We're nearing year's end,the time when most publications/blogs release their "Best of" lists.Its been a great year for many things,a number of new bands came to arena making clear efforts to sound individual and "now" (Cut Copy,Crystal Castles,The Teenagers)-while some preferred keeping to old ways (The Kills,Hold Steady,Jack Johnson) and didn't bother much with innovating,others compromised drastically to reap mainstream profits (Kings of Leon,Coldplay).On the upside,its the year indie music walked out of its dark cave into radios and onto HMV Top 10 racks (No Age,Hercules & Love Affair) also the year boybands made a small comeback (NKOTB,Boyzone),old-timers issued new records (NIN,Erykah Badu,AC/DC).In retrospect 09' made ample way for diversity in music,people took a more open approach towards music- with different types and foreign acts (Stereolab,Sigur Ros) being given fair chance.So,here goes.
10. Madonna-Hard Candy
Given,half the album is fluff and first single "4 Minutes" is another struggling attempt on her part to stay hip and rellevant (short of staging another lesbian kiss at the VMAs).Officially her seventh No. 1 album and selling 100,000 copies in the US on its first day alone,songs like Miles Away and Devil are smooth and sublime as dance-pop singles,and the album as a whole delivers unexpectedly.
9. MGMT-Oracular Spectacular
Technically out in 07',but found its popularity this year.Its been a good year for the Brooklyn-based duo,opening for Radiohead and MIA and receieving wide critical acclaim-holding a brand of eccentricity that feels far from engineered,the album's packs a lot more than the commercial successes of Kids and Time to Pretend.
8. Beach House-Devotion
Dream-pop reaches a whole new level,with an album that feels lightweight,stress-free (almost un-earthy) and easily something I've played dozens of times during the year.Also the sountrack for my weeklong Boston trip-where the city's mildness and history,the long walks along bright rivers and galleries felt suited to the album-the combined experience made me feel lost,lonely and assured.
7. Santogold-Santogold
Backed by the early support from the internet media for the singles Creator and L.E.S Artistes,she's quoted the debut album as an effort to"help break down boundaries and genre classifications".She does experiment with many different elements,as a result every song sounds like a successful stand-alone single.
6. Adele-19
She has a rich,capable voice that when coupled with the minimality of her music arrangements-makes for restful listening.Nominated for 4 Grammy's-I anticipate her second album with high expectations.Along with light ballads Daydreamer and Best for last,the Mark Ronson produced Cold Shoulder is a highlight.
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