Best Albums of 2010: #10-1 (John's Picks)

In the site's more recent, less updated form, we've failed to really cover music the way we have in the past. While that will not be changing for the time being, we still felt compelled to put together some lists to coincide with the end of 2010. Also, just because we haven't been blogging mean we haven't been listening to this year's slate of new releases. On the contrary, writing less about what's new has allowed us to better enjoy it. And now, we'd like to invite you to enjoy our much scaled-down 2010 end-of-year coverage.

John's Top Albums of 2010: #10-1

10. How I Got Over -- The Roots

Top Track: "How I Got Over" (Feat. Dice Raw)

9. Wild Smile -- Suckers

Top Track: "It Gets Your Body Movin'"

8. King Of The Beach -- Wavves

Top Track: "Post Acid"

7. The Suburbs -- Arcade Fire

Top Track: "The Suburbs"

6. Contra -- Vampire Weekend

Top Track: "Cousins"

5. Halcyon Digest -- Deerhunter

Top Track: "Revival"

4. Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty -- Big Boi

Top Track: "Shutterbugg" (Feat. Cutty)

3. High Violet -- The National

Top Track: "Bloodbuzz Ohio"

2. Teen Dream -- Beach House

Top Track: "Zebra"

1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy -- Kanye West

Top Track: "Runaway" (Feat. Pusha T)

New Video: Kanye West's "Coldest Winter"

As of last month, Mr. West was officially back in the studio, working on material for his next album (says his blog). Although details about the name, and even genre of this future release are still fuzzy, we will more than likely have another classic on our hands very soon. Kanye put together his last masterpiece, 808s & Heartbreak, in a matter of a few weeks. With that in consideration, you could understand why one might be surprised to see a brand-new video single, featuring a song from the aforementioned 2008 release, blowing up all over the internet. Maybe he's trying to make sure he stays relevant in the lead-up to the next big project. Whatever the case, this video is pretty striking. It has an incredibly dark vibe, reminiscent of Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow or Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein. It even features a gang of otherworldly J.K. Rowling-esque creatures chasing an attractive young woman through the woods. This is not at all what I would have expected for this one, but it does grab the viewer's attention, and that's half the battle. Check it out below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Mixtape Rap Songs]

Weekly Top 10: Mixtape Rap Songs

In the past year, we've talked a lot about mixtapes, and their ever-growing importance in the burgeoning hip-hop scene. Smaller budgets aside, artists put almost as much time and energy into these collections of tracks as they do their full-length studio albums. Mixtapes speak just as loudly about emcees' individual talents, and in many cases are even more readily accessible and widely listened to, as well as a first impression of their work. Due to this, recent mixtapes have been full of many hidden (and not so hidden) gems, that are sometimes a harder act to follow than the artists ever could have expected. Some of the songs we've listed here were hits, and others will only see the light of day as part of the pack. Top 40 or not, these are our favorites. Check out our picks below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Lil' Wayne]

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]

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: #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]

Best Albums of the Decade: #31-40

Our countdown of the best albums of the decade continues today. As any music listener knows, there were a lot of releases this decade-- many of which struck a chord with someone, somewhere, while others failed to do so. I think it's fair to say that more music came out this decade than any other, and with that comes more difficult decisions in determining what's really best. Check out the next 10 selections below-- all album streams are courtesy of Lala.com.

40. Futuresex/LoveSounds, Justin Timberlake (2006)

39. Trouble, Ray LaMontagne (2004)

38. Person Pitch, Panda Bear (2007)

37. The Ugly Organ, Cursive (2003)

36. Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River (2005)

35. The College Dropout, Kanye West (2004)

34. Anything Else But the Truth, The Honorary Title (2004)

33. Tha Carter III, Lil' Wayne (2008)

32. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco (2002)

31. In Rainbows, Radiohead (2007)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best Albums of the Decade: #41-50]

Weekly Top 10: Greeting Songs

This week's Top 10 may seem a bit confusing at the onset, so allow me to clear it up for you. Our criteria for a "greeting song" was any song that had at least one of the following-- "hello," "hi," "welcome" or "hey" (or a variation thereof)-- in the title. Hence, "greeting song." I think it worked out alright, but I'm probably a bit biased in that regard. If you're interested in being "greeted" by our playlist, check it out below.

