Best Albums of 2010 (Matt'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.

Matt's Top 10 Albums of 2010

10. Wild Smile -- Suckers

9. Thank Me Later -- Drake

8. The Suburbs -- Arcade Fire

7. Expo '86 -- Wolf Parade

6. Lisbon -- The Walkmen

5. Contra -- Vampire Weekend

4. Heart of the Nightlife -- Kisses

3. Astro Coast -- Surfer Blood

2. High Violet -- The National

1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy -- Kanye West

Matt's Track of the Week: Twins' "Drive By Digital Ghost"

Song: Drive By Digital Ghost

Artist: Twins

Album: The Other Side Of

Rating: 7.0

Although he's been getting a little buzz here and there, Twins (Matt Weiner of Brooklyn) seems like a remarkably small and relatively unknown artist. His Myspace has 2,520 hits at press time, the most listened to track on his page has 307 plays, and his last comment was on January 5th, wishing him a happy new year. So why exactly is a new Twins song something that should even be on the radar of this blog and similar publications? I couldn't tell you. But after listening to it, you'll probably be glad that someone out there is on top of their new artist news.

"Drive By Digital Ghost" is an eerie throwback to the analog 80s. Mixed between intermittent guitar strokes, whining synths and distorted create a chilling atmosphere that sounds like being trapped inside the darkest, most warped corners of your imagination. His distinctive sound here is both unique and familiar, but at all times estranged and lonely, painting a spacious, hopeless portrait of a doomed endeavor. A sonic landscape this expressive is something you don't here all too often. You can listen to and download this track (via Pitchfork). Check it out below.

Twins, "Drive By Digital Ghost" (via Pitchfork)

Weekly Top 10: Songs for Spring

Though spring has actually been upon us for the past week and a half, the 70-degree temperatures currently in my locale have finally made it official. Below you'll find tracks both about spring and evocative of spring as well. Some may be more obvious (The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun"), while others may not jump out right away (Wilco's "Hummingbird"). Still, an enjoyable, seasonal collection. Check it out.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: SXSW Acts (Part 2)]

Matt's Track of the Week: Joker's "Tron"

Song: Tron

Artist: Joker

Album: Tron (Single)

Rating: 8.0

Although as far as we can tell, this is completely unrelated to the upcoming Disney flick, looking at the single's artwork, one can assume it was at least inspired by it. Joker hasn't yet become a household name for many, but last year, he built quite a reputation for himself as a hit factory in House and Dub-Step scenes around the world. His debut album is expected sometime in the not so distant future, and if he makes anything even close to past hits like "Purple City" and "Digidesign", it won't be long before everyone his name is being thrown around with the likes of Daft Punk and Justice.

On "Tron", Joker showcases every play in his book to perfection. The synths are edgy, the mood is dark, and it has a nod-your-head hip-hop vibe that makes me almost certain that we'll be finding it on mixtapes later this year. This track is his first statement of the new year, and rightly a bold one. Check it out below.

Matt's Track of the Week: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti "Round and Round"

Song: Round and Round

Artist: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Album: Round and Round (Single)

Rating: 7.0

There's an obsession in many circles of the indie music scene for bringing back the imagery of yesteryear. Whether it be implementing the use of analog synths, vintage amplifiers, or just a classic, thrift-shop wardrobe, it has become more than accepted, and in some cases, the norm to look far beyond your years. Personally, I think it can be comforting. Even if you weren't personally around for when the it was new, you still feel a connection to it, and sometimes it almost brings you back to a time that seems better than the one you're currently living in. "Round and Round" is an example of that. It's okay that it isn't the next big thing, because sometimes moving things backwards can strangely be a progression.

The first thing you notice when listening to "Round and Round" is precisely this aged-charm. This is something that Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti is known for, and is even considered a pioneer of (or as much a pioneer as someone trying to sound like older music could be), having done this since 2002. Granted, this song is slightly more polished than some of his older work, but it remains nonetheless true to form for what a fan would expect. Check it out below.

Matt's Track of the Week: Drake's "Over"

Song: Over

Artist: Drake

Album: Thank Me Later

Rating: 8.0

At this point, everybody knows Drake. He's the fastest rising, young star in Hip-Hop, and a promising talent for the future of the genre as a whole. He has already had a handful of hits to his name without ever putting out a proper album, and his long-awaited debut full-length, Thank Me Later, is now just on the horizon. In the lead-up to what may very well be year two of Drake-mania, that album's first single has just hit airwaves, and the results are bold.

