Sondre Lerche covers Animal Collective’s “Bluish”

Well this is a treat– an already gorgeous song off of Animal Collective’s heralded Merriweather Post Pavilion has been largely stripped of its psychedelic arrangement by Sondre Lerche down to nothing more than his voice, an acoustic guitar, and a couple of frills here and there. The result? Well, you be the judge, but to these ears it sounds rather brilliant and cuts to the emotional core of the song. For those that have been missing out on Lerche’s earlier raw, acoustic side in studio, this is for you. Enjoy!

Sondre Lerche “Bluish” (Animal Collective cover)

Top 200 Albums of the Decade (25-1)

The previous sections of the Top 200:

200-175

174-151

150-126

125-101

100-76

75-51

50-26

25.	Grizzly Bear Veckatimest
	While some will likely maintain that Veckatimest is overwrought to a fault, the immaculate production, complete and total attention to detail, and impressive and consistently gorgeous writing and arrangements all are a part of what makes the latest Grizzly Bear release so impressive. Impressive singles such as “Two Weeks,” “Cheerleader” and “While You Wait for the Others” all contain an organic quality, that lend to Veckatimest to feel like an ever-growing album– as if it were a multi-faceted extension of the band itself. It’s a gorgeous blend of baroque pop and indie rock that only gets better with each listen. “Two Weeks”
24.	M.I.A. Kala
	Named after her mother, Kala is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor, even as maladroit as her approach to the album appears to be. A true world album, as it was recorded in several countries and features contributions of The Wilcannia Mob, Afrikan Boy, Timbaland, and more, Kala is immensely diverse, but rely on a common thread of social angst and the notion of the “outsider.” Of course, as good as the album is, much of its longevity can be attributed to the success of The Clash sampling single “Paper Planes,” the extent of which was probably even a surprise to M.I.A. herself. If you can accept the scattershot approach she takes to the album, you’re in for quite the treat. “Paper Planes”
23.	TV on the Radio Return to Cookie Mountain
	If you discount the previously mentioned Dear Science, the other two releases in TV on the Radio’s library are growers– there’s always simply a lot to process, and over time you appreciate the steps they took more and more. Of all their releases, however, none of them are as rewarding in the grand scheme of things, as Return to Cookie Mountain. From the compelling “Wolf Like Me” to the rhythmic jubilation of “Let the Devil In,” every experiment that TV on the Radio tries here works, and causes the album to shine that much brighter. “Wolf Like Me”
22.	Modest Mouse The Moon and Antarctica
	Likely the best album that Modest Mouse has released, The Moon and Antarctica is particularly noteworthy for Isaac Brock’s immensely dense songwriting that is brought to life in a way that the band hadn’t done previously or since. From the wonderment of “Gravity Rides Everything” to the intensity of “Tiny Cities Made of Ashes” and “A Different City,” Modest Mouse not only knows when to ratchet it up a notch and when to scale it back, but they know how to knock the listener out of their seat and lull them back into a quiet, happy place. “Tiny Cities Made of Ashes”
21.	Daft Punk Discovery
	Daft Punk has always been known as a band ahead of its time, but it’s doubtful people would have guessed the influence this album had, especially when you consider its impact on hip-hop music. Upon release, it was widely disregarded by critics and fans alike for its über-glossy production, and general inconsistencies as a “concept album.” That being said, as time has passed, especially with the rehash of 80’s elements in music today, Discovery has been seen as an increasingly relevant album. Even when taken out of historical context, the anthemic “One More Time,” the playful “Digital Love” and the addicting “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” are just three of the many singles that made their way to the mainstream on what is likely to be known in time as this generation’s electronic masterpiece. “Harder, Better, Faster Stronger”
20.	Radiohead In Rainbows
	While this album is going to always be synonymous with Radiohead’s unconventional “pay what you’d like” digital release method, it should also be seen as Radiohead’s musical return to prominence. A mostly bittersweet and gentle album full of ballads, the overall album is quite a departure from anything they’ve done before, although they have always been known to write strong ballads in the past. That being said, the raw sincerity and intimate nature of the album is much unlike anything Radiohead has done before. In Rainbows proves that Radiohead can still be a masterful band, even when they’re being relatively conventional. “Nude”
19.	Panda Bear Person Pitch
	Person Pitch is certainly Noah Lennox’s most realized solo effort, and while it will sound familiar to any Animal Collective fan, the general sweetness and summer-like quality to the album is something unique and special in its own way. Always one to emphasize the soundscape and imagery that music can create, Person Pitch conjures images of old sepia-tinged films of far away places. The centerpiece of the album is the twelve and a half minute opus “Bros,” that encapsulates everything about the sound of the album as a whole. Nostalgic and breezy, Person Pitch is an immersive and fun listen. ”Bros”
18.	Kanye West Late Registration
	Kanye West’s strongest and most successful experimental album, West did a lot of work with producer Jon Brion to create something that at times can only be described as chamber hip-hop. Using elaborate string arrangements, the sound on such songs as “Bring Me Down,” “Diamonds from Sierra Leone,” “We Major,” and “Gone,” is incredibly lavish, and provides a seemingly infinite amount of musical depth. Meanwhile, West’s lyrics are as socially conscious as ever, as evidenced by songs such as “Make ‘Em Say,” “Diamonds of Sierra Leone” and, in particular “Crack Musick.” The last two songs in particular highlight the devastating effects of the blood diamond market in Africa and crack cocaine in the urban community, respectively. From a rapper that was becoming known for only focusing on boasting his own ego, to hear such poignant rhymes is incredibly refreshing, as is the case with much of this album. West is always one to take risks once he has an idea in his head, and thankfully with help from Jon Brion, he was able to pull this one off with flare. “Gone” (feat. Consequence & Cam’Ron) (Explicit)
17.	Madvillain Madvillainy
	MF Doom and Madlib are already known individually for the eclectic musical energy that they bring to everything they do, so as you can imagine, having both of them on the same album is a bit like opening pandoras box. The results however, are staggeringly great– as unhinged as anything you’ll hear, the album almost feels like improvised sketches, with 22 tracks spread over a mere 46 minutes. Neither artist takes themselves too seriously, as evidenced in particular on such stoner tracks as “America’s Most Blunted” or the bizarre “Rainbows,” and the atypical approach is certainly not for everyone. That being said, very few albums match the unabashed oddities and abnormal brilliance of this album– consider it a Tim Burton flick for hip-hop heads. ”Raid” (feat. M.E.D. aka Medaphoar) (Explicit)
16.	The White Stripes White Blood Cells
	To this day, it’s likely the strongest overall writing The White Stripes have ever displayed. From the disheartened opener “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” to the sweetly innocent “We’re Going to be Friends,” White Blood Cells was quite a bit different from the other celebrated garage rock revival albums. That’s not to say they don’t know how to rock, as “Fell in Love With a Girl” is a nearly two minute exercise of perfected garage rock, and is still likely the most recognized song by the band. White Blood Cells was rightfully the album to put The White Stripes into the spotlight, as it displayed a great deal of maturity for such a relatively young band and the chemistry between Jack and Meg White as bandmates is unmistakeable. “Hotel Yorba”
15.	Outkast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
	If it turns out that Outkast never does another album together, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below will likely be pointed to as the album that signified the beginning of the end– and if that is the case, what a way to go out. With two incredible talents in Big Boi and Andre 3000, their boundless creative energies are what made this double album so invigorating. While Speakerboxxx contains a lot of the funky elements that made Stankonia such a huge success, Big Boi also brought an added air of sophistication as evidenced by the hit single “The Way You Move.” The Love Below, on the other hand, is an elegant, sometimes silly, and highly experimental work. Training to be a classical pianist, the listener is treated to hear not only Dre’s piano skills, but also his penchant for singing. Blending elements of jazz, classical, and R&B music, The Love Below is certainly all over the place, but at the same time they’re all distinctively Andre Benjamin. A terrific album on both sides, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is a masterpiece that few could have predicted. Big Boi – “The Way You Move” (Explicit) Andre 3000 – “Hey Ya!”
14.	Sufjan Stevens Illinois
	While it’s clear that multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Sufjan Stevens will never get around to making an album for all fifty states, the two that he has made (well, three if you count Illinois outtakes album) have been so well done that it pretty much makes up for it. In particular, Illinois, from its wonderfully obscure titles to the even more clever arrangements, is a wonderfully executed album. Making state knowledge fun in a way that was only previously possible through outlets like Sesame Street, Stevens takes you on a journey (part autobiographical, part historical) that’s quite unlike anything else that was released this decade.Illinois is an extraordinary album. ”Come On! Feel the Illinoise!”
13.	My Morning Jacket Z
