Some more love for the Game! This is the first I've seen him around these parts. I liked both the Documentary 2 and 2.5. I agree that that feel more like compilations.
O! I've got some commentin' to DOOOOOOOOOOOOO /mangledilovelucyreference
Love that you are crediting Wiki. We all look at for our year-ends, and so it's awesome that you actually reference them. Wiki should sponsor your year-end! Well, they probably can't, as they are always looking for money. Better yet, your year-end should sponsor Wikipedia! Anyway, I know how much you have talked about Drenge this year, so it's cool to see them chart. I have to agree with Red in saying that I was a bigger fan of Ellie Goulding's previous album, and I didn't like the current album as much, but you state its case well, and i'm just glad it made you a fan of her's. Courtney Barnett is tremendous! I love your write-up, detailing your surprise at the acclaim she got over the year. Great seeing Vince Staples on there. I rec'd this to you last year so I don't know if you ever ended up listening, but Common's Nobody's Smiling, which was my first exposure to Staples and at 41 minutes solves your length issue, is just as great of an album covering similar subjects (and shares the same main producer in No I.D.). You gotta check it out! Decemberists are always great, The Game album should have been called Black Dynamite 2 haha! That sells it better! You rec'd Logic to me, and I liked that album a lot, great job describing its story. I'm sure on further listens i'll like it even more! And The Sheepdogs! The greatest! Nice Abbey Road reference! I also have been enjoying your trips back to your year-ends, cool that Evil Urges is the one you go back to most!
13. Positive Songs For Negative People by Frank Turner
Best Song- "Get Better"
Also- "Mittens" , "Glorious You" , "Out Of Breath"
-I'm glad youtube the lyric video as the first result, as it really enhances an already amazing song. I'm not a guy who thinks that lyrics make or break a song, though obviously I'd rather have good than bad. So singer/songwriters like Frank Turner usually fly way under my radar. I know Kurt Vile is nodding somewhere all like "so that's why I never make it on the list". This is another win for apple music (you can have my money and free advertisement) as I came acrosd the powerhouse that is "Get Better" on their A-list playlist. I was hooked instantly, how could you not be? I said "Dead Inside" was the heavy favorite for song of the year, but that is one of the two that could challenge (hint: the other is coming up next). But yeah, I was still skeptical even with "Get Better" rocking my face off. The opening track, "Angel of Islington" , had me even more worried as it isn't very good at all. "Get Better" is track two and it couldn't be a more literal title in that sense. It's pretty much clear sailing from there. So if you have time to listen to my recommendations, but still want to save 3-4 minutes, just start at track 2 and thank me later. At the very least you'll agree the guy knows how to write a freakin' hook.
12. Dark Sky Rising by Big Sean
Best Song- "I Don't F With You"
Also- "All Your Fault" ' "Dark Sky (Skyscrapers)" , "Paradise" , "Blessings"
-I wasn't sure which song to link, I'm pretty sure "IDFWY" is pretty well known, but wasn't sure about "All Your Fault" with Kanye. So I went with that as its just a smidge weaker than the best song on the album. Both are ridiculously hot though. This was a huge surprise me for early in the year. Sure Big Sean had done some solid verses on songs like "Clique" and "Santcified", but I've never liked any of his solo stuff. He was just the guy who kinda sounded like a mix of Kanye and Drake. Speaking of which, what up with the album version of "Blessings" having Drake instead of Kanye. And while were asking what up wit dat, what up with Big Sean censoring himself on a few of the songs. Anyways, surprises and all that. "Dark Skyscrapers" is a pretty convincing opener, but it wasn't until we got through the first four song run that I was fully on board. "Paradise" is the only standout in the second half of the album, but that along with the first four and several other solid hip hop songs make this not only the best Big Sean, but one of the top albums of the whole year! "IDFWY" is my other song of the year contender. I don't care how silly it is, dat beeeeaaaaaattttt. DJ Mustard mist have went to Hogwarts School of Spinning cause he is magic.
