So it begins. Having had my rather hefty list of 100 records knocked down to a mere 25 by Playmusic Pickup, I thought I'd reveal my list here. Deciding on whether to do a slow, seductive strip tease or go the full monty from the start probably depends on how many people care and, of those who care, how much they care. Either way has its merits. Maybe I'll do both. Routine is overrated.
In alphabetical order, and more for my own weird gratification than anyone else's, here begins my odyssey into 2010's musical canon. This now accounts for late entries and those I've had more time to listen to since compiling the original longlist. All of these are worth a listen, so please do.
The 'A's.
Actress 'Splazsh'
Adebisi Shank 'This Is The Second Album Of A Band Called Adebisi Shank'
Aidan Baker 'Liminoid / Lifeforms'
Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté - 'Ali & Toure'
Aloe Blacc 'Good Things'
Anais Mitchell 'Hadestown'
And So I Watch You From Afar 'The Letters EP'
Animal Collective 'ODDSAC'
Arcade Fire 'The Suburbs'
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti 'Before Today'
Autolux 'Transit Transit'
Avey Tare 'Down There'
Avi Buffalo 'S/T'
Conclusion
There's some incredible records just in the first letter of the alphabet. For me 'Ali & Toumani' stands out as a breathtaking work of considerable technicality and beauty. 'Splazsh' was one of a multitude of electronic records worth spending time with, though it's arguably overshadowed by others later in the list. 'ODDSAC' remains unique in the entire 2010 list for being a visual album, something that needs to be absorbed in one high-intensity sitting. Avey Tare's 'Down There' sneaks in after its release a week ago after a few listens thanks to the surprisingly soulful delivery on the vocal led songs. Similarly, 'Good Things' comes courtesy of a recent listen, a real soulful collection of tracks from the always-reliable Stones Throw label.
Of course, while 'The Suburbs' was too long and flawed tro be truly an album of the year, some of the best Arcade Fire songs so far were included on it, rising it well above the standard of their previous longplayer. 'Liminoid/Lifeforms' is a sparse, avant-garde masterwork, Ariel Pink's 'Before Today' took 9 months of listening to make any sense and Adebisi Shank's excellently titled effort is shock treatment utilising unbelievable displays of rock virtuosity. Anais Mitchell's concept record 'Hadestown' is a brave country-tinged network of haunting songs, ably aided by Justin Vernon whose voice continues to resonate far from his Bon Iver alter-ego. Finally 'The Letters EP' is my nod to one of the plentiful short player records released this year. This Irish instrumental rock troupe have got a savage handle on dynamics and it's a thrilling, four track blast. I'm still of the opinion that Avi Buffalo's self titled album is the weakest here, though just for 'What's In It For?', one of my favourite songs of the year, it must be included. There are some lovely moments dotted about. I would probably choose 'Ali & Toumani' as my favourite from this short list, but all of the rest are either excellent or contain unavoidably evocative moments.
Next: The 'B's
