Weekly Top 10: Winter Songs

Seasons have often been a powerful inspiration for music. From the colorful foliage of autumn, to the carefree pace of summer. In the past, we've highlighted the Top 10 songs that best embodied both the summer and fall. This week, we have decided to bring you our Top 10 songs that embrace the dead cold and sweeping, snow-covered landscapes of winter. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, curl up on the couch with a blanket, and enjoy.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Los Angeles-Area Artists]

Best of 2009: Most Anticipated Albums of 2010

Once again, another list that's not necessarily the best of 2009, but in this case, we're looking at the most anticipated of 2010's releases. Obviously, none of these are completely guaranteed to come out next year. However, they've been at least hinted at, if not confirmed by the artists or labels, so I'd say that's about as reliable a source as we can get at this point. Enjoy the list below.

10. TBA, Interpol (Early 2010)

9. Congratulations, MGMT (Spring 2010)

8. Transference, Spoon (January 26, 2010)

7. TBA, The Strokes (Late 2010)

6. TBA, Arcade Fire (May 2010)

5. TBA, Bright Eyes (Fall 2010)

4. TBA, OutKast (Late 2010)

3. TBA, The Walkmen (Spring 2010)

2. Contra, Vampire Weekend (January 12, 2010)

1. Thank Me Later, Drake (March 2010)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best of 2009: Biggest Disappointments]

Most Prolific Artists of the Decade: #1-10

Our latest list-- the Most Prolific Artists of the Decade-- looks to chronicle the most important (for better or for worse) artists of the decade. For one reason or another, be it their positive (or negative) cultural significance, landmark moments for music, staying power or otherwise, these artists mattered a great deal this decade.

In no way is this a list of our favorites of the decade. On the contrary, many of our favorites are not present, while others whom we're actually not fans of, have made the list. So without further ado, check out our the fifth (and final) part of our Most Prolific Artists list below. Next to each artist's name, you'll see a basic numeric list of all primary recordings this decade. For many of these, their impact should probably be self-explanatory. Enjoy, and if you haven't yet read our list of the Best Songs of 2009, or Best Albums of the Decade, read up on those too.

10. T.I. -- 6 LPs (Most recent: 2008's Paper Trail)/2 EPs, P$C -- 1 LP (2005's 25 to Life)

9. Conor Oberst -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2009's Outer South)/1 EP, Bright Eyes -- 8 LPs (Most recent: 2007's Cassadaga)/4 EPs, Desaparecidos (1 LP/1 EP), Monsters of Folk (1 LP)

8. Arcade Fire -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2007's Neon Bible)/1 EP

7. Justin Timberlake -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2006's FutureSex/LoveSounds), 'N Sync -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2001's Celebrity)

6. Jay-Z -- 7 LPs (Most recent: 2009's The Blueprint 3)

5. The White Stripes -- 5 LPs (Most recent: 2007's Icky Thump)/1 EP

4. Lil' Wayne -- 5 LPs (Most recent: 2008's Tha Carter III)/1 EP/10 Mixtapes

3. Animal Collective -- 8 LPs (Most recent: 2009's Merriweather Post Pavillion)/4 EPs

2. Kanye West -- 4 LPs (Most recent: 2008's 808s & Heartbreak)

1. Radiohead -- 4 LPs (Most recent: 2007's In Rainbows)/3 EPs

[Previously on Animal Noises: Most Prolific Artists of the Decade: #11-20]

Best Albums of the Decade: #1-10

Welcome to the final installment of our countdown to the best albums of the decade. There's probably a consensus on the top few, but beyond that, hopefully there's some surprises. As would be expected, a few artists made multiple appearances on the overall list, some maybe shockingly so. Still, these are our picks for the best albums of the decade. Enjoy below-- album streams are courtesy of Lala.com.

10. Censored Colors, Portugal. The Man (2008)

9. Merriweather Post Pavillion, Animal Collective (2009)

8. The Black Album, Jay-Z (2003)

7. The Moon & Antarctica, Modest Mouse (2000)

6. Dog Problems, The Format (2006)

5. Illinois, Sufjan Stevens (2005)

4. Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear (2009)

3. Funeral, Arcade Fire (2004)

2. I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, Bright Eyes (2005)

1. Kid A, Radiohead (2000)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best Albums of the Decade: #11-20]

#21-30

#31-40

#41-50

Best Albums of the Decade: #11-20

We've nearly reached the end of our countdown of the best albums of the decade. As difficult as compiling this list was to compile, I think it was worth it. Hopefully you do too. Check out #11-20 below-- all album streams are courtesy of Lala.com

20. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, The Flaming Lips (2002)

19. Deja Entendu, Brand New (2003)

18. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, OutKast (2003)

17. Get Rich Or Die Tryin', 50 Cent (2003)

16. Silent Alarm, Bloc Party (2005)

15. Apologies to the Queen Mary, Wolf Parade (2005)

14. Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground, Bright Eyes (2002)

13. White Blood Cells, The White Stripes (2002)

12. You & Me, The Walkmen (2008)

11. Hail to the Thief, Radiohead (2003)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best Albums of the Decade: #21-30]

Best Albums of the Decade: #21-30

We've reached the midway point of our countdown to the best album of the decade, and with that, the increasing possibility that your favorite record was, indeed, left off of our list. Still, don't feel too offended. There's enough albums on this list to fit just about anyone's tastes, so I'm sure you'll find something to your liking. Check out #21-30 below. All album streams are via Lala.com.

30. Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?, The Unicorns (2003)

29. Terrorhawk, Bear vs. Shark (2005)

28. The Blueprint, Jay-Z (2001)

27. Sung Tongs, Animal Collective (2004)

26. You're A Woman, I'm A Machine, Death From Above 1979 (2004)

25. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Spoon (2007)

24. Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, Bright Eyes (2005)

23. Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?, of Montreal (2007)

22. Paper Trail, T.I. (2008)

21. Graduation, Kanye West (2007)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best Albums of the Decade: #31-40]

Weekly Top 10: Songs Without Choruses

The days of the one size fits all, hook-heavy, verse/chorus/verse formula are long gone. These days, songs come in many shapes and sizes, and although we have nothing wrong with a good catchy chorus, this week's Top 10 highlights our favorite songs that do without. These tunes make it on their own merits, without the help of a memorable rallying point. They stand out for their unique structures and varying styles. Check them out below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Songs About New York]

Weekly Top 10: Songs About New York

To clarify, I'm not (I repeat, NOT) a Yankees fan. However, to me, there is nothing more obnoxious than a Philadelphia fan, so this list seemed appropriate. To commemorate the greatest city in the world winning its 35th (includes Yankees, Mets, Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants) World Series title, I give you our top ten songs about THE city-- New York.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: 'Ghost' Songs]

Weekly Top 10: Album Closers

Nothing seems to make, or ruin, a great album like the last song. Something otherwise great can be sullied in your eyes (ears) if that final glimpse leaves much to be desired, and something a little above average can gain a much higher evaluation solely off of that last collection of notes. Here, we list our favorites of the ladder category-- our favorite album closers. Though Imeem does not have one of my top picks, Grizzly Bear's "Foreground," I'll forgive them for the most part, as the rest of the list is pretty solid. Enjoy below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Songs Featured on How I Met Your Mother]

Weekly Top 10: Cover Songs

Many apologies for not having this up in its usual Thursday spot. Things get hectic occasionally, and this was one of them. For those who've been with us since the beginning, we've actually used this theme before. However, with a different staff, and over a year under our belts, we figured it was worth tackling again. Some songs will probably be extremely familiar to you, while others, perhaps not so much. Anyway, for your enjoyment-- this week's top 10: cover songs.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Best Songs Named for Geographic Locations]

Weekly Top 10: Island Songs

As per usual on Thursdays, we've got a playlist of sorts. This week, due to us being on vacation in a fairly coastal area, we decided to use island songs as our theme. What constitutes an island song in this case? A song which is more of a stand-alone track from an artist who normally wouldn't be classified as reggae, surf rock or any other type of tropical music (though there is one artist here who could fall either way, but we decided to include him). Hopefully that clears up any concerns about the omission of certain artists. Enjoy below.

Weekly Top 10: Road Trip Songs

As you've probably figured out by now, we've relaunched our playlist feature. In keeping with that, it's Thursday, so we're due for another one. This week, the theme is road trip music, or at least, music that you can enjoy while traveling. Sit back, enjoy, and understand that The Beatles are included yet again, partially because the song is extremely appropriate, and partially because I love The Beatles. And as always, props to Imeem.