11. The Most Lamentable Tragedy by Titus Andronicus
Best Song- "No Future Part IV: No Future Triumphant"
Also- "Fatal Flaw" , "Lonely Boy" , "I Lost My Mind"
-Titus Andronicus returns to glory! I know people who loved the last album will question if its the concept album and story telling that appeals to me about this band. I would say no. I truly have no idea what The Most Lamentable Tragedy is about. I'll look it in a minute here, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of it. And I didn't hate the last album, it ranked 30, thats just a far cry from the top ten of The Monitor. This would probably be in the top ten if it wasn't for the ungodly length of 29 songs. 29! Yeah some of these are really short interludes, but the album still clocks in at around 90 minutes which is crazy. Luckily I've provided you with the four best. "No Future Triumphant" is just a raw stampede of sound coming at you, so give "Fatal Flaw" a try before dismissing them if that turns you off. That is more mellow, but also has a sick guitar solo. For my money, Titus Andronicus as the golden standard of modern punk. Oh yeah wiki says this is a rock opera about a guy who is visited by his doppleganger, goes through considerable life and dream experiences all while acting as a metaphor for musical depression. Ok then...
So which artists had a big enough 2015 to knock these heavyweights out of the top ten! Only one way to find out!
45. "The Black Belles" by The Black Belles
44. "David Comes To Life" by ****ed Up
43. "Lycanthropy" by Werewolf Congress
42. "Undun" by The Roots
41. "Father, Son, Holy Ghost" by Girls
40. "Blood Pressures" by The Kills
39. "The King of Limbs" by Radiohead
38. "Tha Carter IV" by Lil Wayne
37. ".OGDRULEY" by Druley
36. "Smoke RIng For My Halo" by Kurt Vile
35. "Reptilians" by Star****er
34. "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson
33. "Rome" by Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi
32. "Thank You Happy Birthday" by Cage The Elephant
31. "Kaputt" by Destroyer
30. "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds" by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
29. "Wounded Rhymes" by Lykke Li
28. "Mylo Xyloto" by Coldplay
27. "Holy Ghost!" by Holy Ghost
26. "Siberia" by Lights
25. "Balls Out" by Steel Panther
24. "The Hunter" by Mastodon
23. "Angles" by The Strokes
22. "Circuital" by My Morning Jacket
21. "Turtleneck and Chain" by The Lonely Island
20. "All Day" by Girl Talk
19. "Velociraptor" by Kasabian
18. "21" by Adele
17. "Soul Punk" by Patrick Stump
16. "Divergent Spectrum" by Bassnectar
15. "Suck It and See" by Arctic Monkeys
14. "Wild Flag" by Wild Flag
13. "Torches" by Foster The People
12. "Watch The Throne" by Jay-Z and Kanye West
11. "Codes and Keys" by Death Cab For Cutie
10. "Audio, Video, Disco" by Justice
9. "Yuck" by Yuck
8. "I'm With You" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
7. "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2" by Beastie Boys
6. "Nine Types of Light" by TV On The Radio
5. "The Double Cross" by Sloan
4. "Wasting Light" by Foo Fighters
3. "El Camino" by The Black Keys
2. "The King is Dead" by The Decemberists
1. "Something To Die For" by The Sounds
Well I'm already sad to see the last Beasties album, but at least they went out with a home run. 2 and 1 were very close this year, but I'm fine with The Sounds winning, even though I probably listen to The Decemberists more. Foos also could make a case as Wastling Light holds up terrificly. There is one album on here that is ranked onscenely low, but saying which would spoil the top ten!
Big Sean is pretty high here! He did turn in his best album yet, so it's pretty deserved recognition. Paradise goes hard, I like the acknowledgement for it
I kept meaning to check out Titus and never quite got around to it
Great 2011 list. I love most of them. My favorites are probably Watch The Throne, Suck It And See, El Camino, Wasting Light, Hot Sauce Committee, Mylo Xyloto, Wounded Rhymes, The King Of Limbs, The Hunter, and Holy Ghost (I still play Jam for Ferry a lot)!
Topp ten y'all. I may not be able to make my Friday deadline I set for myself, as I was hoping to do two updates today. But I've already moved on.
10. To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Best Song- "King Kunta"
Also- "Alright" , "Blacker The Berry" , "i"
-Hip-hop has had quite a run, with five songs in the past few updates. The bus stops here though, as Kendrick Lamar takes hip-hop album of the year. Oh how controversial you may say sarcastically, but shut up is what I say. Sometimes the populace is right. As for its place in the thus far spotless discography of Mr. Lamar, I would rank it slightly below Good Kid, Maas City and slightly above Section 80. Kendrick always had smooth beats, but Pimp is smoother than smoothies. Funk, Jazz and soul intstrumentation join Kendrick's usual repertoire, backing up some impressive lyrics. Though I will say that if you're gonna have a heavy focus on lyrics, maybe make them a tad more understandable. A few of Kendrick's accents bounce around my ears without any connecting dots. My friend claims that the album version of "i" is much better than the released single version. I didn't really notice it at first, but listening to both back to back has changed things. The single version feels like something you'd hear on a beach or boat while the album version belongs on a parade float in the early 70s. I think thats the vibe KL was going for, so mission accomplished.
