#5: Grey Album (Jay-Z / Beatles mash-up album) - DJ Danger Mouse
Whereas most mash-ups are simple remixes that DJs have been doing for decades, DJ Danger Mouse is doing something fresh here, taking the art of the remix to a whole new level. For those not in the know, Danger Mouse took the a cappella tracks from Jay-Z's Black Album and put them over instrumental tracks cut up from The Beatles' White Album. You can download the whole album here. For those with lots of time on their hands, I recommend listening to the original Black Album, then the White Album, and then the Grey Album to really appreciate the art behind this collage.
#6: Happenstance - Rachael Yamagata
I couldn't tell you what she's singing about or repeat any of her lyrics, but her ballads and beautiful voice really suck me in. This is the kind of album you listen to yourself or with your lover, allowing no audible interruptions. "Reason Why" is the rarely-played radio single, and again, the weakest track. For those of you who think Fiona Apple's "Tidal" is one of the best albums of all time (like me) and are anxiously awaiting the next Fiona Apple album, this is an acceptable fix. For the record, I'm not giving her bonus points because she's half-Japanese.
#7: Love. Angel. Music. Baby. - Gwen Stefani
Quite frankly, it sounds like a recipe for disaster: a punk/pop princess choosing to collaborate with all the big hip hop producers — the Neptunes, Dr. Dre, Andre 3000 — along with New Order and Nellee Hooper (perhaps best known for producing Bjork's classsic "Post" album) for kicks. But despite all the influences and the diverse aspirations, this album is somehow consistent and consistently catchy. "Hollaback Girl" is potentially the most annoying, but in fact, my favorite track. The biggest oversight is not including the Jacques Lu Cont TWD remix of "What You Waiting For?" on the CD, which improves the original tenfold with a new wave interpretation. For the record, I'm not deducting points because she uses Japanese girls from Harajuku as a constant prop and back-up troupe.
#8: Thunder, Lightning, Strike - The Go! Team
The most creative, innovative album of the year. The Go! Team go for a musical aesthetic that consists of a collage of everything from TV show intros to retro-sounding vinyl scratches. Read this for more.
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
The "Purple Rain" tune kind of went up my ass sideways...
But I like "Love is Hell." Well, I like a number of songs from "Love is Hell." I still think Ryan Adams is a bit too prolific and impatient for his own good.
My favorites are "Political Scientist," "Wonderwall" (great cover!), and "This House is Not a Home."
2 - Chris
I'd have to recommend Fear Factory's Archetype as my favorite album of the year.
3 - Smenkharon
That is a pretty weak list! The Scissor Sisters album, yes, the lame remixes, no way! The Prodigy?!? You can't be serious!? The Grey Album is simply wrong in just about every respect, collage is never fresh. Gwen's L.A.M.B has a few decent tracks, but nowhere near enough to make a top 10 list in any year, plus Crash is possibly the worst song I have heard this decade. Streets Disciple has WAY too much filler. Ryan Adams makes me want to puke.
4 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
ryan adams a dissapointment?? dear god, man. all three whiskeytown albums are perfect, heartbreaker is perfect, gold is perfect, demolition was a demo collection and 89% perfect, rock n' roll was perfect, and Love Is Hell is unspeakably gorgeous. Anyhow, i better get to be. fuckin 9.30 am, man.
5 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
bed i mean
6 - Leo Leahy
H!, P!nk Try This Best album!!!