I've never done a year end list before. And, let's be clear, this is not a best of the year list. I just can't listen to that much music. These are my favorites for the year. They are in no particular order. I hope you can discover something new. Below you'll find a handy playlist.
Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me -- If I did have to pick a number one album for the year this might be it. Three LPs, one more beautiful than the next.
Beach House - Teen Dream -- What can I say. This has been in constant rotation since it came out in January. Awesome.
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma -- This guy is changing the face of music one warped groove at a time. I enjoy this music the same way I enjoy jazz. I hear something new everytime.
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy -- Love him or hate him, one thing is true. Kanye makes great music.
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part Two (Return Of The Ankh) -- I feel like I've had this record in my collection for 10 years. It just feels that good.
Yeasayer - Odd Blood -- Many bands went for a eighties throwback sound this year. Yeasayer did it with a certain artistry and honesty that makes this a great album full of classic songs.
Cock and Swan - Unrecognize -- These guys live in Bothel, WA. They are making some great music. I wish more people paid attention to them.
Musinah - The Oscillations: Triangle -- I love this record.
Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot The Son Of Chico Dusty -- Hip Hop the way it should be. Shutter Bug should be listened to in a big car on repeat.
Caribou - Swim -- Infectious electronic music.
Avi Baffalo - Avi Buffalo -- This young guy is one heck of a song writer. This album really knocked me out.
Junip - Fields -- This is a fairly recent discovery. It's a side project for singer/songwiter, José González. The textures are thick and rich. And, the songs are all classics in the making.
Bonus! - Shabazz Palaces - Of Light -- This is cheating a little bit. These EPs came out in 2009. But, Shabazz really caught traction this year. Some of the best creative hip hip around... and it's happening in Seattle.
Charlie Smith
