanye West and I would have slapped some sense into you. Quite unbelievably an artist I have very little time for from a genre I rarely listen to has created something quite stunning. West has experimented with elements such as hard rock and Moby to create an excellent and cohesive album. There are also great uses of samples along the way. The lyrics prove that he is just as arrogant and deluded as ever; nonetheless, the music clearly works. Proof that all genres of music are good if done well!

Essential Tracks: ‘Dark Fantasy’, ‘Devil In A New Dress’, ‘Runaway’

8. Hot Chip: ‘One Life Stand’

Hot Chip finally produce a classic upbeat dancefloor album. It is pure electronic pop perfection. This album has it all fantastic melodies, smart arrangements, memorable hooks, intelligent lyrics, all melded into one infectious sound. The vocals of Taylor interplay perfectly with the harmonies created by Goddard to create the best classic house-inspired dance album of 2010. This is an album to cheer you up when you’re down; getting ready for a night on the town or even a great workout album for the gym.. This is Hot Chip’s best album to date so far.

Essential Tracks: ‘Hand Me Down Your Love’, ‘One Life Stand’, ‘I Feel Better’

9. Groove Armada: ‘Black Light’

The chameleons of pop music are back with probably their strongest album to date. Given past efforts, I expected a frustrating listen from the duo flitting between dance and chill out songs. Instead they have not only re-invented themselves into an electro-pop outfit but provided us with a consistently good album. Black Light is all about synths, electro bass and big choruses. The lyrical content is darker than previous outings but is underlined by their solid production and songwriting skills as well as their wise selections of guest vocals, especially Bryan Ferry and Will Young. One can only imagine what guise they will adopt for their next offering.

Essential Tracks: ‘Shameless’, ‘History’, ‘Paper Romance’, ‘I Won’t Kneel’

10. Midlake: ‘The Courage of Others’

Dull, boring, melodies which go nowhere, let down of the year. These are just some of the comments I have read from music critics of this album. I’m not sure what they were listening to as it surely couldn’t have been this! Maybe this is because this is the first album of this group I have listened to so I don’t have any preconceptions but this album is beautiful. The rich harmonies, trilling flutes and pastoral acoustic guitars almost feel that we are listening to a band from Tudor England serenading the royal courts of Henry VIII circa 1540. It is like a cross between Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull; and yes, that is a good thing. The Courage of Others doesn’t belong in 2010 but it is by far the best folk-rock album of the year.

Essential Tracks: ‘Acts of Man’, ‘’, ‘Small Mountain’, ‘Core of Nature’

11. Antony and the Johnsons: ‘Swanlights’

Antony and the Johnsons are back again with their fourth release proving yet again he is a great songwriter, arranger and singer. The sparse arrangements are augmented with luscious string arrangements and a chamber orchestra. Lyrically it is rather obscure with a tendency to use vocals to play with melodies. There are certainly many classical folk and rock influences but all blended together to produce Antony’s own unique form of art pop. Certainly not for everyone but this guy is one gifted artist, and that voice. Wow!

12. The National: ‘High Violet’

If nothing else this band wins hands down from the most depressing album of the year. The monotone baritone vocals, melodies and themes will surely have the happiest person searching for the nearest razorblade. However, let that not detract from this wonderfully beautiful album. This album certainly rewards repeated listens and demands the listener’s full attention. Delve into those rich textures and be taken on a journey with this. Wonderfully produced, not a bad song in sight, this is exactly how indie music should be made.

13. Vampire Weekend: ‘Contra’

The New York city boys are back with their intelligent word play and broad musical palette of African, reggae, ska, pop, calypso and rockabilly all fused together to produce ’Contra’. Not many bands can successfully use the Nicaraguan Counter-Revolutionary movement as a metaphor for a failed relationship. It’s a mixed package but when it works it really works! Diplomat’s Son, White Sky and Cousins are clear examples of this.

14. Joanna Newsom: Have One On Me

At three discs and over two hours in length this is a massive offering from Joanna, so much so that it is rightly a little overwhelming for most. That is a shame as this is a fantastic album touching on Appalachian folk via pop, country, soul, gospel and oriental melodies. Add to that the, at times, otherworldly finely polished lyrics as she interchanges between piano and harp perfectly and we have a classic here. It’s so dense that one always finds something new to listen to on every listen. That’s two stunning albums in a row from this lady now.

15. David Byrne and Fatboy Slim: Here Lies Love

This is undoubtedly one of the most unique offerings from one of the strangest collaborations of 2010. ‘Here Lies Love’ is a concept album tracing the life of the former first lady of The Philippines, Imelda Marcos, from her impoverished beginnings to keptocracy and eventual demise and exile. Somehow the ambition is realized by Byrne and Cook who, with the help of guest vocals including Cyndi Lauper, Florence Welch and Marta Wainwright to name a few, help make this rather fun. The styles of the day dominate the album; from disco, Afro-pop, Broadway and soul. Certainly one of the most fun releases of the year.

16. Charlotte Gainsbourg: ‘IRM’

Gainsbourg’s life threatening accident of 2007 provides the backdrop to this album embracing the physical and spiritual. Yet it somehow is not depressing, in fact it is optimistic and uplifting. The main reason this works is down to one man; Beck who produced and composed the material here however Charlotte is certainly not his muse here, it is her putting her stamp on this as well. The album ranges from a cappella to full on psychedelic rock. This is fine adult pop proving that Charlotte can not only act but be treated as a musical artist too.

17. These New Puritans: ‘Hidden’

It’s great to see an Essex band producing such great quality music. These New Puritans have evolved from a post-punk band on their debut album to, well, I’m not really sure what this is. I suppose art rock is the best description. The opening track would be a fitting soundtrack for a montage of photos from a visit to a former concentration camp. After that everything appears to be thrown into the mix pitting brass and woodwind against digital, hip-hop and dancehall beats. It’s ambitious, complex and innovative. I only wish I had more time to take in everything from this album as it certainly has more potential to be much higher on this list.

18. Anais Mitchell: ‘Hadestown’

Get this; a folk opera retelling the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice transported to Depression-era New Orleans. If that doesn’t incite awfulness and revulsion in equal measure then I don’t know what does. Rather surprisingly, however, it is a fantastic album. The interplay between Orpheus, Eurydice, Persephone and the lord of the underworld is fantastic. It’s all the more better due to its relevance in 2010’s economic downfall, a very clever album.

19. Laura Marling: ‘I Speak Because I Can’

I have one word to describe this album; emotional. Marling can evoke joy one minute and tears the next both with her lyrics and vocal talents. With purely her vocals, acoustic guitar and understated accompaniment she sings of betrayal, flaws and breakups all at the age of 20. It’s elegant, the production, the songwriting, in fact near enough everything is quite brilliant.

20. Sleigh Bells: ‘Treats’

Krauss and Miller couldn’t be further away on the musical spectrum with his hard rock and punk beginnings and her pop band roots. However, that is precisely what seems to make this duo work. I’m not even sure how to classify this genre of music, it would appear they have fused many together and smashed it around into one new devastating hybrid. At times, with the distorted synths and guitars, angular rifss and chugging electronic beats its so loud and brash that’s is almost too much. However, there are moments of subtle beauty on this album too. They seem to be capable of anything. It’s raw, at times shocking, but most of all fun!