Top 200 Albums of the Decade (174-151)

Here is the second installment of The Top 200:

174.	M. Ward Transfiguration of Vincent
	A deeply personal album with undertones of depression, loneliness and even death, M. Ward impresses early with the deceivingly upbeat “Vincent O’Brien” and turns the David Bowie-penned “Let’s Dance” completely on its head with a haunting cover. “Vincent O’Brien”
173.	The Futureheads The Futureheads
	This eponymous debut from the highly talented post-punk outfit is a sheer joy to listen to. With fantastic vocal harmonies, catchy hooks, and the ability to rock a bit when necessary, The Futureheads delivers big time. “Hounds of Love” (Kate Bush cover)
172.	Spank Rock YoYoYoYoYoYo
	From the moment the bass hits on the opening “Backyard Betty,” you know you’re in for something completely different. Raunchy as hell, yes, but Spank Rock has immense talent to go with it, from heavily layered beats to witty wordplay that constantly toe the line of what’s accepted (even on a rap album). Not an album for the weakhearted, Spank Rock’s debut is a terrific album if you can handle it. “Sweet Talk” (Explicit)
171.	Camera Obscura Let’s Get Out of This Country
	A great indie pop album that’s bubbly as all get out but packs an emotional punch to match, the Scottish band truly stepped up their game with this release and also emerged from the shadows of Belle and Sebastian in the process. “Lloyd, I’m Ready to be Heartbroken”
170.	Lupe Fiasco The Cool
	More consistent than Food & Liquor, and also quite a bit darker, Lupe Fiasco’s concept album may not have been entirely well executed as a concept, but the music stands proudly on its own. The Cool also benefitted from having a bona fide single in “Superstar”, which was missing from his debut, to garner well-deserved mainstream attention. “Superstar” (feat. Matthew Santos)
169.	The Coup Party Music
	The fourth release from The Coup is a politically hard-hitting album laid mostly over funky 70’s-influenced live instrumentals. There are some moments of levity with Boots Riley penning “Wear Clean Draws” as a song of advice tips for his daughter, but for the most part it is a highly critical social commentary that’s well worth hearing. “Ride the Fence” (Explicit)
168.	Spiritualized Songs in A&E
	Completed after frontman Jason Pierce’s serious illness, Songs in A&E is deeply affecting, especially when taken in context. Vivid imagery abound, as well as striking arrangements, Songs in A&E is an emotionally charged triumph. “Soul on Fire”
167.	The Black Keys Rubber Factory
	Rubber Factory was largely The Black Keys’ breakthrough album. Garnering a lot of critical acclaim after their first two albums, Rubber Factory found The Black Keys not only continuing to win the critics’ hearts but also helping them gain a substantial fanbase. All this was for good reason, as Rubber Factory not only stayed the course of immensely enjoyable blues-rock, but found their songwriting sharper and perhaps even a bit more confident in their sound. “Girl Is On My Mind”
166.	Gorillaz Demon Days
	Hardly anyone could’ve expected that an animated band could not only make the big splash Gorillaz did on their first go round, but actually sustain it long enough for a sophomore release. If that’s not enough of a shocker, the second album ended up being better than the previous– less novelty, more complete songwriting, and a hearty list of quality guest appearances to boot. A very enjoyable album. “Dirty Harry”
165.	Talib Kweli Quality
	Don’t let the Dave Chappelle intro fool you, Quality is as conscious and powerful as you would expect from Kweli. Also, per usual, Talib Kweli’s lyrics are as potent as his delivery. Surprisingly consistent given the wide array of producers on the album, Quality is just what you would expect based on the title. “Get By” (Explicit)
164.	Belle & Sebastian The Life Pursuit
	An evolutionary step from their previous release, Dear Catastrophe Waitress, Belle & Sebastian’s sound is the slightest bit more polished here, while also introducing new elements to their sound. The Motown-influenced “Funny Little Frog” to the extremely lush and playful “We are the Sleepyheads” and “For the Price of the Cup of Tea,” there’s plenty to like about this album. “The Blues are Still Blue”
163.	Modest Mouse Good News for People Who Love Bad News
	While Good News… will be most well known for boasting the single “Float On,” which propelled both Modest Mouse into the conscious mainstream, and also helped them earn their first platinum album, it’s also noteworthy for its polished sound and the inclusion of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band on two of the tracks. While there are some songs, such as “Dance Hall”, “Bukowski” and “The Devil’s Workday” that are just as weird as anything else Modest Mouse has done in the past, Good News… as a whole, is a very listenable Modest Mouse release– and likely strikes the best balance between palatability while showing serious songwriting strength. “Float On”
