1. Marrow of the Spirit – Agalloch
Easily my pick for best of 2010. Epic, arcing ten-minute plus tracks, Agalloch’s most heavy material to date. Dear Agalloch, please play a show somewhere on the east coast. Two of your last four shows have been in Romania!
2. Opus Eponymous – Ghost
Insanely catchy throwback-rock-satanic-psychedelic-power-pop. Can’t stop listening… do I need to go to church? Not officially released until 2011 in the US, it’s currently available for download. “Ritual” and “Stand by Him” are my favorite tracks, though there isn’t a bad one on the album.
3. Amoral – Violens
New York new wave band’s debut is one not to miss. Great video for “Violent Sensation Descends,” too.
4. Ashen Eidolon – Gallowbraid
Near perfect pagan black metal à la Agalloch. Incredible debut from this solo project.
5. Eyelid Movies – Phantogram
Awesome electro indie pop duo that benefits from Sarah Barthel’s beautiful voice.
6. Astro Coast – Surfer Blood
Throwback Beach Boys-esque indie rock. The best part, other than the sweet island grooves? That none of the dudes have ever surfed. Shred on.
7. Abrahadabra – Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu proves they can move on without bassist ICS Vortex with this epic symphonic work. Probably their best album in the new millennium.
8. Contra – Vampire Weekend
It’s really good. That’s all I’ve got.
9. The Suburbs – Arcade Fire
Another great Arcade Fire album… and we all thought it was going to be terrible! Just kidding.
10. Warp Riders – The Sword
Retro-feel stoner metal with great hooks. These guys deserve a look.
11. Sir Lucious Left Foot… The Son of Chico Dusty – Big Boi
Big Boi’s solo album is just one more feather in his seriously pimp cap. My favorite flow of any rapper, and though Andre often gets the creativity points, Big Boi deserves them just as much.
12. The Hundred in the Hands – The Hundred in the Hands Another new great electro
indie pop duo. May not be Iman’s favorite, but it’s one of mine!
13. Blue Sky Noise – Circa Survive
Not as good as On Letting Go, Blue Sky Noise is more predictable than their previous effort. Still really, really good, though.
14. Treats – Sleigh Bells
Crazy creative and infectiously catchy.
15. The Fire – Senses Fail
I may lose cool points for this one, but damn is this stuff catchy. Acrobatic guitars and nasty drumming are still accompanied by self-pitying, alcoholic, daddy obsessed lyrics from Buddy Nielsen. It must be tough walking a day in his Vans.