I am really important. Here are my best albums of the past decade.
Probably the first time I have ever had a proper think about this. My list is going to be totally crummy, immature and completely vulnerable. I have shied away from putting them in to any sort of order of favouritism, because it’s completely impossible. I’m pretty sure this is a list of albums that I know all the words to and could listen to at any moment at any time, and feel totally okay about it.
Futureheads – Futureheads – 2004 (679 Recordings)
I remember hearing this and thinking, “what the HELL was that?!”
I have never looked back since, to be honest. The Hounds of Love cover is intricate and beautiful. It simoultaneously makes me want to shout out loud and lie flat on my face.
The Strokes – Is This It? – 2001, RCA Records
Dead good. Pleased me in 2001, pleases me now. What more is there to say? I know you’ve all heard it.
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals – Cold Roses
I don’t know if this is a contentious choice or not, because I don’t tend to consort with other RA fans. I definitely prefer the Cardinals stuff over the JUST RYAN stuff. I dunno why. Apart from Rock n Roll. I know THAT’S a contentious choice. That was going to go in here, but I just prefer this one. Cold Roses (the actual song) live is spine-tingling, as is this whole record.
Saves The Day – Stay What You Are – 2001, Vagrant Records
Okay, I am a total emo, and this album panders to my emo (non)sensibilities. You should hear me sing along to it, I am a total pro.
Props to Through Being Cool – that would have made the cut, but it was released in NINETY NINE, which, in the research for this piece, I realised was the greatest year ever.
Brand New – Your Favorite Weapon – 2001, Triple Crown / Iodine Recordings
This album makes me swoon from beginning to end. That is genuinely all you need to know about this.
Taking Back Sunday – Tell All Your Friends – 2002, Victory Records
This album really satisfies my brain. That’s about all I have to say about it. It’s perfect. Listen to it after you listen to that Brand New one. OOOOH!!
Idlewild – 100 Broken Windows – 2000, Food Records
Remember when Idlewild were good?
New Found Glory – New Found Glory – 2000, Drive-Thru / MCA Records
Put this on earlier, nearly wept. So, so good.
“The needle on my record player has been wearing thin / this record has been playing since the day you’ve been with him“
Les Savy Fav – Let’s Stay Friends – 2007, Frenchkiss Records
Inches is cool, but holy CRAP this is unreal. Getting a bit lazy with my justifications now, but I am tired. And have you noticed how Les Savy Fav’s initials are ‘LSF’ and the initials of this album are also ‘LSF’? You got it.
Pete Yorn – musicforthemorningafter – 2001, Columia Records
I always think that, maybe, not many people would have heard of Pete Yorn. Apparently not the case. Apparently he is PRETTY POPULAR. Still, never meet many people who are familiar with the wonders of this album. Soothing, upbeat, sad, happy, catchy, weird. DEAD GOOD.
I could totally do this about 4 more times with 4 more different sets of top ten albums of the decade.
