Luscious Lemur's Top Ten Albums for 2010

Okay, I told myself I wouldn't do this because it'd be so dang hard, but I think I put together a pretty accurate list for myself. It was not a bad year musically. Some bands close to my heart (Copeland, Lydia as examples) broke up, but out of the ashes, some great music has come unto the scene (States literally rose from the Copeland/Lydia ashes. I am thankful for that).

Here we go!!!

 
10. From First to Last- Throne to the Wolves
I already know what most might be thinking at this point. "ewwww, that defunct emo band that further imprinted embarrassment on the genre?". Yes. Because they took a lot of embarrassment away from it with this album. Sure a big lineup change might've had something to do with it, but this album is full of crazy good talent. From hardcore-inspired riffs to auto-tuned madness, this album was a shocker for me.


9. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
This man has too much talent for one guy. With the All Delighted People EP, I was excited to hear the full-length, and was not disappointed either. Beyong musical description, and comprehension for that matter, sufjan delivers once again, to the ecstasy of many understanding fans.


8. Minus the Bear - OMNI
If I wasn't a college student bent on doing well in school, I would've seen these guys twice this year. As it is, my lack of a car (and cash, really) prevented such an adventure. But to be sure, OMNI left me pleased on many a long night studying, with interesting and novel guitar melodies laced with some electronic experimentation. A definite must for the indie fan.


7. Greeley Estates - No Rain, No Rainbow
Another band that has decided to take a leap in a different direction is the group Greeley Estates. Upon first listen of No Rain, No Rainbow I was sickened, then puzzled, then astounded at how great it was. These guys should've been doing metalcore their whole career, they were born for it. It's a shame that this album beats off several veteran metalcore bands already in existence.


6. As I Lay Dying - The Powerless Rise
A metalcore band that Greeley Estates did not top is As I Lay Dying. With their fifth full-length, the fun and games were over, and a bone-shatteringly cohesive album was the result. It had all the elements of a good metal album; energetic solos, an energetic vocalist, and no pussy breakdowns. Definitely what i'd consider the band's best work to date.



5. States - Line 'Em Up (EP)
The Laurenson brothers of Copeland teaming with Mindy White of Lydia couldn't possibly make bad music. And thus, their debut EP demonstrates White's diverse vocal styles, keeps the bittersweetness heard in  Copeland's songs, and yet glimmers with a brightness that neither band on their own possessed. A great band that I am keeping an eye out for in 2011!




4. He is We - My Forever 
I'd hate to repeat myself, as i'd already posted my review of this album on Review Rinse Repeat, but this album is truly a happy, poppy gem. That is saying a lot, because it's coming from a pessimistic, hopeless romantic. This duo have made some great music, and this album is one I highly recommend.



3. Lydia - Assailants (EP)
Being my second favorite band, it only makes sense that their EP would make the list. Despite it's rushed feel, this group of songs is bright and beautiful, but also mellow and has a wonderfully sharp aftertaste that left me wanting more. It is a great farewell gift of the band, and has gotten probably the most plays in my iTunes library this year.



2. Hellogoodbye - Would It Kill You?
Again, i've posted what I think is a comprehensive review of this album on RRR, but to recap: this is NOT the old Hellogoodbye. Filled with indie-popspiration (the words indie-pop and inspiration mashed together), this band has released a remarkable mature and exciting album that reveals itself more and more with each listen. A necessary addition to anyone who enjoys happy music!



1. Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns
It was a Wednesday evening when I decided, begrudgingly, to give this album a spin. at 7pm I started listening, and kept listening until 11:30pm. Yes, you heard correct: I listened to this album a good four times in a row. It truly blew me away. "Is it like that crappy Minutes to Midnight?" Um, that album was not crappy, and no, this is NOTHING like anything you've heard from Linkin Park. Hybrid Theory is the teenage angst Linkin Park, A Thousand Suns is the Tchaikovsky Linkin Park; mature, beyond its years, solid from start to finish, bewilderingly different. It is a broad spectrum of whooshing guitars and epic apocalyptic anthems. If you haven't, buy this album, and if you have, buy another to give to someone for Christmas. They need to hear it. This is my top album for the year, not only because it is a masterpiece, but it represents a complete turnaround of a group of musicians. Don't think of these guys as the multi-platinum selling, rapping metalheads. They are the revolutionary spearheads of the exciting music to come in 2011, and I simply cannot wait.