The FAT Website est. 1999
Ah the end of year music best-of list – first off, a disclaimer: I was always under the impression that I actually did one of these on a yearly basis – however looking back over my post history it seems to be that I’ve basically made this fact up in my head and can’t seem to find any previous ones.
Imaginary posts aside however, there’s never been a better year to start as 2010 has been fantastic for music, at least on a personal level, and I figured I’d share some of what I’ve had the pleasure of listening to ove the last 11 months. Yes, I realise it’s not quite the end of the year yet, but having scanned what’s coming out over the next 30 days (and in the unlikelihood of John Darnielle springing a surprise Mountain Goats record upon the world) I feel that the following list covers what I consider to be 2010’s bestest output to have graced my mp3 player. So in no particular order i give you:
The Menzingers – Chamberlain Waits
Like…Alaska – Insufficient Funds EP
forgetters – forgetters Double 7″
The National – High Violet
Castevet – The Echo & The Light
The Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt
Joyce Manor – Constant Headache
Mixtapes – Maps
Interpol – Interpol
RVIVR – LP
Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues
Each of these records are something very special and cover a gamut of genres from punk to folk to country to indie from bands and artists both old and new and all well worth a listen. I’ve never been one to enjoy reviewing music as (not to come off as some marc-poncy music snob) I’ve always felt music appreciation is more of an emotional reaction that I can never adequately put down in words. So in lieu of me jotting down my mis-managed thoughts on each of the above albums I have taken the liberty of uploading a playlist consisting of one cherry-picked track from each so you can all enjoy them for yourselves. Clickity-click!
Edit: in case anyone cares some of the records are available to download on a donation basis (or free), I’ve added links above for them. The rest you can pick up on iTunes/Amazon.
Mike made us a mixtape!
I’ll be sure to listen and check it out. I barely discovered any good new music this year.
Hey Mike… there must be a mistake. You didn’t include the latest stellar release from Against Me! on your list… lol!
@ Matt – lol, quite timely of a comment considering this: http://www.punknews.org/article/40752
Mike, seriously “the tallest man on earth” is totally amazing!
yup, totes! he’s like a Swedish Dylan. With silly lyrics that don’t make sense half the time but the songs are sooo good. The whole record is tremendo.
Yeah, that Menzingers record is aces. The Gaslight Anthem’s “American Slang” also gets a notable mention from me.
I know his latest record is from 2009, but I’ve been really digging Frank Turner. I saw him earlier this year on the revival tour (with Ben Nichols!!!!) and he was pretty awesome.
Be sure to put all your music reviews up at http://www.jungledrums.net/music throughout the year so we can all keep up 😉
Mike – are you doing your annual Best Of list?
haha yeah. i’ve actually been holding off on doing it too early this year after the whole Heligoats late-entry fiasco from last year.
Are you doing one this year? Pls do before Dec 1st. Need new choons for my trip.