	Before you start criticizing this pick, think about how prevalent both Jim James and My Morning Jacket has become since Z was released. Sure, they were known as the indie rock band that knew how to jam out live, but it wasn’t until they churned out this masterpiece of an album that people finally realized that there was more to these guys than innumerable layers of reverb. Working with famed producer John Leckie (Radiohead, The Stone Roses), My Morning Jacket also experimented more with synthesizers as well as reggae and dub. The result is the most inspiring album of their careers, from the elated “Wordless Chorus” which shows off Jim James’ mighty falsetto, to the tremendous and haunting “Dodante.” It’s easy to overlook these guys, but Z was a piece of work that will likely always be the measuring stick for every subsequent My Morning Jacket release. “Off the Record”
12.	The White Stripes Elephant
	As good as every White Stripes album was leading up to Elephant, none of them contained (or sustained) the raw, dense energy that this one does. Jack White has always been relatively well-received as a guitarist, yet the utter brashness of his playing, the unbelievable presence he carries with him is what sets Elephant apart. With hyper aggressive songs such as “Black Math,” “The Hardest Button to Button,” and “Girl, You Have no Faith in Medicine,” it’s clear that The White Stripes are attempting to push themselves as far away from their earlier sound as possible. That’s not to say they always have their amps turned to 11, “In the Cold, Cold Night” features Meg White putting on her best Dusty Springfield with her vocals, and the off-beat “It’s True that We Love One Another” sounds like it could’ve come off of any of their prior albums. To get a sense of where Jack White is as an artist however, all it takes is one listen to the seven minute guitar exercise “Ball and Biscuit.” Dirty, gritty, and sexy in the only way The White Stripes can be, it blends the delta blues influence that underlies most of their edgier songs with the primal garage rock sound the duo is known for. A challenging and audacious release, Elephant showcased the best of The White Stripes. “Seven Nation Army”
11.	Jay-Z The Blueprint
	The influence that The Blueprint had on hip-hop is something that can’t really be understated. The heavy use of soul-music sampling on songs like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” and “Song Cry,” caused a decisive shift in the direction of music production in the genre. Furthermore, Jay-Z made himself more appealing to mainstream audiences without really selling out– his lyrics are just as potent as ever, only sweetened by the lush production. An impressive release that still sounds relevant today, despite being eight years old, The Blueprint is rightfully known as one of the best Jay-Z releases in his illustrious career. “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” (Explicit)
10.	Interpol Turn on the Bright Lights
	If nothing else, Interpol’s debut has the benefit of opening with one of the most gorgeous introductory tracks you’ll ever hear in “Untitled.” Even without that, Interpol is like a well-oiled machine, particularly impressive for a young band. They chug along effortlessly that you almost don’t realize how talented they are, particularly the rhythm section of bassist Carlos Dengler and drummer Sam Fogarino. They are such an integral part of the band, especially when you hear songs like “Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down,” “The New” and “PDA.” The bands musical urgency pairs well with Paul Banks’ unmistakable delivery. A very admirable debut, Turn on the Bright Lights is an unmistakably great album. “PDA”
9.	Spoon Kill the Moonlight
	Quite possibly their darkest offering, Kill the Moonlight is quintessential Spoon, and minimalist rock at its finest. The structures of the song are as unexpected as can be, from the frantic “Small Stakes” to the beatbox-driven “Stay Don’t Go” to the neurotic “Paper Tiger,” nothing is designed in any singular fashion. Instead the music is the equivalent of starting with a single lego piece and turning it into a full-scale replica of a Dalí painting. The album has that kind of a surreal quality, and for their to be so few parts to create such a lasting effect, well, that is a grand achievement in itself. “Paper Tiger”
8.	LCD Soundsystem Sound of Silver
	James Murphy’s sophomore album is, simply put, an instant classic. As good as his eponymous debut was, Sound of Silver is more concise, more emotionally driven, and isn’t merely satisfied with being clever. Poignant songs such as “Someone Great” and “All My Friends” are incredibly sentimental and surprisingly, while the lyrics aren’t necessarily Shakespeare, they’re incredibly heartfelt. To boot, Murphy is equally splendid at capturing emotions through his music as well, allowing the bittersweet “All My Friends” to even be a danceable tune. Executed to a degree that is almost unseen from a lot of electronic albums, Murphy is certainly his own man, crafting his own niche in a crowded genre by simply, being the guy who was once “Losing His Edge” to quote one of his earlier songs, and reflecting on any given time and period better than nearly anyone else can. “All My Friends”
7.	The Strokes Is This It
	The “it” album of the millennium, between the obscene amount of hype, and the even greater amount of critical acclaim that followed, it’s a wonder The Strokes were ever able to successfully release another album. Is This It is every bit as good as people say, especially if you have a great appreciation for such 70s rock bands as Television. Even without that recognition, songs like “Last Nite” and “Someday” perfectly encompass the sentiments of the time, and much like the rest of the album could easily be put up in a time capsule. If anyone wanted to know what the year 2001 was like, all they’d have to do is listen to Is This It and they’d get a pretty good idea. “Someday”
6.	Arcade Fire Funeral
	Funeral is a wonderfully theatrical album– incredibly rich, vibrant, and life-affirming, from the minute you begin listening to the opening “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels),” you get the idea that you’re in for something truly special. Win Butler’s urgent, pleading vocals underscore the dramatic nature of their sound. With nearly ten people in the band, the sound is unsurprisingly huge, especially on songs such as “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out),” there is a lot to take in. Even so, Funeral is a courageous debut, and a lot of fun to take in and enjoy. “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)”
5.	Sigur Rós Ágætis Byrjun
	You’d be hard pressed to find a band that makes more elegant, gorgeous music than Sigur Rós. Written for a soundtrack that can only exist in our minds and hearts, Ágætis Byrjun is their strongest release, as it is far more than just pretty songs, there’s a much greater musical depth, the songwriting is more varied, and finally, the songs do more than simply fit a “mood,” they create temporary worlds. An absolute wonder of an album, Ágætis Byrjun is just a drop dead gorgeous album. “Starálfur”
4.	Outkast Stankonia
	Not since George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic has there been a band brave enough to embark on creating an alternative funk universe where the band is allowed to pull all the strings and break all the rules the way Outkast has on Stankonia. With exceptionally psychedelic production, and integration of gospel and drum n’ bass in addition to the heavy funk influence, Stankonia is unlike anything you’re ever likely to hear. While “Ms. Jackson” wins popularity contests, it’s songs like the politically charged “Gasoline Dreams,” the incredibly smart “Red Velvet,” and most importantly the impeccable “B.O.B.” that really steal the show. While taking a trip to Stankonia might be a long endeavor (with its near 74 minute length), it is well worth the price of admission many times over– a true must own album. “B.O.B. (Bombs over Baghdad)” (Explicit)
3.	The Avalanches Since I Left You
	If there was a way to capture the sounds of a tropical summer and shorten it down to an hour, it would likely sound a lot like this phenomenal debut from The Avalanches. Assembled from nearly 3500 vinyl samples, Since I Left You seamlessly transitions from one track to the next, furthering the idea of a tropical getaway, as the beginning dialogue on the title track says, “Get a drink, have a good time now, welcome to paradise.” With loose themes of love (“Close to You” and “Tonight May Have to Last Me All My Life”), travel (“Little Journey” and “Flight Tonight”), and even a brief bout of psychosis (“Frontier Psychiatrist”), Since I Left You is still wrapped in sun-kissed perfection, and that makes it a trip well worth remembering. “Since I Left You”
2.	Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
	From the personnel changes, to the label and release uncertainty, it’d be easy to say that Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was almost the album that never was. Through the labour of love however, Wilco crafted an album that was not only a quantum leap from their previous work, but also one of the finest albums produced in the past decade. With a very desne, experimental sound– particularly on drums, which can be attributed to new drummer Glenn Kotche, frontman Jeff Tweedy’s obscure and occasionally dark lyrics have even more bite with the added nuances, especially on the opening “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.” The bare sincerity of “Jesus, etc.” and the haunting “Ashes of American Flags” are also brilliantly executed, with the stunning production led by Jim O’Rourke. An American classic through and through, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a sincere and incredibly enjoyable listen. “Jesus, etc.”
1.	Radiohead Kid A
	There likely wasn’t a bigger music-related “What the f***” moment than when Kid A hit the shelves and everyone had the “pleasure” of hearing it for the first time. I can remember personally going to the Virgin Megastore on Michigan Avenue almost weekly and finding myself listening to it every single time for about a month before eventually buying it. It’s creepy, dark, claustrophobic, as though the music is reaching out and scouring the darkest nether regions of your brain. It makes you uncomfortable, but yet you want to know more about it, so you come back to it again and again, waiting for the “A Ha!” moment, but it never truly comes. Each time, there’s something different, something new. Yes, this is a far cry from the Radiohead that used to be known as a U2 rip-off, indeed, to the point that isn’t until the third track that you even hear a guitar. From the heavily electronic “Idioteque” to the cryptic “Optmistic,” Radiohead knows how to make their music burrow right into your soul. They truly took a huge risk with this album, but the reward is the biggest masterpiece of the decade– a completely flawless piece of art. “Idioteque”

