As we are now almost half way through 2011 (madness), it's probably time for me to put the 2010 thing to rest. There are obviously tons more great songs that I am leaving off the list, but alas there is not enough time in life to get to them all, and with the baby on the way, I don't see myself posting the other 80 some odd tracks out here, so these will have to do...
Jack Johnson "No Good With Faces"
Jack Johnson continues to kick ass with every record he makes. "To the Sea" was solid front to back, and for me "No Good with Faces" is the track that I couldn't get out of me head. Simply put, this is just a beautifully depressing song.
The National "Conversation 16"
For those of you unfamiliar with the National, this song is probably a good place to start. Off their record "High Violet", "Conversation 16" quite possibly wins the award for the most unique relationship metaphor of the year. The song tells the tale of going through the everyday events of one's family/love life and realizing how stale it has all become. Out of duty, the narrator is struggling through these mundane moments, trying not to "disappoint anyone"and secretly thinking his evil thoughts. As to what exactly those evil thoughts might be is not concretely spelled out, and they really don't need to be. What makes the song really interesting is how it conveys this desire to say F- it all and leave it all behind through the comparison of being a zombie. Yes Zombies go through the motions and are predictable, but they will also eat your gosh darn brains.
The Roots "Dear God 2.0"
Dear God 2.0 features the always awesome Jim James from My Morning Jacket, and kicks off with a question that I'm sure many of us have or will struggle with at some point in our lives. With everything that is going on in the world it's often hard to believe in a higher power, and ultimately asks the question, if god is indeed out there, why does he let us suffer so much?
Shout Out Louds "Fall hard"
Sweden's "Shout Out Louds" sound like they belong in the 80's, but the good 80's. The Devo and the Cure 80's, not the Adam Ant 80's. This song will help cheer you up after having just listened to Dear God and questioned your faith.
Trampled by Turtles "Wait So Long"
What happens when you mix bluegrass and the energy of punk rock? You get Trampled by Turtles. Coming from Duluth MN (where the wife and I got engaged) you spend an awful lot of time indoors and apparently discover unique ways to mix genres.
Arcade Fire "Waisted Hours"
Probably the most critically acclaimed album of the year, Arcade Fire certainly broke more in to the main stream in 2010, and it would be a sin to leave them off the list. Waisted Hours is awesome as all hell. Enjoy.
