#1 Underworld: Oblivion With Bells

It’s been a few years since we’ve seen a full LP from Underworld, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been busy. Over that span they released 3 mini-albums online, with a fourth dj mix of the three. This album clearly shows how complex and refined their work has become. Big grooves, sultry synths, meandering lyrics make for an album so very Underworld-like, but at the same time a fresh take on their sound. If you listen to the mini-albums, you get a sense of where this album came from, but not so far off from Hundred Days Off. I think the time off to just be all out creative with no strings attached really opened them up to new possibilities. Saw them live in Central Park, and it was by far my favorite concert of the year as well.

#2 NIN: Year Zero

Nine Inch Nails filled a hole in my soul in the 90s. Unfortunately there was something lost for a little bit of time into the early 00s, but when With Teeth came out it was clear where things were heading again. Trent came back strong, and Year Zero solidified my love for his amazing textures, nasty & raw sounds, and straight-to-the-point lyrics. This album is filled with noise, more so than anything prior, and certainly takes its cues from the progression of industrial into rhythmic noise that I’ve watched grow over the last 8 years. As a whole, we get the formula NIN fans love with warm instrumentals peppered in and the introspective conclusion. I still feel The Downward Spiral was his best, but he’s still going strong and doing what he loves. The great online game that went with this album also proves his devotion to his fans, and I for one will always be grateful for it. The latest remix album that compliments Year Zero (Y34RZ3r0r3mix3d) is one of the best remix albums since the Closer To God EP.

#3 Battles: Mirrored

I’ve been fascinated with Tyondai’s work for years now. I used to watch him play on campus all the time at UHA, and it captivated me every time. One of the greatest musicians of our generation, no doubt. So to my delight, Mirrored came out this year. This quintuplet are so tight, so innovative, and so fun! From the pitch-bended vocals, nihilistic lyrics, slamming drums, jazzy riffs, and mathematical genius… It’s not a style you generally would expect to gain so much praise and notoriety, but thankfully they have broken that mold. Purely talented musicians.

#4 Burial: Untrue

Dark, moody, soulful, and infectious. In recent months I’ve been picking up a lot more of the genre dubstep. Burial’s latest is so beautifully done with eerie sounds and lyrics of broken relationships based on untruthfulness. Where others like Skream and Vex’d use more dub/reggae party vibes thrown in to their overall dark minimal themes, Burial’s complexity shines above leaning towards Massive Attack or Portishead. Simply delicious!

#5 Band of Horses: Cease To Begin

Band of Horses’ debut record was a wonderful throw-back to the 90s rock I love. Would I have called the record the best of last year? Probably not. I think The Decemberists’ album Crane Wife was much more solid. But nevertheless, BoH did hit a sweet spot. Their sophomore album is even tighter, if not WAY too short. One of the things that pulls me in is the unique and wonderfully refreshing voice of Ben Bridwell, eerie and well-controlled. A perfect atmosphere for rocking and chilling to.

#6 Andrew Bird: Armchair Apocrypha

A professional whistler? Fuck yeah! This guy has amazing lyrics, vocals, instrumentation (which he is a part of the elite loop-building club that gets more popular with every turn), and yes… whistling. The grooves, the tones, the riffs and melodies! So many good reasons to listen to and buy this album. Saw him live this year at the Webster with M, and despite being on our feet too long, we loved every minute of the show.

#7 Arcade Fire: Neon Bible

If not for anything else, I love the lyrics on this album. Fortunately the musicianship from Arcade Fire is also of high quality. A band that reflects on today’s humanity, politics, and philosophies intelligently also just plain rocks! The excursions feel like a mix of The Beatles’ White Album, Springsteen, CSN, and Dylan. With layers upon layers of guitars, vocals, choirs, piano riffs, string build-ups, wind instruments, echoey drums… it goes on and on, and then it gets stripped down to just minimal moody vocals, guitar, bass kick. Certainly harkens back to a more magical time in music when pop got a run for its money.

#8 Ãœberzone: Idealogy

This album screams old skool ‘Electronica’ (ok not really old, but 90s) with fresh synthy-chunky-robotic-breakdance mofo beats. A band that I only knew of through the occasional track on a compilation or from a remix of Crystal Method, it was a pleasure to pick up this album. Just when you thought all the greats of the 90s broke up or faded away. Thoroughly danceable and listen-able, with many joyous moments of “how’d they get that sound??!” thrown in. Check it out, and get out the cardboard floor!

#9 Luke Vibert: Chicago, Detroit, Redruth

Another important artist from the 90s, who has gone by the monikers Plug and Wagonchrist, among others. Luke serves up a fresh plate of acid house laced with drum n bass, jazzy snazzy loops, and my ever-favorite 303 loops! I can’t resist ‘em! Rightfully named Chicago, Detriot, Redruth this album is one of my favorites from Luke. It even hails to the Plug days with pitchy synthy goodness. Yum.

#10 Aesop Rock: None Shall Pass

Aesop is one of those rare hip hop artists that’s actually intrigued me enough to keep listening. His unconventional compositions (for hip hop anyway, and maybe only in my opinion) along with his infectious grooves and at times humorous lyrics stand for what I would want to hear in hip hop. He’s the blue-collar artist that shows true intelligence along-side other greats such as Blackalicious and Mos Def. I won’t go on like I know a lot about this genre, but I am grateful to Margaux to open me up to some of these groups.