Fave Albums: 2010s

In 2012 I wrote a series of posts on my favorite albums. As we come to the end of this decade, I thought it would be opportune to select my 10 favorite albums from the 2010s (listed in alphabetical order). I should note that this list doesn't include Gotye's Making Mirrors (2011) or Oh Mercy's Deep Heat (2012), which I previously wrote about.

The Basics released their fourth studio album The Age Of Entitlement in 2015. It's an album that showcases the evolution of their sound and is the closest we've come to new songs from Wally De Backer while waiting for that new Gotye album. Wally, Kris and Tim take turns singing lead on tracks, and also showcase their beautiful harmonies. This album is also more politically themed with songs such as "What Ever Happened To The Working Class?," "Time Poor" and "Tunaomba Saidia." My favorite song off the album is "A Coward's Prayer" as it sounds like a Crowded House track.

Beck's 2017 album Colors was a the return to the energetic and danceable Beck albums of old with songs such as "Colors," "Seventh Heaven," "I'm So Free," "Square One" and my favorite track "Dreams." Beck and his producer Greg Kurstin played nearly every instrument on each track, and it's a fun album to listen to from start to finish.

After a 12 year hiatus Blur reunited with producer Stephen Street for the release of their eighth studio album The Magic Whip in 2015. This album was a return to the original line up with guitarist Graham Coxton back in the band. The songs originated from Blur being stuck in Hong Kong for a week after a Japanese festival was cancelled in 2013. Nothing happened with the songs for over a year, but thankfully they went back to work on them and The Magic Whip was released to broad critical acclaim. It's a very cohesive album that carries its Hong Kong and Asian influence throughout, especially on tracks like "New World Towers," "Ice Cream Man," "Ghost Ship" and "Pyongyang." My favorite song is the otherworldly "Thought I Was A Spaceman."

Melbourne's Crayon Fields released their third album No One Deserves You in 2015 after a six year hiatus. It's an album that is as dreamy as their previous releases, with the jangly guitar pop and songwriting of lead singer Geoffrey O'Connor. I don't think there is a dud song on the album, with my favorite track being "Somewhere Good," which is a bit of a motivating song if you are going through tough times.

Fleet Foxes released their third album Crack-Up in 2017 after a six year break in-between albums. The release contains many epic and shifting soundscapes in the extended tracks such as "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" and "Third Of My / Odaigahara," as well as the band's famous harmonies. My favorite song is "On Another Ocean (January / June)" especially as it kicks into the guitar part around half way through the song.

Grizzly Bear's fourth album Shields was released in 2012 and was a collaborative songwriting effort by the band with bassist Chris Taylor in the producer chair. While a couple songs came from a failed first attempt at recording in Marfa, Texas, the bulk of the album was recorded in singer Ed Droste's grandmother's house in Cape Cod. As with their previous albums both Ed and Daniel Rossen took turns on lead vocals, with my favorite track being the atmospheric and urgent "Yet Again."

Dan Kelly always brings a unique and humorous take on life through his songs, and his second solo album, 2015's Leisure Panic!, is no different. It covers a wide range of topics and Australian themes with songs such as "Melbourne vs Sydney," "Gold Coast Man," "Baby Bonus" and "National Park and Wildlife." My favorite is the epic opening track "On The Run" with its extended jam.

Trixie Mattel (aka Brian Firkus) is not only one of my favorite drag queens, but also an extremely talented musician and songwriter. Her first album Two Birds was released in 2017 and features country and folk songs inspired by Trixie's rural Wisconsin roots. There are humorous and upbeat tracks like "Mama Don't Make Me Put On The Dress Again" and "Bluegrass," but also some sad ones about lost love, with my favorite being the touching "I'll Wear Your Ring."

Olympia's 2016 debut album Self Talk is an atmospheric collection of songs that ambitiously touch on different themes and styles. Despite this, it still manages to feel like a cohesive album. Her layered and ethereal vocals feature throughout, with my favorite track being the moody "Different Cities."

RVG's debut album A Quality Of Mercy was released in 2017 and reminded me of many of my favorite 80's alternative bands with its sound. Romy Vager sings with a sense of urgency and writes lyrics on a variety of topics, including the unique love song "IBM" which includes a sample of a dial up modem. My favorite track is the jangly guitar filled "Cause And Effect."