Top 200 Albums of the Decade (50-26)

The previous sections of the Top 200:

200-175

174-151

150-126

125-101

100-76

75-51

50.	The Roots Game Theory
	While The Roots never shied away from addressing the issues, whether it be social, political, or otherwise, they had never delved as deeply into such a realm as they did on Game Theory, a dark, claustrophobic album that combines the intricate and layered production of Phrenology with an even edgier presentation. Add in a tribute to J Dilla and a Radiohead sample in “Atonement,” and you have a superbly executed hip-hop album. “Baby” (Explicit)
49.	Spoon Gimme Fiction
	Spoon has always had a knack for writing concise, deceivingly simplistic songs that, when taken as a whole, are stunningly effective. Gimme Fiction continues in that tradition, as led by the churning lead single “Turn My Camera On.” The other ten songs are as sharp as the single, in particular the opening “The Beast and Dragon, Adored” as well as the very catchy “Sister Jack.” “The Beast and Dragon, Adored”
48.	Binary Star Masters of the Universe
	Sure, you can be technical and disqualify this album since it’s essentially a redone version of their 1999 debut Waterworld, but considering Masters of the Universe is the only accessible version, it had to be included on this list. Although it never reached beyond the underground, Masters of the Universe is one of the best hip-hop albums released in the past decade. Despite running at over 74 minutes, Binary Star still leaves you wanting more between their tongue-twisting rhymes and the on-point production. If you can find it, Masters of the Universe is well worth the price of admission. “Reality Check”
47.	Death Cab for Cutie Transatlanticism
	Death Cab for Cutie was a generally well-regarded band before the release of Transatlanticism, yet as good as they were previously, it wasn’t until then that everything came together. From the impassioned singles of “This is the New Year” and “The Sound of Settling” to the epic and gorgeous title track, the songwriting is as strong as anything they’ve ever written, continuing with their pop sensibilities and expanding upon it to achieve an even greater sense of elegance. A stunning album, Transatlanticism is their crown jewel. “The Sound of Settling”
46.	Prefuse 73 One Word Extinguisher
	Scott Herren’s always provocative Prefuse 73 project can best be summarized by this fantastic album. A fusion of experimental hip-hop and electronica, there is still to this day nothing quite like One Word Extinguisher or much of Prefuse 73’s work in general for that matter. Herren paints exquisite landscapes with his sounds, and whether he is operating solo or working with a featured guest, there is always something new and fresh to his sounds. “One Word Extinguisher”
45.	Basement Jaxx Rooty
	On the heels of their acclaimed debut Remedy, Basement Jaxx was back for more kitschy electronic-tinged goodness with their sophomore release Rooty. Just as bombastic (“Do Your Thing”) and sexy (“SFM,” “Get Me Off”) as the debut, there’s a lot going on in the land of Basement Jaxx, but it’s a frenetic party that you never want to see end. “Romeo”
44.	Spoon Girls Can Tell
	A very polished release, Spoon has always been a deceptively simplistic band, and on Girls Can Tell, its underrated standing likely stems from the fact that they make everything on this album appear effortless. Even so, the songwriting is crisp, and on tracks such as “Everything Hits at Once,” “Anything You Want” and “Take the Fifth,” it’s superb. Also noteworthy is their cover of The Sidehackers’ “Me and the Bean,” with frontman Britt Daniel’s vocals sounding as impassioned as ever. One of Spoon’s finest albums. “Everything Hits at Once”
43.	Bob Dylan Love and Theft
	Bob Dylan’s follow up to the comeback album Time out of Mind is even better than its predecessor, and likely has to be considered among the best (if not the best) of Dylan’s late work. Surprisingly invigorating, Dylan’s vocals are even better here than anything else he’s produced this decade, and the varied genres of music he incorporates throughout the album prevent him from falling flat. “Bye and Bye”
42.	Wilco A Ghost is Born
	A Ghost is Born will likely forever be known as that album that came out after Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. An unfair notion given that this is a terrific album in its own right, continuing on the path of the bittersweet and surreal, and picking up from where YHF left off. While the comparisons are unavoidable, the subtle beauty of A Ghost is Born is what makes this album great. “Hummingbird”
41.	The National Alligator
	Matt Berninger’s signature baritone vocals and wonderfully heartfelt lyrics highlight much of this album, and whether the band is performing an anthem (“Mr. November”) or singing about paranoia (“Secret Meeting”), their delicate touches, especially on guitar, underscore the story behind Berninger’s occasionally vague lyrics. A timeless and splendid album through and through, Alligator rightfully elevated The National as a prominent indie-rock band. “Secret Meeting”
40.	The Hold Steady Separation Sunday
	The Hold Steady is a band full of apparent contradictions. They have a lead singer that doesn’t really sing, their songs are about partying, yet the story arcs often draw parallels to religious stories and are crammed with literary or other pop culture references. Finally, they’re a bar band that’s actually worth caring about (not to mention really, really, really good). Yes, The Hold Steady is all of these things, and Separation Sunday is the first prime example of what can happen when all of these elements come together with an added dash of prowess. While “Your Little Hoodrat Friend” is likely the most popular song on the album, Separation Sunday is a superb album from beginning to end. “Your Little Hoodrat Friend”
39.	D’Angelo Voodoo
	Easily the best R&B/Soul album of the decade, Voodoo also has some of the best production to be heard on an album from the decade. With all but two songs clocking at over five minutes, it’s clear that Voodoo is a groove album, and it succeeds at that in spades. From the cryptic “Devils Pie” to the incredibly sultry, Prince-like “Untitled,” D’Angelo stretches far beyond what he displayed on his debut, coming up with an intricate, fantastically dynamic album that inspires as well as amazes. “Spanish Joint”
38.	Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes
	From the moment the album begins, you quickly realize that this Seattle quintet is incredibly wise beyond their years, sounding like an tried and true folk rock band from the 60’s, not the young twentysomethings that they are. The vocals are absolutely stunning, to the point that you almost don’t care about anything else. However, even when “White Water Hymnal” was getting played ad nauseum– and this is the consequence of repeated listens with this album– you realize that beyond the vocals, there’s both a certain charm and innocence about Fleet Foxes, as perhaps best evidenced by the aforementioned “White Water Hymnal” as well as “Ragged Wood.” An instant classic, time will only tell if Fleet Foxes will ever live up to what they created on their debut, but even if they don’t, they certainly left their mark. “White Water Hymnal”
37.	The National Boxer
	Darker than their previous release Alligator, The National set the tone with the somber “Fake Empire,” a beautiful track highlighted by its piano riff. The arrangements on the album in general are absolutely beautiful, with stronger lyrics as well. It’s much more of a grower than Alligator, but it’s also a more rewarding album in the end. “Slow Show”
36.	Kanye West The College Dropout
	It’s hard to believe now, but there actually was a time where Kanye West was a somewhat humble individual and put his ego to the side when it came to making his music. Before the auto-tune, and the diluted 80’s beats, West also happened to rely on soulful, almost old school productions. Yes, West was the underdog all of Chicago was rooting for, and for good reason– The College Dropout was not only a great debut, but it signified a movement where, for a brief time, alternative (or backpack) hip-hop found its way into the mainstream again. Whether dealing with demons on “Jesus Walks” or jokingly offering exercise tips “The New Workout Plan,” there’s a sophomorically charming quality to just about every track on the album– and considering how seriously he’s taken himself since then, that’s a very good thing. “We Don’t Care”
35.	The Hold Steady Boys and Girls in America
	As good as The Hold Steady has always been, it wasn’t until Boys and Girls in America that they found their masterstroke when it comes to songwriting. Leaving the incredible storytelling in tact, they upped the ante by finally creating some equally addicting hooks, and a more multi-faceted approach to their music by incorporating more piano, adding more background vocals, and more. The result is a staggeringly brilliant album, with some of not only the catchiest songs they’ve written, but some of the best music they’ve written overall. “Stuck Between Stations”
34.	Dizzee Rascal Boy in Da Corner
	Particularly amongst American listeners, Boy in Da Corner was unlike anything heard before. From the unwieldy production to the ferocious attack of Dizzee Rascal’s lyrics, the unhinged Grime style turned Rascal into an overnight success. “Fix Up, Look Sharp” (Explicit)
33.	The Flaming Lips Embryonic
	An intricate, dense, and decidedly dark album, Embryonic is a wonderful mess of emotionality and their knack for taking the viewer to places never before seemed possible is clearly ratcheted up here. While some fans may miss the uplifting bombast of some of their later work, Embryonic is the best Flaming Lips release of the decade, and their best album since 1999’s The Soft Bulletin. “Silver Trembling Hands”
32.	Deerhunter Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
	The signs were always there, as Deerhunter is an immensely talented band, but when Bradford Cox and company decided to shorten the longwinded nature they had displayed on their previous release Cryptograms, it was probably one of the better things to happen to them. Rather than carrying a constant, slow, smoldering effect, Microcastle encapsulates every positive quality about the band in half the time. Even better, the shorter arrangements allow for their rockers such as “Nothing Ever Happened” to stand out that much more. An absolutely fantastic release. “Agoraphobia”
31.	Arcade Fire Neon Bible
	With stunningly lavish production, and urgent songwriting, Arcade Fire released an album in Neon Bible that is both moodier than their debut, as well as more heavily rooted in the bands Americana influences, as evidenced by such songs as “Keep the Car Running” and “Antichrist Television Blues.” A grandiose album, that seems to get bigger with each track before finally culminating with the reworked “No Cars Go,” Neon Bible is a very accomplished sophomore release. “Keep the Car Running”
30.	TV on the Radio Dear Science
	Named after a note that producer/bandmember Dave Sitek wrote while in the studio, Dear Science continues TV on the Radio’s insane trend of releasing outstanding albums time after time. Still capable of surprising audiences, TVOTR this time around comes up with some stellar dance-worthy songs such as “Crying” and “Red Dress.” While “Dancing Choose” and “Golden Age” are unrelenting and urgent compositions. Dear Science proves that the perennial critical darlings are still earning their keep. “Halfway Home”
29.	The Roots Phrenology
	The Roots released one of the most important albums of the 90’s with their 1999 release of Things Fall Apart, and their follow up Phrenology, is equally important for this decade. Brimming with confidence, The Roots pushed the envelope in many ways, from the highly experimental “Water” (dedicated to fellow bandmate Malik B. who was dealing with substance abuse problems at the time), which features a second half of bone chilling noises and various other effects to simulate the devastating effects of addiction through music. Elsewhere, Black Thought shines on “Thought @ Work,” the first song to really push his skills into the forefront, and bleeds into what is arguably one of the most important songs of The Roots career– their reworked cover of Cody ChesnuTT’s “The Seed.” A perfect marriage of rock and hip-hop, the result is seamless as any other similar genre-blending exercise. Thought provoking, aurally stimulating, and endlessly listenable, Phrenology is simply a masterpiece. “The Seed (2.0)” (feat. Cody ChesnuTT) (Explicit)
28.	Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
	The result of Justin Vernon’s three month hibernation period, where he isolated himself in a Wisconsin cabin and essentially poured his heart out onto tape, For Emma, Forever Ago is an absolutely heart-wrenching album. Stripped down to little more than acoustic guitar and Vernon’s haunting voice, the production is as naked as his immensely earnest lyrics– a brilliant release. “Skinny Love”
27.	Broken Social Scene You Forgot it in People
	Broken Social Scene’s breakthrough sophomore release is a truly visceral album, continuing the sound they used on their mostly instrumental debut Feel Good Lost, BSS shows signs of breaking out into a much larger and grandiose sound (“KC Accidental” and “Almost Crimes”), but for the most part it’s an elegantly subdued affair as evidenced by “I’m Still Your Fag” and “Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl.” With so many different influences from the collective members, it’s impressive that the band was able to culminate the varied styles into a single continuous release– but that is what makes You Forgot it in People such an impressive album. “Stars and Sons”
26.	Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavilion
	Truth be told, it was likely only a matter of time before Animal Collective found a way to make their version of the perfect pop album, and in the year 2009 when genre-blending is increasingly common, and pastiche can apply to nearly any artist, the conditions were perfect for Animal Collective to unleash their electronica tinged neo-psychedelia on the masses, and that, my friends, they did. Merriweather Post Pavilion, which was named after the Maryland concert venue of the same name, does just about everything right– the writing feels about as focused as Animal Collective can ever feel, there is an element of emotionality that never quite existed throughout their albums previously. Lastly, despite the fact that the album was made to feel like an outdoor concert, the sincerity of the lyrics cut right through all of those elements and somehow find prominence, as evidenced by the anthemic “My Girls” which has managed to become a favorite by many, even though I’m still not sure most people know what the hell the lyrics really are, but they get the message of it all regardless. Merriweather Post Pavilion will rightly be considered the best album of 2009 by many, but even if you don’t agree, it’s hard to dispute the staying power of Animal Collective’s music. “My Girls”