162.	Grouper Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill
	The latest of Liz Harris’ albums, Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill is an other-worldly ambient folk album. Curious, delicate, and indelible all at the same time, this is a true grower album that will certainly have you coming back for continued listens. “Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping”
161.	The Strokes Room on Fire
	After supposedly changing the world of indie rock and being plastered on every single hip magazine in publication based on the success of Is This It?, there was honestly no way for this New York City band to keep the train going. Room on Fire on its own terms is a very good record, but was doomed from the start based on critical and fan expectations. That being said, if it’s enjoyed for what it is, there are a lot of very rewarding moments. “Reptilia”
160.	Mylo Destroy Rock & Roll
	With Mylo working on little more than an old PowerMac G4 and a lite version of Pro Tools (which is an upgrade from his previous kit of an iMac and the free version of the software), he was able to create an innovative dance/electronic album that truly took the world by storm. Blending elements of dance, ambience, and pop, Destroy Rock & Roll is a terrific album. “In My Arms”
159.	The New Pornographers Twin Cinema
	The New Pornographers is one of the few groups that have yet to release a bad album, and Twin Cinema stands as one of their best. Hitting hard from the get go with the rocking title track, A.C. Newman’s already exemplary songwriting skills appear to be even sharper on this release. A thoroughly enjoyable album, Twin Cinema is sure to put a smile on your face. “Sing Me Spanish Techno”
158.	Madlib Shades of Blue
	What happens when Blue Note Record Label hands the reins over to one of hip-hops most talented producers? A courageous masterpiece that never bastardizes the music that Madlib is sampling. Instead, he turns it into something both modern and nostalgic, a result the label had to be exceptionally pleased with, as it also won over its fair share of both fans and critics. “Mystic Bounce”
157.	Liars Liars
	While not quite as atmospheric as some of their earlier work, or even their album previous to that Drum’s Not Dead, Liars’ sound is as hypnotically gorgeous as always, utilizing fuzzed out guitars and incessant drums. From the driving opener of “Plaster Casts of Everything”, to the trippy pop of “Houseclouds” to the demented dance-rock of “Clear Island,” Liars is wickedly perfect. “Clear Island”
156.	Blu & Exile Below the Heavens
	An immensely talented MC paired up with an equally skilled DJ, Blu & Exile show a great deal of chemistry here, as Exile’s productions fit Blu’s dynamic rhymes like a glove all the way through the album. An incredibly smart and vibrant album, Below the Heavens is the reason why Blu has been considered one of the noteworthy up and coming hip-hop artists. “Dancing in the Rain” (Explicit)
155.	St. Germain Tourist
	St. Germain aka Ludovic Navarre may have been around the block a few times when it comes to jazz-infused projects, but nothing has come even remotely close to being as realized or accomplished as Tourist. Using live jazz orchestration in addition to samples, Tourist has a depth and soul that most other jazz-dance albums simply lacked. While St. Germain has all but disappeared as a solo artist, Tourist still lives on. “Rose Rouge”
154.	Fuck Buttons Tarot Sport
	Fuck Buttons managed to surpass the talent they showed on their debut Street Horrrsing with an absolutely superb sophomore release. From the strong opener in “Surf Solar” to the closing “Flight of the Feathered Serpent”, Fuck Buttons take the listener on a ride that makes for worthwhile repeated listening sessions– a terrific album. “The Lisbon Maru”
153.	Doves Some Cities
	Doves return to the list again, this time with the later Some Cities, a more abbreviated record than The Last Broadcast to be sure, yet still as enjoyable as the previous album. Songs like “Almost Forgot Myself”, “Walk in Fire”, and “Sky Starts Falling” show the progression and maturity of the band. “Snowden”
152.	Sigur Rós ( )
	An impressive concept to say the least, ( ) is divided by two halves, one side featuring lighter airier songs, the other being a bit darker and moodier. As with all Sigur Rós albums, the arrangements are mesmerizing, and the tunes provocative– ( ) is yet another worthy achievement from an always terrific band. “Untitled IV”
151.	The Rapture Pieces of the People We Love
	The Rapture sought out to make a killer party album and did just that with their follow up to the terrific Echoes. With songs such as “Get Myself Into It” and “Whoo! Alright Yeah… Uh Huh”, the band show their fun side, but also show their honed songwriting skills on songs such as the entrancing “Calling Me” (one of the handful of tracks produced by Danger Mouse). “Pieces of the People We Love”