Halfway Home: The Top 10 Albums of the Half-Year
2010 probably won’t go down as one of the greatest years for music. Usually reliable artists like The Hold Steady, Band of Horses, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, and Josh Ritter seem to have taken a step back with their newest releases. Furthermore, there have been very few notable debut albums released in 2010. The result is a year that is without a truly great album at the halfway point. However, there have been several very good records released this year. Here are my 10 favorite albums of the past six months.
10. 
The Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt The Swedish Bob Dylan tops his fine 2008 debut Shallow Grave. Best song: “King of Spain.”
9. 
Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me The only triple-album of harp-driven indie-folk you’ll ever need. Best song: “Good Intentions Paving Co.”
8. 
Vampire Weekend – Contra Buzz band lives up to the hype with their second album of intelligent, bouncy pop. Best song: “Taxi Cab.”
7. 
Deer Tick – The Black Dirt Sessions Stark, somber third album from Rhode Island singer/songwriter John McCauley. Best song: “Mange.”
6. 
Dr. Dog – Shame, Shame Philadelphia band adds The Flaming Lips to their potent mix of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Band. Best song: “Shame, Shame.”
5. 
Surfer Blood – Astro Coast Easily the best debut album of the year to this point.This Florida band has released the second best Weezer album ever. Best song: “Swim.”
4. 
The Morning Benders – Big Echo Guitar-driven pop backed by a “wall of sound” that would make Phil Spector proud. Best song: “Stitches.”
3. 
Spoon – Transference This isn’t their best album, but it’s still better than almost anything else released this year. Best song: “The Mystery Zone.”
2. 
The National – High Violet If you like your rock moody and literate, I’d like to introduce you to your new favorite band. Best song: “Bloodbuzz Ohio.”
1. 
The Black Keys – Brothers Career highlight for the Ohio-based blues/rock duo. The most complete and enjoyable album released this year. Best song: “Everlasting Light.”
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I quite enjoyed the surreal fun of “Bloodbuzz Ohio.” Definitely makes that album on my must-buy list.
Angie Hatton
July 4, 2010 at 2:04 pm
You, sir, have excellent taste.
Flister
July 5, 2010 at 6:44 pm