9. Jekyll + Hyde by Zach Brown Band
Best Songs- "Beautiful Drug"
Also- "Heavy Is The Head" , "Loving You Easy" , "Junkyard" , "Homegrown"
-I almost wrote Jekyll + Hydra, which would be a good title for a Hulk/Captain America crossover. Call me, Marvel Comics. Anyways, I've seen ZBB pop up on a few lists around the forum, so I guess it's not entirely surprising to see a country album this high for some. But still, a frickin country music album is in my top ten. And it beat every hip-hop album! Tell that to me even two years ago and I would call you insane and then tell that jerk LeBron James to F off. I guess alot changes in two years #ThanksForComingBack. Anyways, I guess I should talk a little bit about why I like this album. Crossover and diversity are two words that come to mind. Powerhouse jams like "Heavy Is The Head" and "Junkyard" are certainly one way to get me to notice. Heavy did just that in fact. I knew it wouldn't all be like that, but I certainly didn't expect to find one of the best pop songs of the year in "Beautiful Drug" right at the start. That hook is dynomite. Give this song to Avicii and he could make a top ten song. I like it just fine the way it is though. However, if the more traditional country fare was less than impressive it would have been much lower but even that is fine. ZBB delivered the goods in every way they could.
8. Dodge and Burn by The Dead Weather
Best Song- "I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)
Also- "Be Still" , "Let Me Through" , "Three Dollar Hat"
-One day Jack White was like "I'm gonna make a new band, but this time I'm gonna be the drummer and we were like "Ok, Jack, you have fun with that while we wait for the next White Stripes album." Years later and Dead Weather just might be my favorite act he's put together. I ranked last years "Lazaretto" higher and stick to that. But Lazaretto was an adult Jack putting his considerable musical skills to work for the mind of his teenage self. Te Dead Weather is what happens without what followed. Where there no White Stripes and he is behind a woman instead of in front. And that's just fine, cause he just wants to make some killer tunes. The Dead Weather are dirty, yet confident. They hit you with raw, irresistable guitar riffs. I've been heavy on the Jack talk, mostly because I like his music alot, but a lot of credit also has to go to Alison Mosshart. If she wasn't so perfectly suited to sing these songs we'd end up back at "Why the hell are you on the drums, Jack?" But Alison and crew prove he was right and we were silly to doubt him.
So close to being done! I hope everyone is still enjoying themselves.
2007 was a weird year where I did not choose a top album. This was partly because I couldn't pick and partly because I was on vacation and didn't care all that much. I ended up finally crowning one in 2010, but until now I had never ranked a top ten before. I'll try to be as accurate as I can to 2007 me. I have a song list and memories to guide me.
2007
1. LCD Soundsystem Sound Of Silver
2. Fall Out Boy Infinity On High
3. Arcade Fire Neon Bible
4. Kanye West - Graduation
5. Kelly Clarkson My December
6. The Hives Black And White Album
7. Radiohead In Rainbows
8. Linkin Park - Minutes to midnight
9. Arctic Monkeys - Favorite Worst Nightmare
10. A Day To Remember - For Those Who Have Heart
Paramore Riot!
Bruce Springsteen Magic
Justice - Cross
Jay-Z American Gangster
Beastie Boys The Rat Cage
Queens Of The Stone Age
Feist
Horse The Band
Nine Inch Nails
Walk Hard OST
Velvet Revolver
UGK
-So LCD was who won in 2010, but they were a contender anyways and in 2015 I agree with 2010 me, Sound of Silver is the best. Fall Out Boy was on a war path to #1, I played that album over and over and over, but my tastes changed in the middle of the year and I fell out with the pop/punk emo sound. I think I would have been respectful enough to give it #2 though. In a funny turn,this is the one emo album I still listen to on a regular basis. Actually most of the albums listed are still played. 2007 was ballin, no wonder I couldn't pick. The only other thing was being unsure about Linkin Park, but I ranked over half the album on the song list so I'm gonna say I really liked it.
