Now that June is nearly over, we’re just about halfway through 2010. How did that happen? And what about all that great music you’ve been hearing about for months that you never quite got around to checking out? Never fear: Our rundown of 25 notable albums from the first half of the year will help you catch up. Of course, lists like this are always controversial and incomplete. So if you don’t see your favorite release, don’t flip out — just add to the collection by leaving your picks in the comments.
Yeasayer – Odd Blood
Why: Many preferred the eclectic, spiritual strains of the band’s debut All Hour Cymbals, but we remain true believers. Yeasayer’s version of pop is compelling, complex, and catchy, with a surface that’s absolutely flawless.
Watch: “O.N.E.”
Harvey Milk – Small Turn of Human Kindness
Why: Because people who say they don’t like metal haven’t heard Harvey Milk.
Download: A Hydra Head mixtape featuring Harvey Milk’s “I Know This Is No Place for You”
Titus Andronicus – Monitor
Why: In a year when blog hype has been dominated by the whatever-dude ramblings of chillwave practitioners, Titus Andronicus gives us hope for the future of indie. Their music is grand, anxious, and earnest, with lyrics that actually have something to say.
Watch: “A More Perfect Union”
Beach House – Teen Dream
Why: Beach House’s melodies are slow, languid, and expansive — just like the perfect summer afternoon. Plus, as the band has said, Teen Dream is their baby-makin’ album.
Download: “Walk in the Park”
Sleigh Bells – Treats
Why: “Former Poison the Well guitarist Derek Miller made a radical musical shift when joining forces as Sleigh Bells with vocalist Alexis Krauss — whose own teen-pop past belies the visceral sounds of the band. Finding the meeting point between melody, noise, and all-out enthusiasm, Treats plays like a rabble-rousing cross between the Go! Team, Crystal Castles, and [M.I.A.] herself.” — Doug Levy, Daily Dose
Download: “Tell ‘Em”
Comments (22)
No New Pornographers?! No Local Natives?! Madness!
[...] the year’s halfway point, Flavorwire rounds up 25 albums from 2010 you need to [...]
Hole? Are you kidding me? How about the Black Keys or Clark Understudy & the Stage Left?
Also, we’ve said it more than once, but we’ll say it again: Marina & The Diamonds. The Family Jewels is out now!
http://flavorwire.com/55136/marina-and-the-diamonds
Dessa’s A Badly Broken Code
Where’s Oh No Ono? The Alps? Alaska in Winter? Efdemin? Even the New Pornographers? C’mon Flavorwire, let’s see some risky choices. This list looks like you just skimmed Pitchfork’s “Best New Music” and copied everything down.
Jessica (above) has a point. Im looking for the albums i’ve been missing out on, not already tired of playing. toro y moi is a great choice and you needed it if you actually just said DRAKE is the “best mainstream hip-hop lyricists to come around since his pal Lil’ Wayne”…well…maybe that’s ironic because there haven’t been that many mainstream artists to come after Little Wayne…at all.
“like a sprained ankle i aint nothing to play with”. com’on son. of all the things you shouldn’t play with…
I’ve read or listened to a few of these half-year lists and find myself truly baffled that no one is picking up on Field Music’s Measure. This double album is fun, ambitious, catchy, provocative, clever – just damned good and a real thrill for all of us who have been following the Brewis brothers for the last few years.
Also, while Holly Miranda is certainly capable of better than what she released on The Magician’s Private Library, it is still very good and showcases a unique and deep talent that I believe will be with us for some time to come. Get in on the ground (or at least second) floor.
Also, don’t believe the slam on Pitchfork – Massive Attack’s Heligoland is fantastic, especially the deluxe edition, which features brilliant remixes of most of the album. The dissection of reggae classic Girl I Love You is worth the price of admission.
Lastly, no Spoon?? Transference is among their best and shows no signs of getting bumped from my 2010 best of list.
no Flying Lotus? HUGE hole in your list there guys…
While some of these are worth a listen. I agree pitchfork was a big influence here. Two debut albums overlooked. Are Cloud Nothings -Turning On
and Heartbeat Hotel- Fetus dreams. Both are great for debut records in fact points to heartbeat hotel their entire record is free at http://www.heartbeathotel.bandcamp.com The song, Walls of dry clouds, is one of the best songs of 2010 and Cloud Nothings just released their new single-Even if it worked out. You won’t stop playing this after the first listen it’s that catchy and the hooks are amazing. Keep an ear out for these two bands their next records will be even better. cheers.
Interesting list that was generated, i think if i could say if any are missing i would say QUADRON of Denmark, the incredible kaleidescope of lyrics/production of Robin Hannibal and Coco…fit perfect in anyones lifestyle…they definetley fuel the soundtrack to my life
I have only 3 words to say: THESE NEW PURITANS
The Chemical Brothers – “Further”? Foals – “Total Life Forever”?
KISSED HER LITTLE SISTER’s album HIGH&LOW – http://kissedherlittlesister.bandcamp.com/album/highandlow
where are broken bells, local natives, mumford & sons? come on now.
i agree with awestruck- no BROKEN BELLS?!?!?! crazy good album.
thanks for the lead on some new music though- ALWAYS appreciated:)
I second the Flying Lotus miss.
Most of these albums are poop/typical mainstream hype, but that’s ok because I found this awesome Mike Patton youtube clip of him singin in Italian with a lil symphony wit him. . .sweeeet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaUrzMeS4xg
[...] year. And as the year hits the midway mark it’s about time we know the best of 2010 so far. Flavorpill has listed 25 quality albums that have already been released this year. The list also features several acts coming to the Flow [...]
Flying Lotus FTW
Fourth vote for Flying Lotus. Amazing record.
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