Like many of the other songs we've heard from Drake since he entered the mainstream consciousness, "Over" features his signature laid back singing style, partnered with larger than life orchestral arrangements on the hook. Where Drake changes things up is in the way he attacks once the beat drops. Here he seems more intense and more focused than ever before, assuring us that if we still have any doubts, they will soon be resolved, and that this is just a taste of what is in store. "Over" is a statement more than anything, and a fitting lead-off single for one of this year's most anticipated releases. Pitchfork has posted it for free download, so you can stream and/or grab it below.

Drake - "Over" (via Pitchfork)

Previously on Animal Noises: Pre-Screening: Drake's The Drought is Over: Friends With Money]

Weekly Top 10: SXSW Acts (Part 1)

With one of the country's largest festival events just a week or so away, we figured this would be as good a time as any to feature some of our picks from our favorite artists in attendance down in Austin, TX. Today's playlist is only for artists who perform at SXSW on either Wednesday, March 17 or Thursday, March 18. Next week's will feature those who play on either Friday or Saturday. So without further ado, check out this entertaining collection of great acts-- all of whom will be appearing at SXSW.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Brooklyn Bands]

Weekly Top 10: Brooklyn Bands

This week, we're looking to profile some of our favorite Brooklyn-based bands. As the current hub of indie music, Brooklyn has become a vibrant and ambition collection of artists. Many perform together, listen to each other's music and take cues from innovations they may develop. It's a true music scene, and it's just getting bigger and better each day. You're no doubt aware of all of these bands, but we think this list still serves a purpose. Check it out below.

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

Matt's Track of the Week: Crime in Stereo's "Not Dead"

Song: Not Dead

Artist: Crime in Stereo

Album: I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone

Rating: 8.0

In the infancy of Animal Noises, this probably would have been bigger news, but alas. Crime in Stereo has just released their newest full length, I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone, and with it, the single, "Not Dead". These Long Island natives were once known for their unique brand of politically educated, high energy, old school hardcore punk. In their last two efforts, however, they have taken more experimental approaches to the old formula, risking their street-cred in the process, and have received surprisingly still positive reviews. The one issue I have with many (not all) hardcore 'innovators' (I think 2006s The Troubled Stateside was a complete breath of fresh air and a stroke of genius), is that although these bands may be 'pushing the envelope' to some, it's all within the confines of the genre, and not much to listen to for anyone with a wider musical scope. It would be too complicated to get into the scene politics that legitimize this type of thing, but Crime in Stereo, it seems, is more concerned with expressing themselves as musicians instead of just another hardcore band, and for that, we can be glad.

It's hard to get around it. "Not Dead" sounds like everything that Brand New's Daisy could have been, had the album been written using what we like to call 'the right way'. That being said, I would never compare the bands on any other plane. The two are both completely separate and unique entities, and there's nothing worse than not being accepted on your own merits when you've more than earned them. "Not Dead" also builds on the band's already established sense for creating melody within the natural intensity of their style, polishing their craft, even since the giant leaps made on their last genre-defying effort, Is Dead. This song's passionate urgency is its biggest strength. Check it out below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Tuesday's Releases (2/23): Now Streaming]

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]

Matt's Track of the Week: Jarrod Gorbel's "Optimism"

Song: Optimism

Artist: Jarrod Gorbel

Album: Ten Years Older EP

Rating: 8.0

Okay, so this song and EP were technically 'released' late last year as a tour-exclusive, with very little promotion and fanfare. This may not constitute as hot off the presses, however, it has recently been given major outlets of distribution, and because of that, I thought it would be good idea to bring it to the attention of our reading public. Jarrod Gorbel was one of the two main minds behind the now-defunct Honorary Title's Anything Else But the Truth (#34 on our Best of the Decade list), and with that notch on his belt, there's bound to be more genius where that came from. 2007's Scream and Light Up the Sky was no exception to this either.

What Gorbel brings to the table with "Optimism", is the same thing that originally attracted us and many others to his work in the first place. His soulful melodies and insightful narratives make for a breath of fresh air in the category of 'painfully honest guy with a guitar'. With a deceivingly simplistic approach, Gorbel delivers time and again, with songs that speak to our darkest character flaws, and romanticize the sometimes-destructive lifestyle that we live from day to day, as young people finding our way in the modern age. On "Optimism", these minor evils are wrapped in a metaphor-ridden cocoon of vague catchiness, and hand-delivered by the man himself. Check it out below.