Top 200 Albums of the Decade (75-51)

The previous sections of the Top 200:

200-175

174-151

150-126

125-101

100-76

75.	The Books Thought for Food
	The debut album from the highly experimental band The Books uses a ton of samples from various sources and incorporates it with their own brand of avant-garde folk, and somehow a coherent and powerful album develops from these strange and dissimilar elements. A highly unique listening experience, and a very innovative album. “Enjoy Your Worries, You May Never Have Them Again”
74.	Ghostface Killah Supreme Clientele
	Ghostface Killah has had one of the most illustrious solo careers when compared to his Wu-Tang brethren, and albums like Supreme Clientele give a good indication as to why he is so well received. Tenacious and unwavering, Ghostface Killah’s delivery is at the forefront of slick, consistently biting soul-influenced beats that make it worth repeated listens. “Cherchez LaGhost”
73.	Viktor Vaughn Vaudeville Villain
	Before MF Doom appeared comfortable with merely phoning in live performances (and some would argue the same for his recent studio efforts), he was an atypical hip-hop cat that always seemed to have a new identity that he was channeling. Here, on Vaudeville Villain, the listener is introduced to the dark, gritty world of Viktor Vaughn. While Doom always has a trademark flow, you have to give him a lot of credit for always fully taking on whatever persona his album is being released under, and that, along with his talent, is a big reason as to why he is so revered by audiences and critics alike. “Saliva” (produced by RJD2) (Explicit)
72.	Grizzly Bear Yellow House
	The first album to feature the entire band as it stands now, as the debut album Horn of Plenty primarily featured founder Ed Droste with contributions from drummer Christopher Bear, Yellow House is surprisingly full, lush, and sounds as though the members had been playing together for years already prior to releasing the album. A quiet, yet striking and beautiful album. “Colorado”
71.	Bloc Party Silent Alarm
	Just four short years ago, Bloc Party made a huge splash with Silent Alarm, an urgent exercise of occasional self-indulgence. With the sheer amount of talent, however, not to mention the mastery of applying their idols songwriting knacks and blending it in with their own pseudo-aggressive playing style, it all pays off royally. On one end of the spectrum, lies songs like the sure-footed “Helicopter” and “Banquet” and on the other end of the spectrum are more intimate songs such as “This Modern Love” and, perhaps most famously, “So Here We Are.” A staggering debut by any stretch of the imagination, Silent Alarm is at times larger than life. ”Helicopter”
70.	Iron & Wine
	Recording in a professional studio really did wonders for Sam Beam, as evidenced on the sound of this album. He dared to be a bit more adventurous with his songwriting– the nuances are more defined (which on a folk album, mean a great deal), and on songs such as “Naked As We Came” and “Sunset Soon Forgotten,” Beam creates some of the best songs he’s ever written. Arguably his best album, Our Endless Number Days is also most likely to stand the test of time. “Naked As We Came”
69.	Boards of Canada Geogaddi
	Although a much darker album than their previous full-length release Music Has the Rights to Children, there’s still plenty to like about Geogaddi. The songs are always well constructed, creating a darkly veiled atmosphere that leaves you just enough on edge to never allow it to lull into the background, but it also won’t make you break out into a nervous sweat either. A highly intriguing album. “Music is Math”
68.	Yo La Tengo I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
	Further proof that Yo La Tengo is still incredibly relevant, I Am Not Afraid of You… is more than just a clever title. Bookended by two eleven minute jams, their music never falls flat for a second, with such catchy songs as “Mr. Tough” and “Beanbag Chair.” There’s truly not a bad song on this album either, as even the nearly out of place rock out “Watch Out for Me Ronnie,” is such a raucous good-time outburst that it is easily forgivable. An outstanding album by all accounts, I Am Not Afraid of You… is Yo La Tengo’s best effort since their 1997 release I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One– a pretty huge accomplishment considering they’ve never released a bad album. “Mr. Tough”
67.	Liars Drum’s Not Dead
	A visceral, haunting release, Liars are always pushing their sonic boundaries, occasionally to the point of walking the fine line of absurdity– but in never going over, they pull off what is one hell of an interesting concept album. The concept revolves around two characters, as the track titles indicate– Drum and Mt. Heart Attack– where the story leads you from there is probably dependent upon both your interpretation and the number of hallucinogenics consumed within the last few hours. Even so, Drum’s Not Dead is a thoroughly enjoyable album, especially because of its quirks. “A Visit From Drum”
66.	Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & DJ Hi-Tek) Train of Thought
	As hard as it is to follow up something as large as what Black Star was, when Talib Kweli paired up with Mos Def (and then the subsequent solo album from Mos Def), Kweli struck out on his own with the then-primarily underground DJ Hi-Tek to release what has to be recognized (and perhaps will be over time) as one of the most important hip-hop albums to be released this decade. While not as overtly political as his previous release as a part of Black Star, Kweli still integrates a large share of relevant, socially conscious rhymes into his lyrics, and with DJ Hi-Tek’s wonderful production, there is more than enough to keep even the most modest of hip-hop fans happy. “This Means You” (feat. Mos Def)(Explicit)
65.	Sigur Rós Takk…
	While the same thing can almost be said of any Sigur Rós song– serene, cinematic, lush, gorgeous– there is something particularly striking about Takk… in that Sigur Rós found a way to make their elements fit in a more palatable manner through songs such as “Hoppípola” and “Sæglópur.” One can’t accuse them of selling out either, as a seven and a half minute song is hardly a pop song, but the larger than life, anthemic sound is certainly noteworthy. Takk… is an incredibly beautiful album. “Hoppípola”
64.	The Books The Lemon of Pink
	The sophomore album from The Books manages to outdo the first by taking their already clever use of media experimentation and using it to make the actual song development that much stronger. Instead of meandering, there are thematic qualities that turn into songs such as the brilliant “Tokyo” or “That Right Ain’t Shit.” Another brilliant album from The Books. “That Right Ain’t Shit”
63.	Bob Dylan Modern Times
	Accusations of plagiarism aside, Modern Times is a phenomenal album, and quintessential Bob Dylan. The voice may not be there like it used to be, but he still possesses incredible presence, and his lyrics are still as poignant as ever. From the rollicking “Rollin’ and Tumblin” to the sincere and subdued “Spirit on the Water,” Dylan is in rare form here. “Thunder on the Mountain”
62.	Super Furry Animals Rings Around the World
	The first album to ever be released simultaneously on CD and DVD, Rings Around the World is an epic piece of work, covering two discs and an incredibly diverse array of genres, Super Furry Animals leave no holds barred here. “Sidewalk Serfer Girl”
61.	Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
	A DIY album through and through, the band’s eponymous debut garnered attention thanks to it being distributed originally by the bassist from his apartment. After falling into the hands of many blogs, most notably Pitchfork, more and more people began paying attention to them. While the Talking Heads comparisons may be a bit unwarranted, the attention certainly was not, as CYHSY is an incredible debut effort that the band has since to repeat. “The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth”
60.	Stars Set Yourself on Fire
	”When there is nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire”– this is the opening phrase of the album, and what soon follows is a swell of strings and one of many truly brilliantly written songs that are featured on this album. Full of passion, life, and consistently excellent lyrics that are laced with vivid imagery, there’s so much to appreciate about this album. “Your Ex-Lover is Dead”
59.	Wolf Parade Apologies to the Queen Mary
	The illustrious debut from this highly talented Canadian band, Apologies to the Queen Mary begins with the affected “You Are the Runner and I Am My Father’s Son,” which has all the earmarks of a Spencer Krug-written song, from its constantly building tension, to the slightly off-kilter arrangements. Counterbalancing it is the more straightforward and slightly edgier writing style of Dan Boeckner, and with the two of them working off of each other, it’s not surprising that the results are so staggeringly good. An awesome debut, indeed. “Shine a Light”
58.	Erykah Badu New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War
	Five years after her abbreviated album Worldwide Underground, Badu returns with her most challenging and experimental album yet. With production that harkens back to the era of Funkadelic, New Amerykah… is a highly complex, dense, and comes to life as a constantly evolving life form, almost an extension of Badu’s ever-changing persona. From her highly personal “Me,” to the gritty “The Cell,” Badu never falters– even on the throwaway single “Honey” this still holds true. A fantastic return from Badu, it’s clearly one of her best releases. ”Telephone”
57.	Common Like Water for Chocolate
	One of a string of hip-hop/R&B albums to come out in ’99 and 2000 to much fanfare, Like Water for Chocolate was a game changing album for Common–not only did he elevate his own skills as a musician, but he also tapped some equally talented producers to hone a consistently powerful sound that clearly resonated, as this would be the album to fully put Common into the mainstream limelight, thanks to “The Light.” “Dooinit” (Explicit)
56.	The Shins Oh, Inverted World
	The Shins’ debut is a showcase of how indie pop can work when executed at its very best– a simple yet highly memorable album, the album may look short on paper, but it’s merely a reflection of the highly efficient songwriting. There are no loose ends to speak of here, and the lo-fi production still appears to fit the band better than any following album ever has. A true delight of a debut. ”New Slang”
55.	Yeah Yeah Yeahs Fever to Tell
	Hot on the heels of their hyper-aggressive self-titled EP, Yeah Yeah Yeahs debut unsurprisingly had just as much edge, as Karen O simply knows how to bring it better than most anyone these days. What was surprising however, was just how well the band also operated when they weren’t being cocky, but vulnerable. Songs like “Y Control” and “Maps” in particular, resonated well with fans and critics for the weightiness of the songs yet the fragile lyrics– a tender spot in an otherwise hard album. A very worthwhile debut, indeed. “Y Control”
54.	Super Furry Animals Phantom Power
	The always interesting Super Furry Animals managed to outdo themselves on Phantom Power. Constantly experimenting with sounds and structures, they hit all the right buttons on the album, right from the gorgeous opener “Hello Sunshine.” While it’s just as diverse as anything else they’ve done, the execution is a bit less schizophrenic, making it a cleaner and more enjoyable experience. “Golden Retriever”
53.	Fugazi The Argument
	Fugazi may have been the Rodney Dangerfield of the rock world, failing to get any respect and being constantly misunderstood for much of their career, especially after their initial success. However, with a release like The Argument, no matter the source of the music, one must take notice. The urgent, uncompromising approach to their music are what first catch your ear, and then the crunch of the guitars, and incessant rhythms soon follow– an edgy, aggressive and carefully crafted and loveable album all the same. “Cashout”
52.	Cut Copy In Ghost Colours
	An exceptionally strong sophomore release, Cut Copy made themselves into serious players in the Alternative dance genre as a band to keep a close eye on. With songs such as “Lights & Music,” “So Haunted” and “Hearts on Fire,” in particular, they’ve written incredibly catchy hooks, with lush production that make the songs not only danceable but also memorable. There’s really not a bad song on here, and based on Cut Copy’s strengths that they showed on this album, there’s a good chance they’ll only get better from here. “So Haunted”
51.	LCD Soundsystem LCD Soundsystem
	James Murphy’s neverending enthusiasm is what keeps this 100 minute, two disc eponymous debut afloat. With the hit single “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” leading the charge, it is Murphy’s observational lyrics and his perceptiveness that keep the songs from ever teetering towards being corny or trite. Instead, it’s a nonstop party, with the only real downtempo song being the “Never As Tired As When I’m Waking Up.” While Sounds of Silver would prove that Murphy is more than a one trick pony, he accomplishes a hell of a lot his first time through. ”Daft Punk is Playing at My House”