Music Video Monday: "Lover I Don't Have to Love"

Track: Lover I Don't Have to Love
Artist: Bright Eyes
Album: Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground
Year: 2002

In light of the recent announcement that Conor Oberst would record one more Bright Eyes album, then retire the name, I figured it would be appropriate to sort of discuss the genius that is/was Bright Eyes is some way. Regardless of my recent issues with him, Oberst did a lot of great things in the late part of the 1990s, up until last year. Most notably, my favorite albums of his, Lifted or the Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground; I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning; and Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, all manage to strike a chord seemingly untouched before or after. They're interesting pieces of art, each unique and innovative, producing much higher quality work than many of the indie hipster variety will ever give credit. Still, I'll always enjoy those records, and his other work as Bright Eyes, for the entertaining and creative moments which seemingly came so often.

On the surface, the music video for "Lover I Don't Have to Love" isn't interesting, astounding or even high-minded. It's just simple. However, one can, and should appreciate the thought behind such an effort as this one. The karaoke word format, and silly "relaxing" backgrounds are a testament to the artist. Recording under Bright Eyes, there was a certain edge to Oberst's songwriting that has disappeared a bit by this point. He was young, vulnerable and at times, tragic, and it showed in his work (very positively). His statement here, to me, shows either a disdain for his own song/ideas, a blatant mockery of the track's fans or simply a calculated snub towards music video culture. Regardless, it's a brilliant and entertaining spectacle that can only be appreciated when executed by a short list of artists. Check it out below.

Conor Oberst To Do One Final Bright Eyes Album

Well, this has been in the works for quite awhile. I said it after his 2008 collaboration with the Mystic Valley Band, and then reaffirmed the claim after this year's miserable effort, Outer South. Conor Oberst is, in fact, done with the Bright Eyes moniker... after the next album. According to an interview in The Rolling Stone, and this article in the Omaha World-Herald, he's got one more album in him, slated for 2010, and then it'll be retired. To be honest, this is a bit saddening for me, and I'm sure many others. I understand that he's past the mindset that allowed him to create music for Bright Eyes for so long, but I just hope that this last release is as inspiring as his work in the first half or so of the decade (up to and including I'm Wide Awake It's Morning and Digital Ash in a Digitial Urn), rather than the second half (Cassadaga). The last thing I'd want to do is remember Bright Eyes with a bad taste in my mouth. Hopefully Oberst feels similarly.

Matt's Track of the Week: "The Center of the World"

Song: The Center of the World

Artist: Bright Eyes

Album: Fevers & Mirrors

Year: 2000

There has been a lot of talk on Animal Noises and across the interwebs lately about Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band.  With all of the buzz surrounding their new record, I started to feel a bit nostalgic, and thought it would be nice to highlight an old favorite of mine from when Conor was recording exclusively as Bright Eyes.

In my opinion, as much as I consider myself a fan of everything Oberst has recorded in his lengthy career, there's no topping his releases from 2000-2005.  There's an intensity and emotion that was so apparent in his music from his own internal struggles and passions that simply has not been reached since.  And that's not to say I hold it against him either.  Every artist has to grow and mature.  But there's something about the almost bi-polar nature of a song like "The Center of the World" that just strikes a chord in me.  It's one of the many standouts on Fevers & Mirrors, and it hits hard and sticks with you with its closing lines: "Two pills just weren't enough.  The alarm clock's going off, but you're not waking up.  This isn't happening, happening, happening, happening, happening.  It is."  Check it out below.

Matt's Track of the Week: "Take it Easy (Love Nothing)"

Song: Take it Easy (Love Nothing)

Artist: Bright Eyes

Album: Digital Ash In A Digital Urn

Year: 2005

From as far back as I can remember, I have had a soft spot in my heart for electronic-based music.  That being said, I also have a soft spot in my heart for all things Bright Eyes.  Put the two together, and we have one of my favorite albums of all-time.  

2005's Digital Ash In A Digital Urn is not quite electronica, not quite pop, and not quite rock or folk, and I think that is where the allure lies.  The track I chose to highlight, "Take it Easy (Love Nothing)", has the visual and imaginative lyrics of a Conor Oberst classic (i.e. "If you stay too long inside my memory/I'll trap you in a song tied to a melody/And I'll keep you there so you can't bother me"), coupled with some of the most intricately-layered and diverse music he's put to tape in his expansive career.  

The song chugs along with steadily muted guitars and moaning, chip-tune-like synths and fuzzy drums, reminiscent of sounds you might hear coming from a Nintendo Gameboy, alongside the lyrics of one-night stands and lessons learned, softly-sung by Oberst.  This continues up until the conclusion of the last verse, when the tension of the tight arrangement finally snaps, and the melodic elements of the song grow to fill the empty space, climbing and falling with the percussion to the end.  Unfortunately, it wasn't available to stream from Imeem.  So enjoy this live video.