Anne’s Top 10 Albums of the Decade (2000-2009)
Crazy as it may sound, Matt asked me to write ANOTHER list. Either I’m more popular than I realize, or Matt just really loves cleaning the bathroom, because that’s what he’s doing as I write this. My top ten albums of the decade are different than Matt’s. I tried to describe this to him the other day by saying that all of this albums inspired a “Holy crap! What did I just hear?” moment. Of course, these are the albums that inspired moments like that over and over…
The Wrens – The Meadowlands (Absolutely Kosher)
Even though they’ve been around since 1989, it took me until this album in 2003 to become a fan. I’m not even sure how this album made it into my hands – maybe a freebie for resubscribing to Magnet? Anyway, it’s a great one from start to finish, and I look forward to whatever comes next for this band.
Mission of Burma – OnOffOn (Matador)
Mission of Burma’s triumphant return to the stage was my reintroduction to them, I guess. A band I never thought I’d have the chance to see (or hear from again), I’m so glad that these guys are putting out records that sound just as alive and vital as their earliest releases. And yeah, I do love middle-aged man rock. It’s clearly a theme here.
The Go-Betweens – The Friends of Rachel Worth (Jet Set)
This album squeaks in, having been released in 2000. But, oh, what a great record, and another reunion one at that. As sad as GRANT McLENNAN’S early passing may be, it’s fantastic that he’s left behind such an amazing artistic legacy along with bandmate ROBERT FORSTER.
Sonic Youth – Murray Street (Geffen)
Sonic Youth don’t ever really put out bad albums, but Murray Street is among my favorites. And clearly, given this issue’s cover story, this is a band that isn’t going out of style anytime soon. “Rain on Tin” may be one of my favorite (underrated?) songs from their entire catalog.
Yo La Tengo – And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out (Matador)
I’ve loved Yo La Tengo’s music for so long, I would put all of their albums on this list if I could. A solid album from start to finish, I enjoy listening to this album to this day. Even the slower, quieter songs are standouts on this one.
The Clean – Anthology (Merge)
Is it cheating to put a compilation of “hits” on my list? This album is probably what kicked off my never-ending obsession with New Zealand’s pop music scene. That’s no small thing, I suppose. I hope to see The Clean tour the U.S. behind this year’s excellent effort Mister Pop.
AC Newman – The Slow Wonder (Matador)
A constant disagreement between myself and Matt – NEKO CASE or Carl? Well, my feet are firmly planted in the Carl camp. This album is nearly perfect, and I prefer it to his also excellent NEW PORNOGRAPHERS output over the last several years. Here’s hoping that he’s got more songs under his belt for more solo releases in the future.
LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver (Capitol)
This album is really great. Great for working out at the gym. Great for making the end of Friday come faster when my brain shuts down at work. Good beats. Not autotuned. And perfectly representative of all of the dance-y music that I love (and Matt’s probably ashamed to admit he enjoys too). File HOT CHIP in this category too, because I’m running out of room.
Caribou – The Milk of Human Kindness (Domino)
Call ‘em MANITOBA, whatever, this is an absolutely amazing record from start to finish, with beats that are somehow reproduced in a live setting too. A mix of rock and electronica, perhaps, but punishing all the way through.
The Arcade Fire – Funeral (Merge)
I can’t believe Matt didn’t put this on his list?!? I love this record, loved it the first time I heard it, loved the Arcade Fire the first time I heard them before this album was even close to being released. I guess that’s a story for another list? A stunning achievement for this band’s first album, and I can’t wait for their new release in 2010.
