Weekly Top 10: Canadian Bands

Our first Weekly Top 10 of the new year features our favorite selections from our neighbors to the north. We also tried to diversify our selections, so even though the Canadian music scene is known for being a very close-knit, interrelated group, we've attempted to branch out as much as possible. This means that there's only one selection from The Unicorns' and Broken Social Scene's family trees (so don't hate). Check it out below, courtesy of new playlist providers, Playlist.com.

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]

John's Track of the Week: "Go Home, Get Down"

Song: Go Home, Get Down

Artist: Death From Above 1979

Album: You're A Woman, I'm A Machine

Year: 2004

Death From Above 1979's You're A Woman, I'm A Machine is one of the most explosive, maniacal albums of the decade. Becoming unhinged within seconds of its introduction, it quickly launches into the out-of-control, spiraling wales of Sebastien Grainger, which are only tempered by the equally out-of-control, spiraling riffs in the background. Every track sets a chaotic, slicing tone, akin to a buzzsaw, as you literally sprint through the album's progressions.

Nowhere is this more apparent than "Go Home, Get Down." Grinding and vicious, the track nearly drowns itself in its allusions to thrash metal, buzzing and whirring amidst the mayhem. It's honestly amazing that Grainger can still sing to this day, after such an effort. So many high-pitched screeches and growls, interspersed with a few breaks here and there-- most wouldn't have any vocal chords left. Regardless, he persists from start to finish, and even in the smoldering pile of rubble left at the album's end, we're left with quite an impressive display. Listen for yourself below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: John's Track of the Week: "I Hate My Friends"]