50. The
Return to the Sea
The only way to describe this record is jolly. The consistent song-writing and Phish-pop combine with a space-like sensation to fashion an outstanding album. “Rough Gem” is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard all year, but it does bear close resemblance to the classic hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire”.
49. The Boy Least Likely To
The Best Party Ever
It’s rare that a band de-evolves itself from its daedal adult mannerisms and focuses on an experience that we’ve all been through: childhood. The Boy Least Likely To have produced a fun-loving rock album that allows a playful rebirth to occur in a matter of thirty-seven minutes. Although the lyrics are intentionally simple and more pop oriented, their selection of instruments proves their sophisticated talent. Their array of instruments includes (but is not limited to) harmonicas, blissful banjos, savvy synths, buzzing bells, acoustic guitars, whimsical whistles, and yes…handclaps. If you are looking for a little fun, this is will be The Best Party Ever.
48. Gatsby’s American Dream
Gatsby’s American Dream
Although its not quite as good as Volcano, the album’s aggression will make fine dining at the live show.
47. LCD Soundsystem
45:33: Nike + Original Run
Who would’ve thought that a musician would ever create an intense workout mix? Well here it is. Nike and LCD Soundsystem have teamed up to form the ultimate athletic mix that is 45 minutes and 33 seconds (surprisingly). The album is all one progressive track that builds and builds and then slowly fades away. It sounds a lot like a groovy Daft Punk dance song that isn’t just for dancing. I’ve found this album to be a wonderful homework mix, as well as a great motivational clean-up track. The concept alone is worth giving the album a chance.
46. Beck
The Information
Beck has always been famous for an original style. A Beck album is never rock, electronic, or hip-hop; its just Beck music. Every album he fosters a new style where the only similarity between any of his prior work is that they are made by him. The Information sounds more like Mellow Gold than anything else I could possibly describe. While it does sound like something we might have heard before, he does it with a cunning excellence that makes it new once again. A must for any Beck fan.
45. Calexico
Garden Ruin
Calexico has changed their sound quite a bit. The indie rock sound has transformed and taken a more folk development, but it works well. With the second track “Yours and Mine” being a highlight, the pace of the album continues to accelerate and decelerate as we conclude with the symphony closer “All Systems Red.” This is a soft album that will break your heart.
44. My Chemical Romance
The Black Parade
They are raising the boundaries and limits of pop-punk and emo. This record is full-force power rock at its finest.
43. The Game
Doctor’s Advocate
Psycho-dramatic glam rap to get you through the clubbing nights. Its nowhere near as boasting and ambitious as The Documentary, but it will suffice in a year that has had so few wonderous rap albums. He self proclaims himself as the next Dre on this album for a reason.
42. Daft Punk
Musique
Daft Punk is a band that will always be remembered as one of the most famous electronic dance/pop collaborations of our time. Musique, a greatest hits album, unites the best of their banging beats into one single disc. I never particularly loved an entire Daft CD, but here I am able to indulge in only their superlative music. Some of their best efforts (Around the World, One More Time, Technologic, Harder Better Faster Stronger) are classics, but other fail to see play button more than once. A must have dance album.
Food and Liquor
Skate-rap has always been an interesting musical genre and social schema. Lupe Fiasco has been thrown into such stereotypical categories, but it doesn’t ignore the fact that he really is a great producer and rapper. Not to say that he’s the next Kayne West: When he tries to imitate Kanye he fails miserably. There are a few weak tracks on this wonder, but the rest is audible masturbation.
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