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

Weekly Top 10: Pop Songs You Can't Get Out Of Your Head

As our weekly "top 10" series continues, an interesting topic arises this week. Pop songs you can't get out of your head. Begrudgingly, you'll probably agree with most of these. Not all involve negative connotations though, believe me. Others you probably look back fondly at. Regardless, these will all be clouding your mind for the rest of the week. Enjoy below.

New Jay-Z, "Run This Town" (Feat. Kanye West and Rihanna)

Some may recognize many of the news items we'll be posting in the early goings of today. That's because I was away from Thursday night until last night, so as you may have guessed, I was not around to post news items of any sort. However, figured I might as well catch up before proceeding.

As the date for the release of Jay-Z's much-anticpated Blueprint 3 draws nearer (I know, I know, we're still six weeks or so away), the hype will reach the inevitable fever pitch sooner or later. Maybe that time is now. The album has experienced another leak, this time in the form of "Run This Town," a typically confident track where Hova and who else, but Mr. Kanye West, declare their dominance over everybody and everything, with a supplemental contribution from Rihanna. Supposedly, this will be the first intentional single from the album, and rightfully so. It's infectious, and will be gaining radio play for months. And since when do people let Kanye on a track that's not a single? Thought so. Enjoy it over at Stereogum, and as you probably know already, The Blueprint 3 is out on September 11th via Roc Nation.

New Clipse Video, "Kinda Like A Big Deal (Feat. Kanye West)"

The video for, "Kinda Like A Big Deal", the first single off of Clipse's upcoming album, 'Till the Casket Drops, has officially been released. I don't even know where to begin with my praises, except to say that it's absolutely beautiful. From seasoned director Bernard Gourley (M.I.A., 50 Cent, Flo Rida) we get a stunning treatment, heavy on fluorescents and cuts to falling bullet cases, that speaks almost louder than the song itself. It also features an appearance by none other than Kanye West, who delivers the songs most hard-hitting and dynamic verse, catapulting this jam above your everyday self-promotion track to a probable spot as one of this summer's most spun hip hop tunes. Check it out below.

New Kanye West Video, "Paranoid" (Feat. Mr. Hudson)

Yeah, Kanye West's definitely doing a video for every song on 808s and Heartbreak.  The high-quality version of his newest video single, "Paranoid" is now available to the public.  You see very little of Mr. West, and none of Mr. Hudson (at least from what I noticed), in the video, but rather, just Rihanna, scantily-clad and just sort of striking poses for almost five minutes.  Very odd.  Not even sure it works really, but whatever.  It's Kanye, so I don't question it anymore.

New Kanye West Video, "Amazing" (Feat. Young Jeezy)

I'll tell you, Kanye West is one busy guy since the start of 2009.  Touring all over the place, defending his ego (and love of fish sticks) from those crazy guys of South Park, and making videos for most of the tracks off of his most recent effort, 808s and Heartbreak- it's a lot.  He's also apparently done with making music for a little while and will go into fashion, but that's just what's on his mind for the time being.  For all we know, Kanye will run for elected office in 2010.  The guy's fairly unpredictable, and lately, seems a bit less stable than normal (I could be wrong there, but I, like many others, have noticed a lot of odd behavior).  Still, I do like his recent do-it-yourself approach to things, so this next video, though probably not inexpensive, is novel (sort of).  Check out "Amazing," which features Young Jeezy and was shot on location in Jamaica, below.

Matt's Track of the Week: "Spaceship"

Song: Spaceship

Artist: Kanye West

Album: The College Dropout

Year: 2004

There has been a lot of buzz lately about Kanye West, and his future plans in the music industry.  Some recent speculation gives the impression that he may be trading in his pop-icon status altogether for an internship position at a major fashion house.  Whatever the case may be, I have found myself listening to a lot of his work in the past week or so, and one song that I have had on constant rotation is "Spaceship", from his debut record, The College Dropout.