Fave Albums: Oh Mercy - Deep Heat

My final fave album is actually my favorite release of 2012: Oh Mercy's Deep Heat. This is their third album and lead singer Alexander Gow took a different tack this time and wrote lyrics in the third person, which resulted in each song taking on the perspective of a different character.  Steve Berlin does some amazing saxophone work throughout, particularly on "Fever" and the Roxy Music inspired "My Man."  While the album is very different sonically to previous Oh Mercy releases, at the end of the day it's all about the songs, and they stand up whether played by the full band or solo on acoustic guitar.  From the driving beat of "Europa" and "Deep Heat," the urgency of "Pilgrim's Blues," to the reggae sounds of "Still Making Me Pay" and the groove of "Drums" it is a great leap forward for Oh Mercy and foreshadows an exciting musical future.

Favorite Lyric: I met the Governor of California, I called him mate ("Fever")

Favorite Song: "Pilgrim's Blues"

Fave Albums: The Ocean Party - The Sun Rolled Off The Hills

Melbourne (via Wagga Wagga) band The Ocean Party released their debut album The Sun Rolled Off The Hills early in 2012.  In the great tradition of the Australian singer-songwriter the album features quite honest lyrics that tell a story about everyday life with references to the Australian landscape.  It is a subtle album that features jangly guitars, piano, and Lachlan Denton's laid back vocals on songs such as "The Farm," "Shakin' Like A Leaf," "Still Raining," "Shepparton" and "Every House."  For a relatively young band it is a solid debut, and they are also prolific as they have recently released their second album Social Clubs.

Favorite Lyric: Shakin' like a leaf when I said it was my first time ("Shakin' Like A Leaf")

Favorite Song: "Still Raining"

Fave Albums: Gotye - Making Mirrors

You would have to have been living under a rock during the past year to have not heard Gotye's (aka Wally De Backer) worldwide smash hit duet with Kimbra "Somebody That I Used To Know."  The track comes off of Gotye's third album Making Mirrors, which was released in 2011.  For this album Wally not only used samples from records he had found, but also recorded different types of instruments note by note onto his computer so he could play them in new ways.  The very first single "Eyes Wide Open" includes samples from the Winton Musical Fence and has a strong environmental message.  The album contains a range of songs, from uplifting tracks like "I Feel Better," "In Your Light" and "State Of The Art" (written in honor of his Lowrey Cotillion organ) to more introspective numbers such as "Giving Me A Chance," "Save Me" and "Bronte."  Gotye is more than a one hit wonder, and this album proves it.

Favorite Lyric: We walk the plank with our eyes wide open ("Eyes Wide Open")

Favorite Song: "State Of The Art"

Fave Albums: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Seattle's Fleet Foxes make some of the most beautiful folk music out there today.  Their second album, 2011's Helplessness Blues, is full of layered vocal harmonies and these incredibly epic songs that sonically change direction halfway through.  "Montezuma," "Battery Kinzie," "Helplessness Blues," "Lorelai" and "The Shrine/An Argument" are my personal favorites on an album that is full of high quality lyrics and instrumentation. 

Favorite Lyric: So now I am older than my mother and father when they had their daughter, now what does that say about me? ("Montezuma")

Favorite Song: "Helplessness Blues"

Fave Albums: Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night

Australian singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko's third album As Day Follows Night was released in 2009 and led to a Best Female Artist award at the ARIAs.  Starting with the beautiful piano driven "Down On Love," the album goes from haunting songs such as "All I Want," "Bird On A Wire," "Is My Baby Yours?" and "Night & Day" to the more upbeat sounding "Hold On My Heart," "We Won't Run" and "Over & Over."  It's a moving album that takes you on an emotional journey from start to finish.  And if you are lucking enough to get one of the deluxe versions of the album, you can enjoy the Cinema Blasko disc of Sarah covering some of her favorite songs from various movies (including an unexpectedly lovely version of "Xanadu").

Favorite Lyric: Hold on my heart, find your stronger parts ("Hold On My Heart")

Favorite Song: "All I Want"

Fave Albums: Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

New York band Vampire Weekend released their eponymous debut album in 2008 to much hype and acclaim.  Their sound has hints of African beats and ska music and the album spawned the singles "Mansard Roof," "Oxford Comma," "A-Punk" and "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa."  There really isn't one bad song on this album, and it all flows really.  It is uplifting and fun to listen and sing along to.

