9. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga: I can't get enough of Spoon. Ever since I discovered 2005's Gimme Fiction, and went on to buy the rest of their discography, Spoon has remained in my CD player and at the front of my iPod playlists . But unlike Gimme Fiction, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga hasn't kept me nearly as intrigued. With that said, it's still an excellent album, and songs like "Don't Make Me a Target" and "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" showcase Spoon at the top of their game. Hopefully, they can maintain the momentum on future releases.
8. Wilco - Sky Blue Sky: Wilco have always been one of those larger than life bands. After singer Jeff Tweedy's rehab recovery, Wilco went to the studio and mixed things up a bit with Sky Blue Sky, a radical departure from their usual loud, deconstructed rock and roll. Sky Blue Sky is much more subdued and simplistic than previous albums, but shows the band have matured. Songs like "Impossible Germany" and "Walken" are instant classics, and we certainly will hear more from Wilco in the future.
7. !!! - Myth Takes: Myth Takes is a fun, funky album by a quirky band. The band name is officially pronounced chk, chk, chk, in case you were wondering if !!! was a typo. It's not. Myth Takes is !!!'s best album yet, and it takes the best elements of dance, funk, and indie rock, mixes it together, and creates something that makes skinny white boys dance. Songs like "Must Be the Moon" and "Bend Over Beethoven" have a Thriller-esque feel, and the band's situational lyrics create an excellent party vibe.
6. Bruce Springsteen - Magic: I must admit, I'm not nearly as big of a Springsteen fan as some of my fellow Blogcritics writers. But that doesn't mean I don't respect the Boss's music, and Magic is a true return to form from another music legend trying to make a comeback. I would venture to say that Magic is Springsteen's best since The River, and I suspect that Magic will be discussed by music critics for years to come. "Radio Nowhere" is a strong start to an accessible collection of great songs, and it continues with songs like "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" and "Magic." Lyrically, Springsteen continues his working class hero role, and songs like "Last to Die" take a look at the Iraq War mistake. While it may make the top five for other reviewers, Magic is definitely one of the better albums of this year.
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
I definitely like the Iron & Wine album, but I've found that as the year has worn on, I'm not looking for it as much. I don't know exactly why, either, because it has all of the elements that made the EP with Calexico work so well for me. I can only guess that it's simply that my year has been overwhelmed by a handful of discs, unlike most years when I couldn't focus on any one thing too long. I had my list at least partially prepared in my head quite a while ago, which is unusual. Now I just have to actually sit down and write it out . . .
2 - handyguy
Neon Bible is an amazing album, and the Arcade Fire put on a great live show as well.
3 - Glen Boyd
Nice list Kevin. I noticed a lot of matches with my list for one thing, but also a lot of albums I would have included if I could've gone to fifteen (Iron & Wine and especially Arcade Fire). People like Leslie Bohn will be a lot happier with this then she was with mine I'm sure. Anyway, good stuff.
-Glen
4 - Kevin Eagan
Thanks to everyone who read and commented on this top ten list!
Tom -- I can totally see what you mean, this year was an excellent year for music, to a completely overwhelming extent. I know I had a hard time narrowing down this list, and there are other albums that almost made the top ten. Iron & Wine's album is better than his acoustic/solo stuff. I hope to see a Ryan Adams-esque backing band spawn from his recent stuff and take the road. Iron & Wine and The [fill in band name], anyone?
Handyguy -- Yes, Neon Bible is amazing. I just bought it on Vinyl for kicks, and it continues to amaze me.
Glen -- I agreed with a few of the ones on your previous list, and some of the ones you included made my "Top 20." It's just so hard to narrow down this year's best of. I didn't expect "Magic" to make the top ten list, but over the past month, it's really grown on me, and I had to include it (I can thank Blogcritics, in part, for that. You guys convinced me that the Boss is still alive and well).
5 - Josh Hathaway
Kevin, you've got some great choices here. I didn't like the Ryan Adams album, as a whole, as much as some of his others but like several songs from it.
Springsteen is going to come in second on my list this year, I'm quite certain. The Radiohead is good although I'm not sure where it slots in terms of their other records.