Albums Of The Year 2010 #1: Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Call me cliche. Call me a bandwagon jumper. Call me a p4k lover. But Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is easily the most influential album (to me) of the year, simply because in twenty years, I will look back and remember that this is the album that got me into hip-hop. "All Of The Lights" features some of the most creative orchestration heard this year, with horns and the customary electro beats working together in unison. The list of guest lists is endless, with Bon Iver, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys as some of the more notable ones. "Blame Game" is one of the most serious and intense songs on the album, until Chris Rock's two minute spoken word "bit" that both seems out of place with the song and perfect for Kanye's image of the album. "Lost In The World" is probably the first Kanye song ever to be featured on the extremely indie Sirius XM U station, sampling and turning into an upbeat, hip-hop version of Bon Iver's "Woods", before going into an intense spoken word outro about the downfalls of America. "Monster" is the darkest song on the album, with a crazy beat and nasty verses by Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and the surprisingly amazing Nicki Minaj. "Runaway" is Kanye growing and perfecting the emotional, singing based style of 808's and Heartbreaks. Which brings us to the centerpiece of the album, the most epic and in my opinion, the best song of the year, the incredible, King Crimson sampling "Power", whose beat could easily be mistaken for a cult ballad and where Kanye shows us what he really thinks of himself. But seriously, how could one man have all this power? Because Kanye thinks he should rule the world. We all better watch out, because based on this album, he can do anything he damn wants to do. Just buy this album, because there is parts of this album that can appeal to music lovers in general, and everyone should give it a chance. Amazon link is here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #2: You, Me, And Everyone We Know - Some Things Don't Wash Out

There really isn't too much to say that I didn't already say in my review. So here's the review for you again, as the biggest surprise of my list is that this isn't number one.

Unconventional seems to be You, Me, and Everyone We Know’s middle name. First came their unconventional journey to their first album, including troubles with Drive-Thru Records founder Richard Reines, who after offering to manage the band barely supported them and did nothing but cause trouble for the rising band. Then the band put exposure before profit by releasing their first two releases for free, a rarely seen business model for a touring band. From there, the band signed to Doghouse Records and put out one of the best pop-punk albums of the year, commonly using a surprising brass section to make their record unique from the oversaturated pop-punk music scene.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #3: The Morning Of - The Way I Fell In

In one word, The Way I Fell In is simply "beautiful". Beautiful harmonies, beautiful songs, and of course, the beautiful vocals of the pair that is Jessica Leplon and Justin Wiley create the pop masterpiece of the year. Every song has it's own style, and not one song seems like filler. The jazzy "What You Can't Control" shows The Morning Of's excellent song writing skills, straying away from the normal songwriting patterns allowing Jessica to use her vocal strengths in ways most singers couldn't. "The Ones That Fall Apart" is a harmony filled pop-rock gem, with no dull moment in the entire song and all the instruments arrayed in a beautiful web of sound. "Cobwebs and Cables" shows some technicality for a pop band with a verse structure that is anything but conventional, with choruses that display Justin at his best. "I Know You Know" is a Jessica only track, with only a backing acoustic guitar and a saxophone at the end. However, the song seems a lot less simple once you know that it was recorded in only one take, making the outstanding vocal performance even more special, as Jessica shows she should be declared one of the best female voices around. "Heaven And Hell" welcomes a third beautiful vocalist to the mix, with Copeland's (R.I.P. Copeland) voice Aaron Marsh joining in  to complete one of the best vocal trifectas of the year. It is upsetting to see The Morning Of on the verge of not being a band anymore, as this record is a vast improvement over their first (Note: Justin has clarified and said the band is going strong, and there should be a new record in 2012). It is almost impossible to imagine anymore growth for the band, though with the vocal talents of the band, anything is possible for their future. Listen to the band and show them your love on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #4: Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life

Motion City Soundtrack is proof that anyone with talent can make it, and the presumed "band image" isn't needed.  Sadly, their looks have probably made getting to this point of their careers where they have been signed by a major label much more difficult than it should have been.  Their brand of nerdy pop-punk deserves to sell more records than any of those manufactured pretty boy bands out there. My Dinosaur Life includes some of the best songs of Motion City Soundtrack's now four album discography, moving some of the synth back into the mix, but still not losing the band's traditional sound. "Worker Bee" introduces the album perfectly, as it could almost be symbolizing the band's label move, as singer Justin Pierre explains "I'm through with the old school, so let's commence the winning". "Disappear" is one of the fastest paced, yet darkest Motion City songs, blaring riffs and rumbling bass creating the feeling of anger expressed throughout the lyrics. "Pulp Fiction" brings back the classic MCS synth lines, with the band's customary witty lyrics and strong hook forming one of the strongest tracks on My Dinosaur Life. "The Weakends" is the band as their musical best, as the whole band reaches into their pool of talent to create a closer that is sure to blow you away. Motion City Soundtrack gives a figment of hope that the industry is not moving towards image, and that musical integrity will still remain in the future. Motion City Soundtrack can be streamed on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #5: Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise

Circa Survive is the band of the year. Two exceptional releases on a major label, several magazine covers, and having one of the most beloved vocalists of the year can do that for a band. Blue Sky Noise is the apex of Circa's career so far, with some of the best songs the band has ever done while still being their most accessible. Had the first half of the album been released as an EP, it would have been possibly the best EP of all time, as Circa continuously blows a listener away. "Get Out" is the most aggressive song the band has released, as vocalist Anthony Green screams and cries at almost an impossible register as you can feel him screaming at his own mind, begging for mercy. "Glass Arrows" shows Circa at their most technical and atmospheric, with excellent instrumentals and an odd time signature that almost seems normal for the band. "I Felt Free" shows that Circa can make an absolutely stunning pop song and "Imaginary Enemy" could have dominated the alternative rock stations. The second half of the album is solid, but seems a lot worse when compared to the beautiful first half. However, songs like "Fever Dreams" and "Spirit Of The Stairwell" are still great in their own way. This album has been one of the best of the year from the first listen, and Circa has broken into many people's (including my own) list of favorite bands. This year however, Circa has no competition. Listen to Circa Survive on Myspace here.

Review for their latest release, the Appendage EP here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #6: Sleigh Bells - Treats

You may want to be careful when you blast this album for the first time. Cause this album will destroy your speakers if you aren't careful. Now, once you know your speaker's limits with this album, put it up that high, because this album is meant to be LOUD. Combining the sweet sounds of vocalist Alexis Krause with the heavy, over the top production and guitars of ex Poison The Well guitarist Derek Miller, you will not hear another album like Sleigh Bells' Treats. "Kids" is exactly the kind of song the band makes, with the obvious hardcore influences in the guitars with the production that could instantly turn off a new listener. However, pushing your eardrums to the limit is exactly why this album is so great. "Infinity Guitars" is perhaps the most well known Sleigh Bells song, as it should be with an addictive beat and a killer hook. "A/B Machines" is Sleigh Bells at its simplest, as the lyrics are ultra repetitive (I mean, when is repeating the same two lines over and over not repetitive) but ultra catchy and the guitars pound against your ears. But really, this album is meant to be loud and obnoxious, which is pretty much the kind of music I dislike. However, Sleigh Bells makes even the most uneven production and makes it glossy. This album is the album on this list that I was least likely to enjoy, and I love it. So check out Sleigh Bells on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #7: The Graduate - Only Every Time

For some bands, there are replaceable members. For The Graduate, every member is extremely important, and Only Every Time would not nearly be as good as it is without every single member living up to their potential. Between the excellent rhythm section, the extremely technical guitars creating the atmospheric feel throughout the album, and the lead vocals supported by excellent harmonies, the band's pieces go together perfectly. Tracks like the upbeat "Siren" can combine atmospheric guitars with the lower pitched and heavier guitars to create a siren sounding effect. Ballad "Pull Me In" has perhaps the best harmonies and probably the catchiest chorus throughout the entire superb album. "Choke" has vocalist Corey Warning showing off his extraordinary range, proving that he is a naturally gifted vocalist. But the individual songs aren't important, as there really is not any single standout song, instead there is an extremely strong cohesive product. Just like the members of the band, when put together, the album becomes something special. Check out The Graduate on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #8: Jimmy Eat World - Invented

Veterans Jimmy Eat World seem to have two different styles of albums they put out. There is the darker, more emotional Clarity and Futures and there is the lighter and poppier Bleed American and Chase This Light. Invented falls mostly into the first category.  First single "My Best Theory" is one of the "heaviest" songs that Jimmy Eat World has ever done, bringing almost ambient guitar playing to the verses before exploding out with riffs and harmonies in the chorus. "Movielike" could be a for-sure top 40 hit with its extremely smooth production and the simple, catchy hook. However, the ballads at the end of the album are definitely the strength of Invented. "Cut" is the first, singing from the female's point of view of a relationship with acoustic verses and huge choruses. The title track is a seven minute epic containing the best lyrics on the record and vocalist Jim Atkins singing fairly stripped done from Jimmy Eat World's usual vocal style. Female harmonies add to the emotional impact of the song, and the climax where the song simply blows up both vocally and instrumentally is possibly the best moment of the album. "Mixtape" simply adds to Jimmy Eat World's long time reliance on the excellent closer of an album, a song worthy of being in the same sentence as "Goodbye Sky Harbor", "Dizzy", "23", and "My Sundown". Jimmy Eat World consistently makes strong albums, and although Invented is nothing new or groundbreaking, it's more proof that Jimmy Eat World is one of the best artists out there. The band's been making albums for over ten years now, and there seems to be no end in sight. Listen to Jimmy Eat World on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #9: Valencia - Dancing With A Ghost

