10. HOT CHIP, “ONE LIFE STAND”
Let me tell you a secret. I actually don’t like every single song on this album. There are a few that are complete misses for me, like “Alley Cats” and “Keep Quiet,” not to mention the album is entirely too short with only ten tracks. Hot Chip more than make up for it with brilliantly produced tracks like “Thieves in the Night” and “One Life Stand.” The last track, “Take It In” does an incredible job of summing up the entire record and the sound Hot Chip seemed to be going for: a little indie mixed with explosive electronic. There’s even some funky guitar and gorgeous piano in there, too.
Favorite: Take It In
9. BEACH HOUSE, “TEEN DREAM”
Accidentally stumbled on this gem during Teenage Dream mania. Had I had more time with this record, it probably would have ended up further down on the list; I think it’s one that has to grow on you – not easily digestible by any means. Beach House’s third studio album, Teen Dream is gorgeous from start to finish. The melodies are highly familiar, but not in a way that drives you crazy trying to figure out who they ripped off, just familiar enough to instill a feeling of nostalgia.
Favorite: Walk in the Park
8. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, “DANGER DAYS: THE TRUE LIVES OF THE FABULOUS KILLJOYS”
I never, ever thought that I’d more than tolerate this record. My music taste has changed drastically from years ago, when I was 15 and considered Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge my bible. I think I subconsciously expected My Chemical Romance to still be stuck in 2003 and that this record would be accompanied by the band in matching bulletproof vests, guyliner and the entire record would be Welcome to the Black Parade part two. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my assumptions were completely wrong. My Chem managed to completely update their sound on this record, it’s very current… maybe even trendy (occasional hints of electro-pop in several songs). Danger Days is a solid rock album, and while undoubtedly more pop than any of the band’s other records, they stayed true to themselves and it has a lot of heart – exactly what albums by their peers who attempted to go the same route have always lacked (cough, The Used).
Favorite: The Only Hope For Me Is You
7. KINGS OF LEON, “COME AROUND SUNDOWN”
Check out my full review!
6. GORILLAZ, “PLASTIC BEACH”
When an album is this good, I can completely excuse the fact that it took five years to make. Plastic Beach is incredible and totally genre bending while still being a cohesive and well thought out album. I love the mix of hip hop, pop, indie and electronic on this and how brilliantly they combine all three. I absolutely love the collaborations, especially “Empire Ants” and “To Binge” with Little Dragon. This record has so much to offer that I imagine it must be impossible to grow tired of it. I sure haven’t.
Favorite: Glitter Freeze
to be continued…