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]

Matt's Track of the Week: "Four Score and Seven"

Song: Four Score and Seven

Artist: Titus Andronicus

Album: The Monitor

Rating: 8.0

Although Titus Andronicus received mostly positive reviews for their 2008 debut, The Airing of Grievances, for the most part, they still remain fairly unknown. Whether or not this will continue after their upcoming release The Monitor (named after the U.S. Navy's first ironclad ship, used during the Civil War) remains to be seen, however, they show great promise, and with their energy, it isn't hard to imagine them converting any listener who gives them a chance.

"Four Score and Seven" plays on the previously noted Civil War theme, as does most of the album, judging by the track names. A dynamic tune, the song starts off sounding like a tired folk number, then slowly soars into a rumbling march of grandiose instrumentation. It feels extremely modern, but still holds a strange old-world charm. Unfortunately, a studio version of the track isn't available to stream, but after the first few seconds, this live recording is fairly high quality, and should give you a taste for what Titus is all about. Check it out below.

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]

Matt's Track of the Week: "Make You Mine"

Song: Make You Mine

Artist: Breakbot

Album: Ed Banger Preview Promo 2010

Rating: 9.0

Ed Banger's all-star roster of DJs and computer-savvy musicians is a virtual who's who of important players in the French house music scene. Breakbot; one of the label's least acclaimed, but most promising artists is no exception.

Sounding like what would happen if Discovery-era Daft Punk and Justice had a child, Breakbot brings us the funk and technical skill that we have come to expect from Frenchmen with turntables and audio production software, while adding a little flair of his own. His most recent single, "Make You Mine", specifically stays true to this, and delivers on all fronts of catchiness, creativity, and danceability. His first official Ed Banger EP, Baby I'm Yours is officially being released on Valentine's Day. Until then, enjoy the track below.

Matt's Track of the Week: "Exhibit C"

Song: Exhibit C

Artist: Jay Electronica

Album: Exhibit C

Rating: 8.0

There are two distinct movements in hip-hop right now. On one side, we've got the guys like Lil' Wayne, Drake, and Kanye West, who have massive mainstream appeal, lots of flash and money, and no problem telling you about it. On the other, we have guys like Jay Electronica; Guys who embody the essence of hip-hop at an earlier stage in its life, and keep those roots apparent in their work.

Obviously, both have a place at the table. All the rappers mentioned above are regular topics of conversation here at Animal Noises. Today, however, I have chosen to highlight Jay Electronica because of his own unique set of skills. In "Exhibit C", Jay appeals to the listener with his soul-sampled, old-school style and personal storytelling. He has been hailed as the next Nas by many publications, and upon listening to the song, you might agree. Some have even said that he's going to save hip-hop altogether. I don't know if this is true, but he does have his own pace that makes him someone to keep an ear out for. Check it out below.

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 of 2009: Mixtapes

Recently, the buzz surrounding mixtape releases has almost surpassed that of albums themselves. This seems like a lot to make out of a promotional variety-pack of original and recycled beats, topped with off-the-cuff rhymes. Yet, in the past year or so, we've seen more and more examples of artists who blur these lines. Emcees have put increasing amounts of time energy into these releases, sometimes even landing top radio hits like Kid Cudi with last year's "Day 'N' Nite", and "Best I Ever Had" off of this year's number one, Drake's So Far Gone. Check out our picks for Best of 2009 below.

10. Gucci Land, Gucci Mane

9. The Warm Up, J. Cole

8. Flight School, Wiz Khalifa

7. Dat Kid From Cleveland, Kid Cudi

6. Gone Fishing, The Cool Kids

5. Back to the Feature, Wale

4. No Ceilings, Lil' Wayne

3. B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray, B.o.B.

2. UKnowBigSean Vol. 2, Big Sean

1. So Far Gone, Drake

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best of 2009: Album Artwork]

Best of 2009: Album Artwork

Album artwork is arguably the most important aspect of a musical release next to the music itself. In many cases, it's our first impression of what we are about to hear, and a visual companion to the recording. Because of this, we have compiled the best of 2009. The selections below were chosen because of their visual appeal, in addition to how well they work alongside their sonic counterparts.

10. Person to Person, Foreign Born

9. Fluorescent Black, Anti-Pop Consortium

8. Scars, Basement Jaxx

7. Creaturesque, Throw Me The Statue

6. Merriweather Post Pavillion, Animal Collective

5. The Smith Westerns, The Smith Westerns

4. Farm, Dinosaur Jr.

3. Hold Time, M. Ward

2. Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear

1. Tentacles, Crystal Antlers

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best of 2009: Movie Soundtracks]