Who knew that a small progression could lead to a seemingly huge change in sound? Valencia moved down the street from their smooth pop-punk sound in order to create something totally different, an extremely well put together and musically superb pop-rock Dancing With A Ghost. The title track is definitely one of the top ten songs this year, with in my opinion the catchiest chorus of the year along with extreme musical progression from We All Need A Reason To Believe. Rather than the driving guitar and drums known in usual Valencia tracks, "Dancing With A Ghost" showcases Valencia's new sound with bells and much more technical guitar riffs. "Still Need You Around (Lost Without You)" seems to be early in the album for a ballad, but it works with the flow of the album extremely well, containing even more surprises with gang vocals surrounded some of Shane's best vocal work. "Friday Night" is the apex of Valencia's transformation, sounding like an entirely different band. The song has a dark feeling that could almost be compared to The Used, though Valencia pulls it off better than The Used could ever do. Valencia has even more tricks up their sleeves with the strings and keys in "Somewhere I Belong" and snaps in "Days Go Bye". Although a record that may need to grow on you, Dancing With A Ghost changes Valencia from a standout pop-punk band to a band with their own, unique sound that hopefully they will continue to develop in the future. Listen to Valencia on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #10: The Wonder Years - The Upsides

2010 was a "pop-punk" revival of some sort. No Sleep and Run For Cover Records rose up with excellent signings and many great pop-punk bands became quite popular such as Fireworks, Man Overboard, Transit, and This Time Next Year. However, The Wonder Years may easily be the biggest breakout of this group of bands. Way back in January, the band released The Upsides which immediately became an anthem for many AP.net college students. The lyrics involved the hardships between friends, failed relationships with girls, and how to look past them. The opening track, "My Last Semester", immediately croons the listener with the absolute message of the album, as vocalist Soupy Campbell states that he's "not sad anymore, I'm just tired of this place". "New Years With Carl Weathers" represents the band's ultimate style, with the driving melodies and instruments along with humor and brutal honesty of the lyrics. "All My Friends Are In Bar Bands" is a perfect closer, as Soupy wonders about what has happened to his old friends and brings all his new friends (vocalists Matty Arensault of A Loss For Words, Dave Mackinder of Fireworks, Shane Henderson of Valencia, Jamie Rhoden of Title Fight, Nik Bruzzese of Man Overboard) to assist him in chanting the album's opening line again and again. The band has busted out huge this year, and has recently signed with Hopeless Records. The band recently re-released The Upsides on Hopeless with four new tracks, all of which are excellent. The positivity of the album brings a fresh breath into music that seems to be rather negative these days. Check out The Wonder Years on myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010: Honorable Mentions

Here are all the albums that may not have made my top 10 list, but deserve plenty of credit. I linked every report I have done for any of the albums as well as bolding the top fifteen that did not make the list. 

Starting tomorrow, the top ten list will begin to be posted. Check it out tomorrow and the rest of the year. 

List after the jump.

Best of The Year 2010: Favorite EPs

Here are my favorite EPs of the year. I look more for stronger song quality and lasting value rather than a cohesive product in EPs compared to albums. The best of the best are bolded, and every artist posted about on the blog has a link to their article.

All The Right Moves - The Monster I've Become

Boxer and Clover - Fate Has Favorites

Bright And Early - Louder Than Words

Brighten - Be Human

Cari Clara - You Better Run

Circa Survive - Appendage

Come Wind - Wanderer O' Wanderer

Go Radio - Do Overs and Second Chances

I Call Fives - Bad Advice

I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business - Dust'n Off The Ol' Guitar

Isles and Glaciers - The Hearts Of Lonely People

Kiven - Two In The Same

The Last Dinosaur - Tales

Mae - (e)vening

NGHBRS - Hellomind

Now, Now - Neighbors

The Offseason - Goin' For Broke

Pistolita - The Paper Boy

Soletta - The Road Back Home

The Spill Canvas - Abnormalities

Stay Ahead Of The Weather - We Better Get Goin' If We're Gonna

There For Tomorrow - Re:Creations

This Condition - Spirit

Tonight Alive - All Shapes and Disguises

Vertigo Whales - Everything Connects

We Are The In Crowd - Guaranteed To Disagree

Albums Of The Year 2010: Honorable Mentions (V)

Here are two albums that were just on the verge of getting into my top ten of the year. This will be the last post of my favorite pop albums for now, as the last two will be on my top ten list. I will link the entire pop list here when I have it all compiled into one post.

