2. Radiohead - In Rainbows: October was a big month for me. I've been a fan of Radiohead since 1997's OK Computer, so the day a new Radiohead album comes out, I turn into the obnoxious fanboy that I really am deep down inside. With that said, 2003's Hail to the Thief was a disappointment for me, not only because I never listen to the album any more, but also because I ruined my experience by listening to the leaked version months before the official release. This year, In Rainbows didn't have a leaked version because the band themselves "leaked" it online and let you pay whatever you want. Even though the band plans to release a physical disc version of the album in January, In Rainbows has become a huge hit--even Paul McCartney had a few things to say about the album in a recent interview. Songs like the oddly titled "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" and "15 Step" show Radiohead at their best since 2000's Kid A. And the band shows us they're not stopping any time soon. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" is easily the best song on this album, and it suggests a change of pace for a band that seems to have done it all.
1. Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog: My number one album of the year might be a little controversial. After all, it hasn't made too many top ten lists this year. Nevertheless, I can't get enough of Iron & Wine's latest, and it's certainly his best album yet. I love the full band feel, the raw energy, and the eclectic blend of instrumentation on this album. Sam Beam's lyrics are also the best I've heard yet; his use of metaphors and symbolism tell tales of the modern world in ways that rival the best protest music out there right now. The Shepherd's Dog shows Beam is not afraid to try new things. That alone makes it a worthwhile listen. I've listened to this album at least once a day since it was released, and I still can't get enough of it.
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.