Our Content Advisor, Riley Taylor, shares his picks for best albums of 2010.
#10: Comeback Kid – Symptoms & Cures
Everyone was patiently waiting to see how Comeback Kid’s newest album would turn out (and I know many were crossing their fingers for something better then their ’07 release Broadcasting). This album definitely came out better than expected. It’s hard, raw and fast; how we should all remember Comeback Kid.
#9: The Black Keys – Brothers
If I were to describe this album in one word, it would be delicious. This twosome just keep getting better and better topping it all with this release. If you don’t enjoy the nostalgic blues feel this album gives you, at least enjoy the simplicity of the concept of their album artwork.
#8: Letlive – Fake History
To be honest, I didn’t know this band existed until I saw them live (first band on the bill to be exact). If you enjoy thrashy post-hardcore with a vocalist who can be compared to Daryl Palumbohas of Glassjaw, then listen to this album now.
#7: Norma Jean – Meridional
This band is continually evolving with every record they release and aren’t falling behind in their “metalcore” genre. Meridional takes the best aspects from every album they’ve released to date and shoves it all into one.
6. Caribou – Swim
Daniel Snaith is a genius. Swim is an album with such depth you’ll likely drown within it; no pun intended. Every song is as mesmerizing as the last, leaving one wondering where he or she may be.
#5. Listener – Wooden Heart
I thank The Chariot for shining light on this band. I’ve always loved “talk music,” especially if it’s done right… and trust me, Listener does it right. If you want to hear passion in it’s purest form, Listener should be on the top of your list. It’s so simple, but so beautiful at the same time upon delivery. Be sure to catch them this year at CMW!
#4. Circa Survive – Blue Sky Noise
Anthony Green and the boys do it again. Blue Sky Noise may be one of the most beautiful albums Circa Survive has released to date. From start to finish the band takes you on a musical journey you will not soon forget.
#3. Foals – Total Life Forever
This was probably the album I have been anticipating the most since 2008. The follow up to their first release Antidotes, this album is much deeper then anyone could have imagined; definitely a little less pop and a little more depth. However, there are still some tracks that make you want to dance; pure Brit Pop! All of this just adds to how awesome this band is.
#2. The Dillinger Escape Plan – Option Paralysis
This is one of the smartest bands anyone could ever listen to and this album concretely backs that up. If you listen to DEP and don’t understand what is going on, that’s good. Option Paraylysis, if personified, would be your bi-polar English teacher. He or she would be in your face screaming at one point, but calm and collective at others while bursting at the seams with knowledge.
#1. The Chariot – Long Live
Two words; holy shit. Just when I thought this band couldn’t get any better they release this album. Lyrically mind blowing with so much feedback to make your ears bleed with happiness. Long Live should give the listener the feeling that he or she is actually watching the band perform these songs before his or her eyes. If you enjoy a good… uh…. “hardcore” album then pick this up. If you like what you hear then why haven’t you already seen them live?