Favorite Lyric: Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma ("Oxford Comma")

Favorite Song: "A-Punk"

Fave Albums: Little Red - Listen To Little Red

The first time I saw Little Red live in 2007 I knew they were something special.  After winning the hearts of Melbourne with their entertaining live shows and a couple EPs, they finally released their debut album Listen To Little Red in 2008.  It is full of their self proclaimed "doo-wop punk" style and some of the sweetest vocal harmonies you may ever hear.  The three main songwriters take turns singing lead throughout the album, with highlights including Tom Hartney on "Coca Cola," "Little Annie" and "Jackie Cooper," Quang Dinh on "Witchdoctor," "Fool" and "If You're Lonely," and Dominic Byrne on "It's Alright," "Stare In Love," "Misty, I" and "Fight Song."  This album is how I will always remember Little Red, with all those fun gigs around town and watching them become more and more popular.

Favorite Lyric: If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, well honey I got two shoulders and they're strong ("If You're Lonely")

Favorite Song: "Misty, I"

Fave Albums: The Basics - Stand Out/Fit In

Any regular readers of this blog would know that I am a big fan of Melbourne's The Basics and a frequent attendee at their live shows.  This album, 2007's Stand Out/Fit In, is what first got me into the band.  The album cover is shot out in front of The Espy in St. Kilda with Kris Schroeder, Tim Heath and Wally De Backer wearing their trademark grey suits.

This album is full of so many songs that are staples of their live set, including "Rattle My Chain," "Memory Lane," "Have Love, Will Travel," "Hey There!," "Just Hold On," "Lookin' Over My Shoulder," "Better" and "Three Cool Cats."  The musicianship and vocal harmonies just shine through on all these songs as Wally and Kris take turns on lead vocals (with the occasional song from Tim).  It's such a fun and uplifting album that you can't help but sing along and want to dance while listening to it.

Favorite Lyric: We're going nowhere fast, but I'm just glad I'm going there with you ("Hey There!")

Favorite Song: "Lookin' Over My Shoulder"

Fave Albums: Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

2006's Back To Black was the album that put Amy Winehouse on the map with the breakout hit single "Rehab."  Produced by Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, the album is a mix of British soul and ska music that features Amy's honest lyrics and unique voice.  Standout tracks include "Me & Mr Jones," "Back To Black," "Tears Dry On Their Own" and "Wake Up Alone."  Despite her well publicized personal issues and untimely death, there is no doubting Amy's incredible talent.

Favorite Lyric: And no I'm not ashamed, but the guilt will kill you, if she don't first ("Just Friends")

Favorite Song: "Back To Black"

Fave Albums: Starky - Starky

The fantastic eponymous second album by Sydney band Starky was released in 2006 and spawned the hit single "Hey Bang Bang."  It's a synth and guitar driven album that you can really dance to throughout, especially on the songs "Me Michelle," "We Don't Exist," "The Wreckery," "Is This How It Ends" and "We Generate Friction."  From start to finish there isn't one bad song on there.  It's too bad though that Starky didn't record any further albums before breaking up (especially considering this one was successful).

Favorite Lyric: Here's to you and me and all the things we'll never be ("Is This How It Ends")

Favorite Song: "The Wreckery"

Fave Albums: Bic Runga - Birds

New Zealand singer-songwriter Bic Runga released her third album Birds in 2005.  It's a bit of a darker and more mysterious affair than her previous albums, but contains many moving songs such as "Say After Me," "Listen," "Birds," "If I Had You" and "Captured."  There are also the more upbeat songs "Winning Arrow" and "Blue Blue Heart," as well as the country-tinged "No Crying No More" and Nick Cave-esque "Ruby Nights."  It's quite a beautiful album even with its sense of melancholy.

Favorite Lyric: A crazy love that waits for you, why must it wait forever? ("If I Had You")

Favorite Song: "Winning Arrow"

Fave Albums: Doves - Some Cities

Some Cities is the third album by British band Doves, which was released in 2005.  It is full of indie guitar rock with the driving beat of "Some Cities," "Black And White Town," "One Of These Days" and "Sky Starts Falling," the beautiful jangly guitar parts in "Almost Forgot Myself," "Walk In Fire" and "Ambition," as well as the trip hop feel of "The Storm."  It's a lovely album which I seem to associate with driving on East Bay freeways to and from work.

Favorite Lyric: Too much history coming down, another building brought to ground ("Some Cities")

Favorite Song: "Almost Forgot Myself"
 

Fave Albums: The Redwalls - De Nova

I first saw Illinois band The Redwalls perform on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and knew immediately that I had to get their album, De Nova.  Their second release, which came out in 2005, is full of 1960s garage rock on songs such as "Robinson Crusoe," "Love Her," "It's Alright" and "Rock & Roll."  There are also the political messages in the lyrics of "Falling Down," "Front Page" and "Glory of War" alongside the heartfelt "Thank You," "Build A Bridge," "Hung Up On The Way I'm Feeling" and "How The Story Goes."  It's a fantastic album by a band that is unfortunately no longer together.

