Listen/Watch/Read

:: (Some Of My) Top Albums For 2010

January 4, 2011
me-gan-wash-ing-ton

Inspired by Little Glowing Lights
1. John Grant : Queen of Denmark
I love John Grant. He is kind of a hairy, sensitive, all-singing, all-piano playing version of Grizzly Adams. Or something. Midlake hung out with Grizzly Grant on this record and a good time was had by all. Especially me. Our favourite track is ‘Marz’. Our kids insist on playing this album at mealtimes way too often. But we do not really mind. It could be worse, right?!
2. Arcade Fire : The Suburbs
Some people might think this album is too big. Too hyped. Too ta-dah. I think it is a beautiful, at times teary, homage to growing up and the complications of becoming an adult, or indeed of being a kid. Super thumbs up. If you don’t have this you are naughty and you should get it. There is an amazing video online here too. A bit confronting for some, but I think it is really great.
3. The National : High Violet
Mmm. Listen to that voice. Like the love-child of Mel Torme, Richard Hawley and Nick Cave, Matt Berninger has me wondering if Meet Me At Matt’s does not have a very excellent ring to it. Do you think?
4. The XX : The XX
Okay. Probably this is 2009, but we did not lay ears on it till 2010. The XX’s moody, laidback, languid offering was the album we played a lot at the Sew La Tea Do shoot. It sounds a bit like two charming, stoned hipsters singing random things they heard on the tram. I am super-loving the Four Tet remix too. Have you heard it? It stretches over 8 minutes and they are a very good 8 minutes.  

5. Washington : I Believe You Liar
Um. Go Megan Washington. Do you know, she’s a bit of a pocket rocket. She has nice hair. She looks good in sparkly outfits. She’s not afraid to reference those who have gone before her. She doesn’t take herself too seriously. She can sing. She can write songs. Possibly she can removes stains? This year Ms Washington released a really awesome record.. Unlike her wistful, floaty folkstar contemporaries, she belts it out and shimmies about. We need girls like that, don’t you think?
Do you have some favourites music-wise for 2010?

xx Pip

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