Thanks to Amazon’s magazine section and Discountmags.com, I usually have a few magazines waiting for me every day. Tis the season for year end lists and “best of” compilations which is all just dandy. Here are my selections for the best albums of the decade. This is my opinion, if you disagree, that’s fine – in fact, I hope you do. I am not going to put them in order. Here are my ten favorite of last 10 years:
Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
Once the novelty of “Rehab” fades, you are left with 10 more great fucking songs that honor Motown without imitating. Who would guess that a drunk, crazy, British woman in a beehive could kick so much ass? I hope she cleans herself up and gets back to making great music.
Conor Oberst – Outer South
Every song on this album is excellent – very little filler. Oberst channels the Flying Burrito Brothers, Dylan, and a little Los Lobos. I have discussed this album in previous blogs, so I will say no more. Excellent effort.
Feist – The Reminder
This is an outstanding album and once again – I like every tune front to back. She may have exploded due to the Mac commercials, but she still has her artistic soul.
Jack Johnson – On and On
Less artistically stunning and more the perpetual background music of my life from 2003 – 2006. Johnson got a little darker on this album and it fit my mood well… well dark for Jack Johnson (and me).
Ryan Adams – Easy Tiger
Ah – you all thought I was going to go for Heartbreaker….WRONG. Don’t get me wrong, I love that album, but I can get tired of listening to it front to back. I cannot say that with this gem. The first 5 songs knock it out of the park, then we slow down and explore some other sounds, and then we get the introspective Adams. This album will get overlooked in favor of individual efforts and songs, but it is a complete package.
RIP Spacewolf
Tegan and Sara – The Con
Let’s get past the “lesbian twin sister” information and focus on the music. Every tune on this album is good if not excellent. Yearning and sadness mixed with a uncompromising sweetness.
The Avett Brothers – Emotionalism
Old time and rootsy with a modern twist and relevance. This year more people have discovered the band due to their major label debut, but they have doing the DIY route for years which I admire a great deal.
The Hold Steady – Boys and Girls In America
Classic story-telling through music and classic American rock. Who can’t love a song about a race-horse and getting high from the winnings?
The White Stripes – White Blood Cells
Jack and Meg White brought the Rock back to America. Thank you pasty ones.
Wilco – A Ghost is Born
I liked all of Wilco’s output over the last 10 years, but this album mixes the electric ambiance of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot with some of their traditional offerings of later years. There is alot to chew on and find on this album, which makes it great for repeated listening. I can always come back to this one.
Special Mention: John Mayer – Continuum
As I mentioned with the Jack Johnson album, John Mayer’s music has been in the background of my life for a long time. When I think of the albums, the first few actually mean something to me. They are anchors in time, and when I hear them, it takes me back to my thoughts, fears, troubles, and joys during the time the memories were made. Mayer has struggled with living up to his promise. I appreciate and respect that. I always expect more and better from him and I anticipate he will deliver one day. I had to mention this album because it is actually intellectual and was a creative high point for him with his work with the John Mayer Trio.
Special Mention: Ben Harper – Diamonds on the Inside
You know what – this belongs in the list too. I don’t feel like bumping anything but this is a great fucking album that went under everybody’s radar. Ben Harper is a genius.