Favorite Lyric: Well in times like these you better watch what you say, watch them take your fucking rights away ("Falling Down")

Favorite Song: "Thank You"

Fave Albums: Interpol - Antics

New York's Interpol released their second album Antics in 2004.  It's a beautifully atmospheric album driven by the rhythm section and melodic guitars, as well as Paul Bank's vocals.  The singles "Slow Hands," "Evil" and "C'mere" are all fantastic songs.  It's a very coherent album and the perfect listen for a dark, wintry day. 

Favorite Lyric: I submit my incentive is romance, I watched the pole dance of the stars ("Slow Hands")

Favorite Song: "C'mere"

Fave Albums: The White Stripes - Elephant

The White Stripes fourth album, 2003's Elephant, contains probably their best known hit single "Seven Nation Army." Jack White is incredibly talented and there are some great songs on here such as "Black Math," "Ball & Biscuit," "The Hardest Button To Button," "Hypnotise" and "Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine."  There are also little surprises dotted throughout the album such as their cover of Burt Bacarach's "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself," the spoken word intro of "Little Acorns," Meg White singing lead on the song "In The Cold, Cold, Night" and the humorous lyrics of the album closer "It's True That We Love One Another."

Favorite Lyric: Be like the squirrel, girl ("Little Acorns")

Favorite Song: "Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine"

Fave Albums: The Living End - Roll On

Melbourne's very own The Living End released their second album Roll On in 2000.  Not only does it have their trademark rockabilly/punk sound, but I think it's one of Chris Cheney's strongest albums lyrically as he tackled political issues such as the 1998 Melbourne waterfront dispute on "Roll On" and the stolen generation on "Killing The Right."  There are some absolute rockers on here such as "Pictures In The Mirror," "Carry Me Home," "Don't Shut The Gate" and "Uncle Harry" along side the more melodic tracks "Staring At The Light," "Dirty Man" and "Blood On Your Hands."  It's a very cohesive album that also showcases what an amazing guitar player Chris was even in the early years of the band.

Favorite Lyric: There's too much work and not enough pay ("Roll On")

Favorite Song: "Carry Me Home"

Fave Albums: Ben Folds Five - Whatever And Ever Amen

The newly reunited Ben Folds Five released their second album Whatever And Ever Amen in 1997.  The band members are all exceptional musicians and combined with Ben Folds' lyrics this album covers a gamut of emotions.  On one hand there is the humor of "One Angry Dwarf And Two Hundred Solemn Faces," "Song For The Dumped" (whose chorus I can definitely relate to due to an incident with my ex-best friend), "Battle Of Who Could Care Less" and "Steven's Last Night In Town." Then you have the emotion of songs such as "Selfless, Cold And Composed," "Smoke" and the hit single "Brick."  It's a wonderful album that shows the breadth of songs Ben Folds Five can create.

Favorite Lyric: See I've got your old I.D. and you're all dressed up like The Cure ("Battle Of Who Could Care Less")

Favorite Song: "One Angry Dwarf And Two Hundred Solemn Faces"

Fave Albums: You Am I - Hourly, Daily

You Am I's third album, Hourly, Daily was released in 1996 and always reminds me of my study abroad year in Melbourne.  It's a very Australian album with Tim Rodger's lyrics about daily life and the various things he references in songs.  Besides the expected guitar rock of "Good Mornin'," "Mr. Milk, "Soldiers" and "Flag Fall $1.80" there are also surprising orchestral arrangements on songs such as "Tuesday," "Heavy Comfort" and "Please Don't Ask Me To Smile."  It's an album that takes you on a journey through one day and tells stories from different points of view along the way.

Favorite Lyric: Now your friends are like eyelashes, too many dropping off these days ("Heavy Comfort")

Favorite Song: "Mr. Milk"

Fave Albums: Portishead - Dummy

Portishead's debut album Dummy came out in 1994 and won the 1995 Mercury Music Prize for best British album.  Portishead is considered part of the trip-hop genre with its use of samples, electronica and the sullen vocals of Beth Gibbons.  Highlights on the album are the hit singles "Sour Times" and "Glory Box," as well as the songs "It's A Fire" and "Roads."  It is the perfect album to chill out to or listen to on a stormy, wintry day with its dark and melancholy feel.

Favorite Lyric: We're all looking at a different picture through this new frame of mind ("Glory Box")

Favorite Song: "Roads"