New Smashing Pumpkins – “A Song for a Son”

Well look what we have here– could it be that the Teargarden by Kaleidyscope project wasn’t a dream after all? Time will tell, but Billy Corgan and company at least have something to show for with this epic six and a half minute exercise in overly-dramatic rock. While “A Song for a Son” leaves a lot to be desired in the way of both lyrics and the overall music, there are some decent ideas, and the idea for the album in general is admittedly very clever. A planned 44-song project– Teargarden by Kaleidyscope will be released online on a song-by-song basis. Meaning, when the Pumpkins have finished their latest tune, it will appear online shortly after at no cost, and over time the die-hard fans that still give a flying fig will have themselves a 44-track album full of SP goodness. If you’d rather not go the Chinese water torture route, you can get the first of eleven four track EPs beginning in January. Does this mean that 2010 will be the year of the Smashing Pumpkins? Doubtful, but one can always hope. In the meantime, this is “A Song for a Son”

“A Song for a Son” Teargarden by Kaleidyscope

Click Here to Download

Top 200 Albums of the Decade (100-76)

As always, the previous listings from the top 200 are below:

200-175

174-151

150-126

125-101

100.	The Streets Original Pirate Material
	The Streets’ debut album was tough to figure out when it first came out– there wasn’t quite anything else like it. An uncannily quirky, sharp, and imaginative approach to everyday life, you would almost consider it nothing more than a well-executed stunt if you haven’t heard anything beyond “Let’s Push Things Forward.” Once you listen to Original Pirate Material in its entirety however, you realize the talent that Skinner possesses, and its an irreplaceable experience. “Weak Become Heroes” (Explicit)
99.	Jamie Lidell Multiply
	A frenetic mastery of soulful vocals slapped on top of equally insane electronic beats, and out of this unwieldily combination is a kind of soul that makes Multiply one the most fun albums from this decade. Lidell creates his sound by layering his vocals repeatedly and constantly adding different effects on the fly, creating such open-ended funk-inspired tunes as “A Little Bit More” or the frenzied “Newme.” In the studio however, Lidell plays it best when he delivers the traditional R&B counterpunch on songs such as the title track and “What’s the Use”. While Lidell is finally starting to get his due, you can bet that eventually Multiply will be seen as the cult classic that started it all– a brilliant album. “When I Come Back Around”
98.	M. Ward Post-War
	M. Ward has always been a talented artist, but it wasn’t until Post-War that he really tied everything together. Still his most accomplished album, Ward goes beyond just the sleepy acoustic guitar tales, as evidenced on songs such as “To Go Home” and the Jim James (My Morning Jacket) produced “Magic Trick” (which also features James on background vocals), which gives Post-War a balance that was missing from previous releases. The slow songs that are on the album, particularly tracks like “Eyes on the Prize,” the title track, and of course “Chinese Translation.” M. Ward has always been almost painstakingly understated, but on this release, it’s all the little things that add up to a wonderfully organic and noteworthy album. “Chinese Translation”
97.	Broken Social Scene Broken Social Scene
	The seemingly infinite Canadian musical collective got even bigger with this album– not just figuratively, but literally by adding hip-hop artist k-os, Jason Tait of The Weakerthans and Murray Lightburn of The Dears into mix. The result is a powerfully anthemic album that is as dynamic as you would expect given the diversity of the band. From the aptly titled “7/4 (Shoreline)” to the intimate “Hotel,” Broken Social Scene accomplishes a great deal in a large number of ways– a truly great album. “Swimmers”
96.	Jamie Lidell Jim
	When looked at side by side Jim and Multiply are essentially the yin and yang of Jamie Lidell. Where Multiply relied heavily on processed beats and vocals and bending genres, Jim is more of a straight-laced affair. That’s not to say it’s dull, far from it, if anything it impresses more than Multiply, because there’s less window dressing– finally we get to see that Lidell is in fact a very good songwriter. From the sunshine-filled opening of “Another Day” to the all out funk of “Hurricane,” Lidell’s latest plays something like a long-lost greatest hits album. ”Another Day”
95.	Radiohead Amnesiac
	The sister album to Radiohead’s staggering Kid A, Amnesiac is equally affecting, if not as memorable. The production is much the same as what was on their previous release, as both albums were recorded much around the same time, but the process of the songwriting is different in that while Kid A felt decidedly claustrophobic, Amnesiac is mostly the opposite, as evidenced on the atmospheric single “Pyramid Song.” A wondrous album, Amnesiac is yet another great Radiohead release. “Pyramid Song”
94.	Andrew Bird The Mysterious Production of Eggs
	The second of Andrew Bird’s solo albums, The Mysterious Production of Eggs takes off where his solo debut left off, while feeling like a much more complete album. Delicate arrangements abound here, especially on songs like “Sovay” and “Masterfade”, while Bird shows his impeccably idiosyncratic writing style on songs such as “A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left” and “Skin Is, My.” A daring and elegant album, The Mysterious Production of Eggs rightfully put the Chicago-based Bird into the spotlight. “Sovay”
93.	Justice †
	The heir apparent to Daft Punk, Justice catapalted onto the scene with their single “D.A.N.C.E.”, their ode to all things Michael Jackson before it was cool to capitalize on his name. However, don’t think for a moment that Justice are just a ripoff artist, they put together one of the more brilliantly executed electronic debuts in recent memory, a worthy mix of fun, mainstream appeal dance music, and the harder edgier stuff that’s built for the club. † is a sensational debut. “Let There Be Light”
92.	Blackalicious Blazing Arrow
	Woefully underrated, Blazing Arrow showed that their seemingly awesome debut NIA was truly just foreplay compared to what the duo can really do. The aptly named Gift of Gab relentlessly delivers tongue-twisting raps, while DJ Xcel always finds a way to keep up, and keep things interesting. Featuring such guests as Zach de la Rocha, Ben Harper, Saul Williams, and members of The Roots, Blazing Arrow is an incredibly diverse album as well. “Blazing Arrow”
91.	The Rapture Echoes
	Talk about being at the right place at the right time, The Rapture had the fortune at coming up with the dance-punk anthem “House of Jealous Lovers” at a time when the genre was starting to branch out beyond its New York-based roots. That’s not to say that “House of Jealous Lovers” makes the album, not when you have equally definitive songs such as the title track, “Killing,” and “I Need Your Love.” As time goes on, people will certainly see Echoes as an increasingly noteworthy album. “House of Jealous Lovers”
90.	Yo La Tengo And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out
	Despite being around since 1984, Yo La Tengo, like a fine wine, seems to only be getting better with age– and if you look at their stretch of albums released in the last decade, it’d be hard to argue against that point. And Then Nothing…, released in early 2000, opens with a haunting “Everyday” and signifies the overall shift to much quieter, atmospheric songs (“Cherry Chapstick” being one noteworthy exception). Their brilliant cover of KC and the Sunshine Band’s “You Can Have It All” and the gorgeous “Let’s Save Tony Orlando’s House” are two of the many highlights of this album– a fantastic release. “Madeline”
89.	Sufjan Stevens Seven Swans
	While most of Stevens’ fame stems from his geographically-influenced discography, the intimate, spiritual nature of Seven Swans really cuts to the core of what makes Stevens such an appealing artist. Each of the songs are like an ever-evolving black and white film– seemingly stark at the beginning, but as the nuances begin to flow with one another you suddenly see a fully realized image with infinite shades of gray. Religion plays a huge role in this album, as Stevens deals with everything from Christ’s Transfiguration to stories of Abraham– but it only enhances Stevens’ diary-like storytelling, and never veers off course into any sort of agenda. A beautifully delicate album, Seven Swans is a highly underrated work. “The Dress Looks Nice on You”
88.	Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere
	The relentless buzz, the brutally overplayed song called “Crazy,” the nonstop festival shows– 2006 could certainly be classified the year of Gnarls Barkley (more so if it weren’t for that pesky Amy Winehouse). As much as people went nuts for the lead single, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the rest of St. Elsewhere was actually really good. From their well-executed cover of the Violent Femmes “Gone Daddy Gone” to the frenetic “Go Go Gadget Gospel,” Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse created a musical world full of kitschy vignettes and complex beats with enough idiosyncrasies to continue to make things interesting. “Gone Daddy Gone”
87.	The Walkmen You & Me
	The Walkmen have always been good, there’s no denying that, but You & Me– between the intimate production and the exceptionally bittersweet and affectionate songwriting– feels like their most honest album. The arrangements are particularly impressive, as they continue to hone their distinctive sound, especially on songs such as “Canadian Girl,” and “Red Moon.” An achingly beautiful album. “Red Moon”
86.	The Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
	As is often pointed out by observers of The Flaming Lips, the stranger the band gets, the more people seem to love them– and it doesn’t get too much stranger than Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The band has been more experimental in both the past and since (Zaireeka and the recently released Embryonic), but nothing had quite the initial WTF-type of response as Yoshimi…. The life-affirming hit single “Do You Realize??” with its observations of the universe and our own mortality, is really the core theme of the album. Somber, yes, but when dressed up in psychedelia the way Yoshimi Battles the Pink robots is, it makes for incredibly powerful music. “Do You Realize??”
85.	Elliott Smith Figure 8
	The last album Smith completed prior to his sudden death in 2003, Figure 8 is a pretty large departure from his earlier work. Incredibly ornate, and much larger in sound– there’s a lot more going on here when compared to Smith’s previous work, and that could be why it never seemed to draw more than a cult following. That being said, the songwriting is as strong as ever, with “Somebody I Used to Know,” and the Jon Brion-featured “Happiness” as two wonderful examples. Like any other album, Smith’s lyrics are dark and deeply personal, but with a full arsenal of instruments at his disposal, Smith wove those darkened images into something poignant and beautiful. “Everything Reminds Me of Her”
84.	Spoon Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
	Although Spoon has yet to release a bad album, there were a lot of creative risks the band took with Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga that at first seemed as though it would derail that streak, namely releasing “The Ghost of You Lingers” as a lead single. Like the rest of the album, the song is a total grower, cryptic and beautiful, but it’s quite the stretch from anything they’ve released in the past. Likewise, “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” is a motown-influenced clap-along jam, “The Underdog,” with its horns and various percussive sounds is almost anthemic, and “Black Like Me” is a solemn plea from frontman Britt Daniel. As a whole Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is a splendid piece of work, and a fine example of why Spoon continues to receive mass acclaim. “The Underdog”
83.	Andrew Bird Armchair Apocrypha
	Incredibly textured, heavily layered, Armchair Apocrypha should be considered Bird’s best solo work. The songwriting here is much stronger than anything he has done previously, especially on the rhythmic “Imitosis,” which plays right into his knack for his occasionally quirky phrasing. Also, the addition of multi-instrumentalist Dosh is another big boost, and all it takes is a listen to “Simple X” to see the influence he had on the overall sound on this album. A stunning listen from beginning to end, Armchair Apocrypha is a must-listen. ”Heretics”
82.	Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand
	An endlessly fun and somewhat silly album, Franz Ferdinand was launched into the stratosphere thanks to the hit single “Take Me Out,” a supremely addicting guitar-laden anthem that even now still gets people rocking. Franz Ferdinand clearly just wants to have a good time, and the songs on their eponymous debut are a clear reflection of that– the bonus is that this Scottish band also happens to be very, very good. “Take Me Out”
81.	Björk Vespertine
	Björk always seems to be reinventing herself, and on Vespertine, she releases an album that has an indelible sense of intimacy, as well as a serenity that is a contrast to the distressed sounds of her other recent work. A languid, dreamlike album, Vespertine is among Björk’s best. ”Hidden Place”
80.	Brother Ali Shadows on the Sun
	The debut album from the incredibly talented Brother Ali gets a leg up by being produced by Ant of Atmosphere. If that isn’t enough, Ali’s poignant and political rhymes will certainly do the trick. Highlights include the Slug featured “Blah Blah Blah” and the smartly written “Forest Whitaker.” One of the best hip-hop debuts of the last decade. “Forest Whitaker” (Explicit)
79.	Burial Untrue
	The highly acclaimed dubstep producer creates a heavily layered and moody atmosphere here on Untrue, his sophomore album. Using samples from films and video games in addition to music, it’s not surprising that the album contains a certain cinematic quality, which makes for highly involved and worthwhile listening. “Shell of Light”
78.	Primal Scream XTRMNTR
	Primal Scream, despite being around since the 80’s, took it upon themselves to do an entire 180 on their sound and release one of the most timeless, political albums of the decade. A heavy, industrial rock sound is what is most pertinent on this album, along with highly-charged lyrics that throw acid on an already abrasive sound. XTRMNTR was certainly a game-changing album, one that to this day is highly regarded. “Kill All Hippies”
77.	Portishead Third
	After a six year hiatus, Portishead, much to the delight of fans and critics alike, rekindled their creative fire and released their first album in 11 years. It’s hard to say if anything is worth that long of a wait, but Portishead is so unbelievably good on Third that they come very close to pulling it off. A highly abrasive album, and an interminably difficult listen, Third still makes you want to come back and listen again, and again, and again, until you finally realize the utter brilliance that lies within the album. The sparse tones, the haunting vocals, the incredible balance of instruments– everything plays a role in what comes to be yet another fantastic album from this British trio. “Machine Gun”
76.	The Libertines Up the Bracket
	The debut album from The Libertines helped put England on the map as the garage rock revival featuring the “The” bands (White Stripes, Strokes, Hives) was in full swing, and what a debut release it is. Undeniably their best work, Up the Bracket has an incredible swagger, with Pete Doherty’s distinctive vocals leading the way. The immediacy of their sound and their impressive lyrics are also what put this album over the top. After listening to this album, and their follow up (which was featured earlier), it’s easy to see why The Libertines were initially regarded as such a promising young band. ”Time for Heroes”

New Gorillaz Album to feature Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, and more

This could either be really good or really bad, but according to an interview with the Guardian, Damian Albarn’s animated project Gorillaz next album, entitled Plastic Beach, will have a lengthy guest list that includes Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Barry Gibb and Bobby Womack. You’ll have to use your imagination to figure out how they will all fit in, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Albarn, who calls the album his “most pop record [he's] ever made.” Look for Plastic Beach to be released sometime next year.

The Strokes are Set to Return After All (On Stage at Least)

Remember The Strokes? Everyone’s favorite band for half a decade, before suddenly disappearing into the wilderness? Well it looks like they aren’t dead and gone after all as they have been slated to perform at the seemingly epic Isle of Wight Fest in England. Performing alongside such talented acts as Jay-Z, Blondie, Orbital and even P!nk, it should be an interesting three day summer fest to say the least. For more information about the festival, go to their website.