One thing I have always enjoyed about Kanye's records, is how he incorporates certain whimsical and imaginative elements that give insight into his personality.  "Spaceship"  does this better than most.  Backed by a sample of Marvin Gaye's, "Distant Lover", and singing soulfully, West depicts an an almost child-like, simplistic view of the world, and a yearning to escape that world by flying up past the clouds.  It seemed like an uncharacteristic song for him at the point of its release, but looking at the current state of things, it isn't that surprising.  Kanye West has come to define himself as an artist with few limits.  Check it out below.

New Kanye West Video, "Welcome to Heartbreak"

Just a brief news item today involving Kanye West.  We'll be back to the regular schedule tomorrow of big contributions.  

Apparently, Mr. West has been making a video for the past month, even though it's not the next single.  Still, here's "Welcome to Heartbreak".  It's odd to say the least, but still interesting I suppose.  Oh Kanye.  What a crazy guy.

Grammys Performances

In a quick follow-up to last night's post on the Grammys, I figured I'd add the videos from two of the more notable live performances.  Radiohead's use of the USC Marching Band is interesting, and admittedly, I would probably criticize any other artist for doing it.  For some reason though, it works for this rendition of "15 Step".  And then there was "Swagga Like Us".  I'm stil undecided as to how I feel about this one.  I guess the black and white thing was cool, but, the song just seemed a bit off.  Plus, we probably could have done without the very pregnant M.I.A.  Anyway, check out the videos below.

Congrats to the 2009 Grammys Winners

Normally I'd just ignore the Grammys, but this year, it seemed that the powers that be went out of their way to actually listen to music, rather than just base it upon radio play and record sales.  That being said, I wanted to congratulate the following Animal Noises mainstays for their respective awards, as well as laugh at Katy Perry and the Jonas Brothers for failing to win awards.

Animal Noise Congratulates:

Kings of Leon

Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group with Vocals, "Sex on Fire"

Radiohead

Best Alternative Music Album, In Rainbows

Best Boxed Set or Special Limited Edition Package, In Rainbows

Lil' Wayne

Best Rap Solo Performance, "A Milli"  

Best Rap Song, "Lollipop" (Feat. Static Major)

Best Rap Album, Tha Carter III

Jay-Z, T.I., Lil' Wayne & Kanye West

Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group- "Swagga Like Us"

Best of 2008: #16, Kanye West

Rank: #16

Album: 808s & Heartbreak

Artist: Kanye West

Label: Roc-A-Fella Records

At #16 on our countdown is the man who will undoubtedly claim to be #1 regardless, Kanye West, and his new album, 808s & Heartbreak.  A late entry onto the list, 808s has received mixed reviews from critics and fans- some applauding his experimentation with auto-tune, while others show disappointment in his departure from previous works.  I, of course, happen to be in the camp of those who enjoy this new record, albeit not as much as 2007's Graduation, but still, one which I definitely think highly of.  When I first heard that Kanye would be singing, I was skeptical.  For those who heard his new rendition of "Hey Mama" at the Grammy's last year, you knew he could pull it off, but for a whole album?  Luckily, thanks to an auto-tune (which should be taken away from him when this tour's over), he's able to create a good hip hop/pop vibe.

Admittedly, West is very introspective on this album- staying true to the Heartbreak portion of the title.  A break with his fiancee, Alexis Phifer, and his mother's death, in the past year, will do that to a person.  These themes- love, breakups, and such- are extremely uncommon in reference to hip hop, which may contribute to the critics reasoning, but I find it to be a breath of fresh air.  Only time will tell if this becomes a trendsetter in the genre, or even West's career.  For all we know, he'll go right back to rhyming Coldplay with Coldplay in a year or so.  Still, this initial effort is appreciated.  As is always the case with a West record, you'll find some great beats- even if they're not up to the energy exuded by past efforts- that will get you moving.  See "Heartless", "Love Lockdown", and "Paranoid (Feat. Mr. Hudson)" for examples.  I'll end this with the following: This is NOT my #1 hip hop album of 2008- there's one more out there which I felt was better, and more true to the genre- so please, hold your criticisms.  Comparisons for 808s include Lupe Fiasco, Usher and Akon.

Best Track: "Robocop"