Simon P.'s Top Albums of 2010

Woohoo. What's better than ringing in the New Years with the grooviest, rocking-est, so-in-your-face-that-you-don't-even-know-it's-there records of the year. Believe you me, this has been a (lady) killer year in music, and I had some serious choices to make.

10. Spoon - Transference

Britt and the boys started off the year with a serious bang. Supposedly, Daniels commented that this album is a return to some simpler songs ("Underdog" had just a few too many). While many were put off by the at times abruptness of the record, Spoon ditched some of the fancy progressions and brought out some heavy rock winners like "The Mystery Zone", "Is Love Forever", and my personal favorite, "Written in Reverse". Toss in the subtle, yet beautiful and hidden presence of "Out Go the Lights" and you've got yourself a great record. Keep it up guys.

9. Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs - God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise

This New England folk-rock singer/songwriter is sprouting wings and headed for some really serious musical territory. With every album his vocal talents are showcased more, while still beefing up the arrangements behind him. The Pariah Dogs, new to this record, provide a professional and incomparable backdrop for LaMontagne, who's voice is soulful and strong on this record. Album opener "Repo Man" is a groove-heavy sequel to Gossip in the Grain's funk tune "You are the Best Thing", followed by a solid body of tunes that are easy on the ears.

VIDEO: The Walkmen - "Angela Surf City" (Live on The Interface)

From an album that's bound to top many year-end lists, "Angela Surf City" is a propulsive buzz of garage-meets-surf that undeniably carries the spirit of great generations that have come and gone. Simply put, it's one of the best songs of the year. The song comes from The Walkmen's latest full-length Lisbon, and I highly recommend checking the album out. I picked it up on vinyl, and although I've failed to drop the needle on it since buying it a few weeks back, I can only imagine "Angela Surf City" and every other song sound immaculate.

The Walkmen recently stopped by Spinner to perform a few songs for The Interface. After watching their performance of "Angela Surf City" I had to share this with you folks. They go all in and play with such conviction. The guys play so hard and passionately, just as if they were a bunch of kids amped on forming their own band and writing their own songs -- you know, that kind of unbridled enthusiasm that's nothing short of exciting to see. But let's get one thing straight, The Walkmen are in their tenth year and are total pros. In all honesty, drummer Matt Barrick is what really gets me -- the man just kills it on the drums.

The Walkmen - "Angela Surf City"

BUY: Pick up The Walkmen's new album, Lisbon, on Amazon digitally ($5.99!) or on CD.

MIXTAPES: Back From Break

I'd like to introduce and welcome Simon Pollock to the Mixtape Muse family (Is it really a family if it's just me? The word "team" seems a bit too formal and proper). From time to time, he'll be contributing to the blog, providing show reviews, album reviews, etc. Simon has done work for Boosh Magazine so, rest assured, he's no rookie. Below is his first contribution. I'm sure he'll introduce himself to you all soon.

It’s important to take your work seriously. For a lot of us struggling with everything that fell by the wayside during Spring Break, that requires focus. To borrow from our good friend Geometry,

If focus=being calm and quiet,
and being calm and quiet=having the right music,
then focus=having the right music.

So, sitting in various spots and thinking about what to listen to, I’ve decided to take my first appearance on Mixtape Muse seriously and drop the "Back From Break Playlist," a compilation that looks to combine the tracks stuck in my head and some more relaxing choices in an effort to get you and your college booty into the homeworking groove.

1) Fleet Foxes - "Blue Ridge Mountains" (link)

There’s a lot to be said on and off the Internet about these boys and their enticing blend of bluegrass harmonies with the status of indie-world “it band.” When it comes down to it, nothing beats their simplicity and heart. If nothing else, the soaring melody and well-balanced instrumentation should strike that crucial chord of relaxation.

2) Andrew Bird - "Fiery Crash" (link)

Look no further than the subtle thoughts and subdued emotion of this Chicagoan to keep the music moving in your ears without taking over whatever else you’re trying to focus on.

3) Wilco - "Theologians" (link)

Staying with the Midwest briefly, one of the more acoustic tracks off of Wilco’s 2004 release A Ghost Is Born, an album that –out of their existing library- probably lacks the most direction but has some of the most experimental ideas beyond Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. It’s a return to their brilliance in simplicity and it’s one of the most comforting points on the album.

4) The Walkmen - "Louisiana" (link)
Somewhere between a lazy island jam and a slow country ballad, a friend of mine once said that this is the only worthwhile track on 2006’s A Hundred Miles Off.

5) The Velvet Underground - "I’m Sticking With You" (link)

Think about this as a metaphor for your relationship to your work. It’s encouraging.

6) Thelonious Monk - "Blue Monk" (link)
A classic from the Monk. I always find that even among the frantic keystrokes, there’s something about this tune that really sets my mind at ease. In other settings, you can dig harder and snap louder, but while working, look no further than the recording of this track on At Carnegie Hall.

7) The Bad Plus - "Frog and Toad"
Just one hearty romp out of the many fringe-of-jazz tracks this modern trio has to offer. For all you readers 21+, this magnificent act is also out on tour. Look for them in DC next month at the 9:30.

8) Dianne Reeves - "How High the Moon"

(Music from and Inspired by Good Night, and Good Luck.)
Reference the last vocal line on the track: “Yeah, I like it like that.”

9) Dr. Dog - "The Pretender" (link)
A new discovery for me and an album (Easy Beat) that has a lot of promise in its innovation and endurance as a great rock album.

10) Deerhoof - "Blue Cash"
A great end to a great album (Apple O’), not to mention a solid way to round out an hour’s worth of work.

Happy homeworking.

POST: Simon Pollock

IMAGE: nevver