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The final installment of my year-end album list. Let the second guessing commence.
Part One #‘s 21-30
Part Two #‘s 11-20
Top 10 Non-LP Singles & EPs
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Belong (Slumberland)
Quite simply, this could be the soundtrack to a lost John Hughes movie. Altogether new but familiar, they managed to improve on their stellar debut.
Dum Dum Girls – Only In Dreams (Sub Pop)
The second occurrence in a trend that is eighties reminiscence. Reverb-heavy Go-Go’s is the best way I can describe. Though, this is better than anything the Go-Go’s did.
The Joy Formidable – The Big Roar (Atlantic)
I’m probably the last to the table as far as BT goes when it comes to The Joy Formidable but it didn’t take long to become enveloped in these songs.
I Break Horses – Hearts (I Kill Love)
My fave debut by far this year.
Ringo Deathstarr – Colour Trip (AC300)
The third and not yet last shoegazey entry in my top 10. Their first release was all Jesus And Mary Chain and this one is more My Bloody Valentine. At least they’re aping the right bands.
Cymbals Eat Guitars – Lenses Alien (Barsuk)
A more complex effort than their debut and the sound benefits from the band’s growth.
Cymbals Eat Guitars “Rifle Eyesight (Proper Name)” by Barsuk Records
Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring For My Halo (Matador)
This is the first Vile release that I have found to be truly impressive. It has a lasting impact that the other records just haven’t had.
Fucked Up – David Comes To Life (Matador)
The band seemed poised for a letdown after the lackluster collection David’s Town. I guess there was a reason those songs were leftovers.
Boogie Monster – Zechimechi (Needs More Ram)
All year, I have championed these young Canadian noisemakers. Lightning Bolt fans: what are you waiting for?
Minks – By The Hedge (Captured Tracks)
The latest great release from Captured Tracks. This one was in my top 10 all year.
