This week’s Top-10 from Chris C. Davis (in no particular order).
I’m not going to say that these are my 10 favorite albums of the first decade of the 2000’s, I’ll just say that they are 10 of my favorites from that period.
Interpol – Turn On the Bright Lights (Matador)
If this is the only classic album that Interpol ever puts out, and it is looking almost inevitable that that will be the case, it’ll still be enough for me.
Idlewild – 100 Broken Windows (Capitol)
A great band at it’s peak, finding the perfect balance between the brattier, punkier sound of their first few releases and the more polished, easier-on-the-ears sound of their later offerings.
Pernice Brothers – The World Won’t End (Ashmont Records)
Joe Pernice’s voice. Joe Pernice’s Lyrics. Joe Pernice’s band. All at top form. Need I say more?
Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Anti)
My favorite album from the owner of my favorite voice in music. I know it’s a cliche, but seriously I’d probably listen to Neko Case sing the phone book (younger readers might need to Google “phone book”).
TV On the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain (4AD)
One of those albums that has such a distinctive mood and sound that it transports you to a different state of mind and doesn’t let you go until the last song has ended.
Guided By Voices – Isolation Drills (TVT Records)
Not necessarily my favorite GBV release (though it is on some days), but my favorite production on a GBV release and arguably the most even/consistent of their LPs as well.
Death Cab For Cutie – The Photo Album (Barsuk)
Maybe it’s just because this was my first DCFC album, but it has always been my favorite too. I tend to go back to this one and Transatlanticism when I want to listen to these guys, as I’ve not been a huge fan of their last couple albums (liked them well enough, just wasn’t thrilled by them).
The Dears – No Cities Left (Maple Nationwide)
This album should be sold with a cozy blanket and a candle. One of my favorite albums to play on a rainy day.
My Teenage Stride – Ears Like Golden Bats (Becalmed)
I’ve never heard much of anything about this album anywhere. Or this band. I’m not even sure if they’re still around. So, if you haven’t heard/heard of them, this is an upbeat little twee-pop record that will definitely please the ears of anyone who likes that genre.
The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow (Sub Pop)
It was a toss-up between this and Oh, Inverted World. Today Chutes won out because I was in the mood for something a little less quaint. But I go back and forth. They both sound perfect to these ears.