Cee-Lo Green - The Lady Killer

We may as well deem Cee-Lo Green the king of the radio single. He had already had one major hit as part of Gnarls Barkley ("Crazy") that went double platinum and was named Rolling Stones #1 song of the decade. He has already created some competition for his best song with the megahit "Fuck You", that had two million listens on Youtube a week into its existence and has been nominated for five Grammys. Everyone knows that song, but "Fuck You" isn't the only gem on the album, one of the best R&B and soul influenced pop albums of the year.  "Bright Lights Big City" is the perfect club dance song with bass beats along with a great synth line and an extremely catchy chorus. "Bodies" combines dark imagery and a drumline style snare section enhancing Cee-Lo's unique vocals. "I Want You" is another unique arrangement, with what almost seems like a full orchestra enhancing the song. The whole album is meant to be checked as a whole, so go get it now. Singles aren't everything.

Albums Of The Year 2010: Honorable Mentions (IV)

Just one album today, but it's worth it.

Hellogoodbye - Would It Kill You?

There are two ways of making a surprising album. One is to be a band that few people have heard of, and making a great release. The other way is to be a well known band that ditches all the awfulness of a previous release to create something special. Hellogoodbye ditched the autotune and the dancy electronics to create a more natural indie influenced pop album.  "Finding Something To Do" immediately begins the album on a different note than the debut, with driving guitar (yes, real guitar!) and handclaps, putting Hellogoodbye the closest they've ever been to making a rock song. Possibly the strongest track on the album, "When We First Met" is separated into two distinct sections, the light, fluttery acoustic verses and the heavier, pounding chorus, both accompanied by a similar keys melody. The whole album is great, but along with those tracks, "Would It Kill You" and "You Sleep Tonight" are key tracks.

Albums Of The Year 2010: Honorable Mentions (III)

Keeping on with the best pop albums of the year, here are #7 and #6 on that list.

He Is We - My Forever

Purevolume always seems to be one of the least respected sites for finding new music. I mean, many of the bands on there are for fourteen year old girls to discover their new favorite Ke$ha metalcore cover, but once in a while there is a true gem. Their list of the top unsigned bands of 2009 had quite a few finds, including the currently signed Amely and Tonight Alive and the should-be-signed Every You and Gabriel The Marine. However, #1 on that list is He Is We. Rachel Taylor has an exceptional voice, blaring out the band's contagiously catchy choruses as on the made for corny chick flick soundtrack "Happily Ever After". "All About Us" features ex-Underoath vocalist Aaron Gillespie singing call and response with Rachel and the twinkling piano and acoustic guitar. And first single "And Run" has the obviously necessary in every pop single hand claps. Don't forget to check out "Fall" and "Forever and Ever" as well.

Albums Of The Year: Honorable Mentions (II)

Two of my favorite pop albums of the year, actually #9 and #8 on the list I'm creating for AP.net of the best pop albums of year. I'm giving you guys a bit of a sneak peek though.

The Rocket Summer - Of Men

And Angels

Bryce Avary and his moniker The Rocket Summer has been on these lists for about a decade now. Armed with exceptional talent (he plays every instrument on the record) and extremely catchy hooks, Of Men And Angels, may not have many stand out tracks, but the almost the whole record is extremely solid. Of Men And Angels has the most religious influence of any of The Rocket Summer's albums, but it still should not isolate anyone away from the album's messages. "Hills and Valleys" is a highlight with its positive message, harmonizing piano clinks, and handclaps. In addition, other tracks to check out are "Walls", "Of Men And Angels", and "Light".

Albums Of The Year 2010: Honorable Mentions (I)

Over the next two weeks, I will go through the albums that were definitely some of the best this year, concluding with my favorite on New Years Eve. The honorable mentions are in no specific order, just the ones I decide to write about. Check out the first two after the jump.

As The Year Winds Down...

This is the first year in which I have an extremely solid catalog of albums I can put in a top ten. As of now, I have about thirty or so in the running, but which can easily grow. After the jump, you can see the list of the albums that are in that running for the illusive 2010 favorite album list.