Pushing Boundaries - Indie Rock

Best of 2010

"Sufjan Stevens - Get Real Get Right"

Imagine all of Sufjan's past work deconstructed, reconstructed, and doused with a serving (or five) of a hallucinogenic drug. Age of Adz has most of the qualities of his past records, but these tracks are just coming from a completely different direction and proceed to take you to a realm of sensational mind-fuck. Don’t fight it. The emphasis on electronics is unavoidable and a major staple, if not THE staple, of this album. I feel that if the electronics on this album were to be turned into a light show (and they actually were, if you got to see him perform this year), epileptics would not be allowed entry, for good reason. The layers on Age of Adz are mind-blowing. Some tracks remind me of mass chaos; then I give it a second or third listen, and I begin to fully appreciate the construction and execution behind it. But these songs weren’t just sporadically thrown together to make a statement. It’s clear that Stevens has gone in a direction that has no direct path, no consistent structure, and no restrictions — and I commend him for that. Make no mistake -- Age of Adz was made with much conviction. You have to let it grow on you.

"Yeasayer - Rome"

These dudes are scientists of sorts. They've created an archetype of music that's (intentionally) difficult to define. Yeasayer has stated multiple times that they don't feel it necessary to box themselves into one specific genre, and why should they? They've left more than enough wiggle room on Odd Blood to jump from one genre to another to create a love child seemingly birthed from a tree on Socotra Island (look it up and thank me later). This album is a new way to experience musical experimentation at its finest, and this album may just leave you wondering where these guys came from and where they are going to go next.

"LCD Soundsystem - Home"

You have no idea how completely elated I was when I heard This Is Happening for the first time. After following James Murphy in the form of LCD Soundsystem for 5+ years, I could not wait to hear what was in store on his newest album. After three long, torturous years of anticipating what James had created to shake a whole crowd (or nation? or world?), I was more than pleased with what I'd heard... I was addicted. This album, in my opinion, will stand the test of time. How can it not? It's a fucking guaranteed eargasm. Don't believe me? Give it a listen, and get back to me if your ears aren't in ecstasy so I can slap you.

"Arcade Fire - Ready To Start"

I guess third time's a charm when it comes to albums released by Arcade Fire. I am totally confident that The Suburbs is going to go down in history as a classic; it's a snapshot of our time, and shot the Arcade Fire into an even bigger arena of followers. I remember when I first heard this album, I wondered how they managed to outdo themselves once again. Not that I ever doubted them, but I felt that The Suburbs totally came out of left field and blew everyone away. Kudos to this band for maintaining such integrity and conviction within their music-making abilities!

"Deerhunter - Memory Boy"

This band’s chemistry is nothing to be messed with or denied. Halcyon Digest goes through waves of highs ("Memory Boy”), lows (“Sailing”), and happy mediums (“Desire Lines”), but in the end it all leaves me deeply satisfied in more ways than one. Deerhunter doesn’t seem to get overly complex with the construction and execution of their songs, but that’s the beauty of their simplicity. This album may have to grow on you, but trust me, set some time aside and dedicate 45 minutes to just let it saturate, marinate, and elevate! Whatever you do, don’t sleep on giving this album a shot.

"The Morning Benders - Wet Cement"

Big Echo feels like a top notch, fresh glass of water: guaranteed to satisfy and quench your thirst for a quintessentially classic indie rock album with a distinct modern twist. (I've read that lead singer Christopher Chu does not like being called "indie" -- sorry! But you guys are still a cut above the rest!) On the other hand, you can easily sort out The Morning Benders' influences of genres past throughout the entire album. Big Echo is breezy, infectiously catchy, and oh-so-easy to listen to. Some of the songs perfectly illustrate a bittersweet moment; I can only imagine how many teens have already lost their virginity to this album.

"Twin Shadow - Slow"

Forget is drenched in haunting, obscure synths, a penetrating bass that always aims to please, multiple variations of guitar that perfectly encapsulates (but is not limited to) an upbeat 80s pop-funk sound, and drum machine beats that you can’t not move your limbs to. The vocals are, at times, haunting and may send chills down your spine (don't say I didn't warn you). The imaginative lyrics in each track guide you into a detailed storyline that soon become vivid and relatable. This album can (and probably will) appeal to the masses; I’m already anxiously awaiting what’s in store next year for Twin Shadow.

"Girls - Carolina"

Sure, Broken Dreams Club is "just" an EP, but it's flawless and refreshing. This EP beams as much as it weeps, and it’s all done very tastefully. In a way, it’s a roller coaster of elementary emotions... and honestly, do we as humans ever get more complex than those basic primitive emotional needs and wants? Girls get that. These six tracks have the ability to wrap you up in their proverbial arms and rock you the way you’d want that perfectly envisioned, dreamy significant other to do; it's the type of relationship that’ll raise you up and keep you grounded, all with the best of intentions.

"Tame Impala - Alter Ego"

InnerSpeaker should be listened to from start to finish, in my opinion. In its entirety, this album is a whole piece of art that was thoughtfully constructed with a deeper meaning and intimacy behind it. It flows, it grows, it's classically constructed. It's certainly not the arena rock that this band unfortunately gets compared to. It's more than that. Much more. There are layers upon layers that certainly warrant more than two or three listens. Tame Impala isn't as obscure or obtuse as their fellow psych-rock musicians, but who says they have to be? They do what they do incredibly well, and that is why they've been gaining mass appeal throughout the year.

"Beach House - 10 Mile Stereo"

This Baltimore duo burst through the scene with a sound all their own, and were immediately welcomed by the masses with wide open arms. The mix of multiple feel-good genres in Beach House's Teen Dream is apparent and infectious, and yet so uniquely distinct. This band has broken the mold that no one even knew could be broken in this novel way. If you haven't listened to this album yet, stop depriving yourself and start to get to know Beach House. I'm sure you'll thank yourself for it.