Top 200 Albums of the Decade (125-101)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Below are the archives of the rest of the Top 200:

200-175

174-151

150-126

125.	The Streets A Grand Don’t Come for Free
	Proof that Original Pirate Material wasn’t a fluke, A Grand Don’t Come for Free finds Mike Skinner churning out another set of intriguing, occasionally thought provoking and always quick-witted songs. A loose concept album about the protagonist losing a grand and attempting to recoup the money– the album works well with Skinner’s awkward-yet-smart and poignant slice of life lyrics, a terrific follow-up.   “Blinded by the Lights” (Explicit)
124.	J Dilla Donuts
	Released on his 32nd birthday and three days before his sudden death, Donuts is a collection of beautiful, organic instrumental snippets that would later find themselves on a slew of other hip hop tracks. While as an album Donuts may be hard for the casual fan to appreciate, Dilla’s superb execution is impossible to ignore. Although there have been several posthumous releases since, Donuts stands as Dilla’s last crowning achievement.   “Workinonit”
123.	Tom Waits Blood Money
	Based on the play Woyzeck, written by Georg Büchner, these songs were developed for a theatrical adaptation that was directed by Robert Wilson. The songs carry on the Waits tradition of not only being heavily surreal, but also containing jet black humor, especially on songs such as “Everything Goes to Hell” and “God’s Away on Business.” A haunting and intriguing album indeed, Blood Money is unlike anything else you’ll find on this list.   “God’s Away on Business”
122.	Herbert Bodily Functions
	Herbert’s first release to see US shores, Bodily Functions is a diverse, yet constantly impressive effort. With each track, the Herbert’s experimentation with instruments and constant tweaking is put in the forefront with the album’s intimate nature. A very impressive album, indeed.   “Suddenly”
121.	The Hives Vini Vidi Vicious
	Much of the albums success deservingly stemmed from the hit single, “Hate to Say I Told You So,” which skyrocketed into the mainstream and was even featured in the first Spider-Man soundtrack. Beyond that though, Vini Vidi Vicious is a 28-minute rock out, a paint-by-numbers “how-to” blueprint with all the moxie of an early Rolling Stones release.   ”Hate to Say I Told You So”
120.	Sleater-Kinney The Woods
	In what would be Sleater-Kinney’s last album before their indefinite hiatus, The Woods makes for a fantastic curtain call, with incredible production, a never-ending exuberance, and even the one surprising “pop” song on the album (“Modern Girl”) dissolves into dissonant noise. A true rocker with serious chops, The Woods is a stand out all around.   “Entertain”
119.	M.I.A. Arular
	M.I.A. rode a well deserved wave of hype leading into the release of her debut album. While it would turn out to be just the tip of the iceberg, Arular is a cocktail of highly conscious rap, dance hall and electronica, with a revolutionary message that can be appreciated by anyone, despite the heft of the subject matter.   “10 Dollar”
118.	The Postal Service Give Up
	The awe inspiring side project of Death Cab for Cutie’s frontman Ben Gibbard and electronic musician Jimmy Tamborello, the duo surprisingly worked on the album separately– which you would never notice from the intimate nature of the album. While “Such Great Heights” became the synonymous track for the album (the USPS still use it for their ads, thanks to legal responsibilities on the bands part), Give Up as a whole is a very important release.   “Such Great Heights”
117.	Late of the Pier Fantasy Black Channel
	Fantasy Black Channel is an exuberant romp fueled by heavy beats and an arsenal of rock influences. A weird fusion indeed, but Late of the Pier somehow always clicks on all cylinders, and it makes for one very joyous listening experience. Already an accomplished album, it’s all the more impressive to see it come on a debut from such a very young band.   “Heartbeat” (Explicit)
116.	St. Vincent Actor
	As strong as Annie Clark’s debut album Marry Me was, it doesn’t hold a candle to her follow up, Actor. Fully representative of all that she brings to her live shows, Actor is beautiful and affecting one minute, and abrasive and dissonant soon after. The arrangements are wonderfully done and demonstrate Clark’s incredible maturity as an artist, and she finally (thankfully) fully demonstrates her awesome abilities on the guitar as well. A supremely gorgeous album through and through.   “The Strangers”
115.	Animal Collective Feels
	While a collection of love songs from Animal Collective may seem like a stretch, Animal Collective isn’t your average band. The space age Beach Boys vibe is still present, and their densely layered songs may seem infinitely busy, but they’re also quite beautiful. Somehow, someway, despite all the noise, Feels is a masterfully executed and cohesive album.   “Grass”
114.	Low Things We Lost in the Fire
	Highly cinematic and articulate, one could make a case for Things We Lost in the Fire being Low’s greatest achievement. While somber, there is a bittersweet quality to their music, with Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk provide incredibly touching vocals. A highly recommended listen.   “Sunflower”
113.	Califone Quicksand / Cradlesnakes
	From the minute the slow burning opener, “Funeral Singers” begins, it’s clear that Califone is completely dialed in on this album. As sharp as ever, Quicksand / Cradlesnakes combines the experimental sound the band is known for with some incredibly sharp songwriting, making the final product all the more fascinating. A very addicting album that may take a few listens to truly appreciate, but once you get it– you’ll be hooked.   “Horoscopic Amputation Honey”
112.	Q-Tip The Renaissance
	If you don’t include the shelved and recently re-released Kamaal the Abstract, there was a nine year span between The Renaissance and Q-Tip’s solo debut Amplified. As hard as it is to believe, it was worth the wait– The Renaissance is, simply put, a timeless hip-hop album, one of the few released in the last few years that could dare stake such a claim. While it will particularly appeal to fans of the “old school” or “golden age” of hip-hop, Q-Tip’s latest truly has something for everyone.   “Gettin’ Up”
111.	Tom Waits Alice
	Released a decade late thanks to the original studio recordings being stolen from Tom Waits’ car, Alice was written for a play with the same title, which was directed by frequent collaborator Robert Wilson. As the play was based on the relationship between author Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland) and Alice Liddell, the album is expectedly dark, haunting and soaked in imagery in a way that only Tom Waits can deliver. An exceptional album.   “Alice”
110.	Elbow The Seldom Seen Kid
	A sprawling masterpiece, The Seldom Seen Kid, Elbow has a definite flair for the dramatic, and its on full display here. From fantastical orchestral arrangements on songs such as “Starlings” and “One Day Like This,” to the more aggressive “The Bones of You” and pub tune “Grounds for Divorce,” Elbow manages to keep everything grounded with their incredibly sincere lyrics. The Seldom Seen Kid is a huge album in just about every way possible, but it’s also just about perfect.   “Grounds for Divorce”
109.	Iron & Wine The Creek Drank the Cradle
	Sam Beam’s debut album is an impressively heartfelt and intimate debut– raw, unabashed folk in the same vein as Nick Drake. The Creek Drank the Cradle, would eventually find company with a slew of other indie folk albums that were released around the same time, but this is one of the true standouts from that period.   “Lions Mane”
108.	Cut Copy Bright Like Neon Love
	This wonderful debut from the Australian Cut Copy truly surprised the hell out of me upon first listen and it still impresses me to this day. Rather than being retro for the sake of being so, Cut Copy writes really well within the genre, complete with smart hooks and danceable grooves– Bright Like Neon Love is a great debut.   ”Time Stands Still”
107.	Queens of the Stone Age Song for the Deaf
	Before there was Them Crooked Vultures, the idea of former Nirvana member and Foo Fighters frontman stepping behind the kit and working with the already successful Queens of the Stone Age seemed too good to be true. Then, all of a sudden, with the release of Songs for the Deaf many considered rock to have finally been resurrected by this 14-track masterpiece. Grohl brings incredible depth to their music, and with its wonderful production, excellent songwriting, and thrashing guitars, you could say that the Queens caught lightning in a bottle with Songs for the Deaf.   “God is in the Radio”
106.	The Go! Team Thunder, Lightning, Strike
	Based on their exuberant live shows, it was hard to imagine The Go! Team could ever capture that energy in the studio. Surprise, surprise, they did indeed– bringing more pep to your rally than any cheerleading squad, Thunder, Lightning, Strike is a mosh-posh of genres all constructed for the sole purpose of making you move. As their enthusiastic name would imply, they are immensely successful at doing just that.   ”Huddle Formation”
105.	Secret Machines Now Here is Nowhere
	An immensely talented band from Dallas, Now Here is Nowhere is an awfully ambitious debut, as they pool their shoegaze, krautrock, and prog rock influences into an epically large sound, complete with a nine minute opening track. Somehow, between the walls of guitar, and psychedelic space rock nuances, the album more than holds its own over the span of time it encompasses. The end result is by far the Secret Machines’ finest album.   “Nowhere Again”
104.	Super Furry Animals Mwng
	Sung entirely in Welsh, and completed in a mere few weeks, Mwng is one of the many outstanding releases SFA came up with this decade. The vocals are beautifully layered, and the sweeping guitars on songs such as “(Nid) Hon Yw’r Gân Sy’n Mynd I Achub Yr Iaith” make for a wondrous listening experience.   “Dacw Hi”
103.	Phoenix It’s Never Been Like That
	Phoenix flipped the script on It’s Never Been Like That, branching away from the electro-pop that brought them modest success in the past to becoming a more complete band. Sharper songwriting and more dynamic musicianship make for a winning combination with this breakthrough release.   “Sometimes in the Fall”
102.	…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Source Tags and Codes
	Their first major-label release, Source Tags and Codes would become something of an albatross for the band as they have yet to match this record since. On its own however, Trail of Dead stayed the course throughout this album, never straying too far off into their own self-indulgence. Some may question their brilliance, but no one can question the impact that this album had, as it managed to scour near perfect ratings from most critics and still has the same musical impact that it did seven years ago.   “Another Morning Stoner”
101.	Ghostface Killah Fishscale
	Ghostface Killah has always been an impeccable storyteller, with his frenzied pace underscoring the pulpy nature of his tracks, especially on tracks such as “Shakey Dog.” Even on the more mainstream “Back Like That” with Ne-Yo, Ghostface Killah still gives it his all, heightening what would otherwise be a generic R&B/Hip Hop track into something special. A truly superb album.   “9 Milli Bros.” (feat. Wu-Tang Clan) (Explicit)

Top 200 Albums of the Decade (150-126)

In case you thought I’d forgotten, here is the third installment of the Fuzzy Thoughts Top 200 of the Decade.

