2010 has been a pretty epic year musically. It was difficult to narrow down my favourites. But, without further ado, here are the top 5 albums and top 5 shows according to Sarah.
Top 5 Albums
I was introduced to the Black Keys through this album, I subsequently acquired their entire substantial discography and have been in love ever since. These guys have finally reached the proverbial pop culture tipping point with their tunes being featured in Gossip Girl, various commercials and even the theme song to Hung. Go ahead, listen and try not to bop your head. This album is infectious.
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Nightmare
There was so much hype behind this album I felt certain it would be a let-down. To my surprise it is actually phenomenal. This album is genre-bending, has superb musical guests (Jay-Z and Bon Iver) and samples music spanning multiple decades. Kanye really knows how to please a crowd.
LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening
James Murphy has done it again. I love this whole album but two stand-out tracks for me were Dance Yrself Clean and You Wanted a Hit. Oh and these guys ROCK live.
Four Tet – There is Love in You
Experimental electronic perfection. My biggest regret is not seeing the Toronto leg of his tour. Love Cry has got to my one of my top tracks of the year, so beautiful.
I think I listened to this album from start to finish more than any other album this year. That is all.
Top 5 Shows
These Canadians released their sophomore album Latin this year and followed up with amazing live show. You have to see them live to experience all the unconventional ways these guys make music.
Apparently Yeasayer wrote their latest album in Australia high on LSD. Well keep it up boys. Not only is their sound original, but their live show is pretty hypnotizing.
Having never seen Radiohead live I was pretty stoked to see the frontman at Coachella. Thom does not disappoint, playing The Eraser in full plus a few Radiohead tracks he was definitely my favourite of the festival. One of the best live voices I’ve heard.
One of the most entertaining, energetic live performances I’ve seen. Sparkly, dancey, theatrical oh and great music. I would highly recommend their new album .272 and catching these guys live.
Swoon. I saw this motown crooner twice this year but his Wrongbar performance was by far the best. Mayer has bounds of energy with an amazing falsetto to match. I cannot wait for his next album, oh and check him out on Twitter…very entertaining!
And finally, in case you were wondering. The single worst show of the year was Tame Impala. Awesome record, terrible live.