Minutes to Midnight! Love that album, one of my favorites from 2007! And I think that's the last amazing album that Linkin Park released I miss their old music
Riot! a classic already for me
You introduced me to that Frank Turner album and i’m glad you did! Laughed at the Kurt Vile line hahahaha. The Big Mustard line in the Big Sean write-up is also great. Titus!!! I’m so glad you ranked it that high, considering your view on longer albums. I love that album a lot! What can you can about To Pimp a Butterfly, the best! And I love that Zac Brown Band album made your top ten! How cool! This was a true watershed year for you with country haha. And The Dead Weather are tremendous, you have been a supporter of theirs from the start. And again, that you are doing all this on your iPhone seriously should get you into some award consideration. What award? I dunno, just do a blanket For Your Consideration ad and see what happens.
-Well this your annual party crasher. I almost had it ranked several times since bumping the list but just couldn't do seeing as how I've been obsessed with this album recently. I don't think its #1 though, and the top 6 all had more significant impacts on the other 50 weeks of the year. Still though, what a freakin accomplishment Tell Me I'm Pretty is. Produced by the man, Dan Auerbach himself, I had a feeling this would be something special. I've always been a fan of Cage, but had fallen out a little in recent years. This is a whole new Cage Elephant though. Auerbach is producing, but he's learned so many tricks from Dangermouse that it might as well be a two man team. Because of this, Tell Me Im Pretty comes off as a mixture of current Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys. And then that baby grows up to star in Kill Bill Volume 3. The production sets them on the right path, but Cage are the ones who have to kill the 88 japanese gangsters and they do it with style. I picked the five that stood out to me on first listen, but after four every song becomes a highlight. I'd also like to shout out Vintage Trouble, Coldplay and Pusha T. I also heard these good albums in the "too late" range, but they would have been on the bubble anyways. Cage clearly wasn't lol.
6. EMoTion by Carly Rae Jepsen
Best Song- "Run Away With Me"
Also- "Warm Blood" , "Your Type" , "LA Hallucinations" , "I Really Like You"
-Narrowing down the top 5 was tough, and it ended up being Carly drawing the short straw. Number six is still pretty good though! Certainly higher than I expected. After blowing up with "Call Me Maybe" everyone was wondering if Carly would be a one hit wonder or a future legend. At the very least everyone expected her to make an album with the current pop sound, making as many possible "Call Me Maybe" replication. "I Really Like You" is a great song, but it certainly fell into this narrative. Well instead of doing, Carly goes Heavy on the retro and synthy grooves and it is glorious. Through my first listen, "Your Type" was my top pick with its bouncy beat and addictive chorus. Then I shifted over to "Warm Blood", which isn't so flashy, but just as catchy and producded by Vampire Weekend's Batmanslgy. That can't be his real name, but I should have already known that. The true powerhouse emerged after about four or five listens though. "Run Away With Me" is a monster of a song. And it will certainly have a say when the best song list comes around. Straight Outta Canada, Carly wins best non-Alternative pop album of the year from the Omeggies.
So what could be better than Carly? Some should be obvious, some not I hope. Until next time!
40. Broken Social Scene
39. Band Of Horses
38. Interpol
37. Parkway Drive
36. Tokyo Police Club
35. Eminem
34. My Chemical Romance
33. Taylor Swift
32. Bad Religion
31. Dr. Dog
30. Girl Talk
29. Underworld
28. Jimmy Eat World
27. Brandon Flowers
26. Holy ****
25. Ted Leo and The Pharmacists
24. Rusko
23. Broken Bells
22. Deadmau5
21. The Apples In Stereo
20. Hot Chip
19. Vampire Weekend
18. Dirty Heads
17. Minus The Bear
16. A Day To Remember
15. Kanye West
14. Ratatat
13. Blood Red Shoes
12. Four Year Strong
11. Holy Ghost
10. Cee Lo Green
9. Sex Bomb-omb (AKA Scott Pilgrim vs The World OST)
8. Titus Andronicus
7. Gorillaz
6. Bassnectar
5. The Arcade Fire
4. The Dead Weather
3. The Black Keys
2. Robyn
1. LCD Soundsystem
So I was fresh back from New York, thinking I was so darn cool, and decided to make an artist list instead of an album + song list. LCD would have dominated both anyways so it seemed redundant. Robyn put a nice challenge at the end with her epic 3 parter Body Talk, but it wasnt enough in the end. Brothers is a top two Black Keys album for me and you know how much I love Dead Weather and Arcade Fire. Kanye is despicably low for stupid reasons. Id also bump current favs Taylor Swift and Dr Dog in a redo, but at the time those ranks were appropriate. I think thats reflected in the 2012 list anyways when their followups were 2 and 1 lol.
I didn't know the Cage The Elephant album was produced by Dan. I'll have to listen to that one, I really haven't given them a listen since their first.
EMOTION is great too of course, Straight Outta Canada