As a recap, click the following links to view the previous list entries:

200-175

174-151

Now onto the list!

150.	Air Talkie Walkie
	After their middling 10,000 Hz Legend, Air won their way back into critics and fans hearts with Talkie Walkie, which boasts two big singles in “Cherry Blossom Girl” and “Surfing on a Rocket.” A tremendous return to form for this French electronic band.   “Alpha Beta Gaga”
149.	Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare
	While Arctic Monkeys’ debut was often too cheeky for its own good, the band appeared to let the music do the talking on Favourite Worst Nightmare. Laying off the clichéd posturing, the band not only brought the energy for songs like the lead single “Brianstorm,” but also sharpened their songwriting skills as well and dared to experiment. All these chances paid off for what ended up being a much more enjoyable album than what was thrown together on their debut.   “Fluorescent Adolescent”
148.	Elliott Smith From a Basement on the Hill
	Completed after Smith’s death in 2003, the first thing noticed will be the entirely different production style that Rob Schnapf brought to the table. Although he had worked with Smith on earlier albums, Schnapf never referred to Smith’s notes during the production process. That being said, the album is as daring as anything that Smith has released– dark and dense, while retaining that slight undertone of bittersweet hope. Many fans may have been left wondering what could’ve been, but as it stands, From a Basement on the Hill is still a great album.   “Twilight”
147.	Fucked Up The Chemistry of Common Life
	To understand what is incredibly special about this album, one only needs to listen to the opening track, “Son the Father”– an epic, sprawling opener that builds so incredibly well over the span of six and a half minutes that you’d almost fear that the rest of the album can’t hold up to it. Fear not, from beginning to end Fucked Up brings it on this one, a controlled chaos of balls-to-the-wall rocking, The Chemistry of Common Life is anything but subtle, and in this case, that’s a good thing.   “Son the Father”
146.	Los Campesinos! Hold On Now, Youngster…
	The fun is endless on this release from the Cardiff based septet, whose boundless energy permeates through every note. Rife with pop culture references and self-referential lyrics, this glockenspiel-wielding band succeeds brilliantly, even when they’re not taking themselves seriously.   ”You! Me! Dancing!”
145.	Iron & Wine The Shepherd’s Dog
	While Sam Beam has always written beautifully crafted songs, The Shepherd’s Dog stands as the one clear cut album where it’s obvious he made a conscious decision to shake things up a bit and expand beyond the occasionally tepid soundscapes. Thankfully, rather than sinking fast in the new musical digs, Beam and company are more than up for the challenge creating some of the most musically stimulating music that Iron & Wine has ever released.   “Boy With a Coin”
144.	Shugo Tokumaru Exit
	If there was any justice, Tokumaru would be somewhere in between Sufjan Stevens and Animal Collective on the hipster coolness scale of the world. Instead, the multi-instrumentalist continues on with limited stateside exposure, but for those whose ears happen to catch a glimpse of avant-garde pop done right, Exit is sure to provide quite the delightful listen. Tokumaru used more than 50 instruments to record Exit, and while singling every one of those sounds may be impossible to do, it helps to explain the seemingly infinite depth that even the straightforward songs possess. Specifics notwithstanding, Tokumaru makes lovely music, even when just taken on the surface.   “Parachute”
143.	The Libertines The Libertines
	Back when The Libertines were still known for their music and not as one of the many casualties of Pete Doherty’s destructive lifestyle, they released two stellar albums, with this eponymous release being the second of them. In retrospect, it could’ve been that the band was aware that this was the beginning of the end. With the album being based on Doherty’s rocky relationship with fellow Libertine Carl Barât, all of the cracks in the Libertines armor are on full display here, but they’re being shown quite proudly. Albums like The Libertines is one of the reasons why this band should never be forgotten.   “Can’t Stand Me Now” (Explicit)
142.	Bright Eyes Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground
	Conor Oberst sustained further popularity by later releasing I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn in the same year, but Lifted… is the album that garnered him worthwhile praise. Daring and intimate, Oberst thrills with this release.   “Lover I Don’t Have to Love” (Explicit)
141.	Dizzee Rascal Showtime
	Showtime is an evolution of Dizzee Rascal’s astounding debut, Boy In Da Corner– comparatively more palatable and even somewhat playful, Showtime has both the shimmer that the title infers as well as the grimy weight that Rascal is known for.   “Dream”
140.	Common Be
	After the mixed reviews and controversy surrounding Electric Circus Common went back to square one and joined forces with fellow Chicagoan Kanye West to produce what was not only a return to form, but one of Common’s best albums of his career. While the album is incredibly concise (especially when compared to its predecessor), it is so polished and well-executed that the final product is nothing short but terrific.   “Go!” (feat. John Mayer) (Explicit)
139.	Beck Sea Change
	Influenced by Beck’s break up with his longtime girlfriend, Sea Change was drastically different from everything else Beck had released until then. Heavily influenced by such folks artists as Nick Drake, Sea Change could be both stark and barren on some songs such as “Already Dead” and “Guess I’m Doing Fine” to heavily orchestrated like “Paper Tiger.” A moody affair, Sea Change found Beck at his best and most mature.   “Golden Age”
138.	Yeah Yeah Yeahs It’s Blitz!
	It took It’s Blitz! for their previous album, a relatively disappointing Show Your Bones, to make sense. Here, YYY take the listener head on, demanding attention in the same way that they did on Fever to Tell, but also keeping your attention with some incredibly well written dance-influenced songs, not just short punk-influenced sketches. In time, this could be seen as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ crowning achievement.   “Heads Will Roll”
137.	Califone Roots and Crowns
	Roots and Crowns is a staggeringly beautiful album from the talented Chicago-based band. Dense, occasionally haunting, as exemplified on the opening “Pink & Sour,” this is hardly a Wilco sound-alike album as most comparisons would lead you to believe– no, this is an album truly deserving of its own merit.   “The Orchid” (Psychic TV cover)
136.	Animal Collective Strawberry Jam
	From the opening “Peacebone,” you could start to see that Animal Collective had figured out a way to be both experimental and approach some sense of palatability– twisted pop if you will. Continuing to branch out and experiment with new sounds the only way they know how, Animal Collective is strange and sublime all at once on Strawberry Jam.   “Peacebone”
135.	Of Montreal Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
	Even by Of Montreal’s standards, Hissing Fauna… is completely out of left field. Daring and excessive, this concept album which frontman Kevin Barnes describes as his personal transformation into his alter ego Georgie Fruit, has a bit of everything. The crux of the album is the twelve minute opus, “The Past is a Grotesque Animal” the bridge between the two worlds so to speak, and from that point on the album gets all the more grittier, and perhaps even a bit stranger. It’s a difficult album to comprehend, but it is by far Barnes most consistently brilliant release.   “Heimsdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse”
134.	Murs Murs 3:16 The 9th Edition
	The silky smooth production from 9th Wonder matches Murs’ brutally honest lyrics perfectly, creating an intoxicating blend of hip-hop that requires repeated listens. Although brief, 3:16 is like a set of musical vignettes offering slices of life through the eyes of Murs.   “And This is For…” (Explicit)
133.	Feist The Reminder
	While Feist showed a lot of talent on her solo debut, her sophomore release The Reminder, is a staggering album, packed with incredibly well written pop songs (the most obvious of which is iPod anthem “1, 2, 3, 4”), and a level of confidence and vocal presence that simply only seemed to exist in bursts previously.   ”Sea Lion Woman”
132.	Dangerdoom The Mouse and the Mask
	The combination of Danger Mouse and MF Doom is exciting enough as it is, but throw in Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim for good measure, and you have something truly special. With the cartoon humor further adding to Doom’s already absurdist lyrics, and Danger Mouse keeping things grounded with a steady dose of funky classic hip-hop productions, The Mouse and the Mask is terrific fun.   “Perfect Hair”
131.	Dinosaur Jr. Beyond
	Their first album in a decade, and their first album with the original lineup in nearly 20 years, Beyond is surprisingly fresh, while the band sounds as sharp as ever. While Beyond may be viewed as a comeback album, the transcendent nature of it makes it feel as though the band never left.   “Almost Ready”
130.	Hercules and Love Affair Hercules and Love Affair
	While this stellar electro-disco debut became synonymous with the breakthrough “Blind,” there was a lot more to the album than just that one song. An overall noteworthy debut, this is sure to win over many a club hopper.   “You Belong”
129.	Herbert Scale
	To simply classify this album as electronic doesn’t do Scale justice, as its well-orchestrated to the point that it almost comes across as jazz-based in a sense. The layered vocals enhance the dense beats and sound effects that Herbert has created. An incredibly involving experience, Scale is truly a great album.   “Moving Like a Train”
128.	The xx xx
	Initially skeptical about the hype surrounding the generically named British group, The xx seriously impress beyond belief. A true grower, xx is incredibly subtle, but thoroughly enjoyable on each and every listen, and the next thing you know, you’re hooked on their dark, haunting grooves. One of the must have albums of 2009.   “Crystalised”
127.	Kings of Leon Because of the Times
	Because of the Times is the magnum opus of a band who up until the release of this album was seen as mostly a novelty act, content with replicating classic southern rock, rather than creating something new. That all changed here, from the stellar seven minute opener “Knocked Up” to the hard driving “McFearless,” Kings of Leon evolved in a way that few expected, and they have been on the fast track to superstardom since.   “Knocked Up”
126.	The Bug London Zoo
	A hard hitting project from Kevin Martin, he collaborated with a number of artists to form one of the most memorable dubstep albums of the decade. The grimey and angst-ridden sound is underscored by socially and politically conscious lyrics, but stops just short of being overly brooding. A very worthwhile listen.   “Angry”