Singing birds and dropping coins are not sounds usually associated with electronica, however Teebs - otherwise known as California-based producer Metendere Mandowa - integrated them seemlessly into his hazy debut collection. It seems somewhat ironic that music entirely electronic in form can so effortlessly embody the atmosphere of the natural world - Ardour's luscious collection of escapist electronica sends you back to summer; the scorching sun hanging high overhead; birds cavorting in the sky; long luscious grass surrounding you. It's a perfect aural pick-me-up to counteract the depressing effects of the long, cold winter ahead.
#9 - Goldheart Assembly - Wolves and Thieves
Originally hailed as the UK's answer to a certain Seattle-based folk band, whose hallowed name I dare not mention, Goldheart Assembly, a sixpiece hailing from London, released their debut album in March this year. Although it was highly unlikely for them to ever match up to their transatlantic counterparts, Wolves and Thieves proved to be an album of great class - Dale and Herbert's voices combine perfectly into hook-laden melody over their more upbeat, poppy take on 'traditional' indie-folk and they succeed in creating a great depth of sound both vocally and instrumentally. Their live show is absolutely stunning and the band is incredibly tight - their sound can't be faulted and the on-stage banter is second to none. See them if you can.
#8 - Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
Big Boi faced a veritable obstacle course trying to get his debut album released this year. The trailblazing rapper, who has often unfairly been palmed off as the other half of that band Outkast, was forced to move record label just to get Sir Lucious out here for us. It's an unusual mix of funky, fast-paced keyboard-based tunes combining with Big Boi's smoothly intelligent rap. He's found a great selection of collaborators, including Janelle Monae, Cutty and B.o.B. Just think how good it could have been if Jive hadn't denied us three Andre 3000 collaborations.
#7 - LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
This is Happening may well be the last album that LCD Soundsystem ever make - but if it is, at least they've gone out with a bang. Murphy's upbeat mock-disco tomfoolery is still just as charming as it always has been, and you can't help but nod along to the unashamedly catchy melodies that dominate the album. Happening is filled with uncompromising self-appraisal and social commentary, Murphy picking up on the subtlest nuances of social interaction without seeming pretentious or all knowing. Considering LCD spent most of the album's composition totally wasted in LA it's impressive it still turned into another work of art to add to your collection.
#6 - Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
After the infamous Pitchfork 10.0 it seems to be the 'hip' thing to leave Kanye West off your Top Albums of 2010, but you just can't bring yourself to do it when he's gone and produced the best album of his career. We all knew something good was on its way when we heard Monster and Power, but the strength of this album was an unexpected delight. Like Big Boi, Kanye has roped in a selection of classy conspirators including Jay Z, Nicki Minaj (whose cameo on Monster seems to be hot news at the moment), John Legend and Rick Ross, but the collaboration of the album has surely got to be with Bon Iver. Who could argue against the joint effort of two such talented artists? Not me.
#5 - Laura Veirs - July Flame
Named after a peach that she saw at a farmers' market, the seventh studio album of American singer-songwriter Laura Veirs was released in January. As you might expect from the title, the album draws upon the imagery of nature - but in the unusually dreamy Shakespearian way represented by the album cover - and also has the scope to explore themes of love, life and war. Her echoing vocals are spellbinding, and the tracks find the perfect balance between sparse guitar and delicate piano. This is probably Veirs' best album, and her beautiful vision is wholly epitomised in the swelling title track. A few listens will send you rifling through her back-catalogue on the hunt for more gems.
#4 - Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
The arrival of Age of Adz in November sparked some turbulence amongst hardcore Sufjan Stevens fans who felt he had over-deviated from his indie roots. Adz saw Stevens introduce a more electronic aspect to his music, combining his old orchestral composition with new synths and beats. You can't help but appreciate the audacity of the guy - leaving the style that had worked for him so well to experiment with new ideas - and you can't help but admit that Adz is a wonderfully creative, conceptually grand album. To be honest, it's worth the listen just to hear Stevens swear on a song for (what I think is) the first time.
#3 - Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
Laura Marling, pride of Hampshire, came into the spotlight when her debut Alas I Cannot Swim was released in early 2008. Back then she was praised for her songwriting ability and witty yet romantic view of young love. 2010 saw her follow-up hit new heights, Laura showing a level of maturity far surpassing that expected of a 20-year-old. I Speak Because I Can is a much darker, brooding album - Marling explores the responsibility of womanhood, her voice's natural punch is breathtaking and there is a decided urgency underlying her songs. She has taken great steps in her honing of the indie-folk sound, and I Speak Because I Can makes a large number of older, more experienced bands look like amateurs.
#2 - Beach House - Teen Dream
American dream-pop duo Beach House have long been a critics' favourite, and with the release of third studio album Teen Dream they have only strengthened this position. They have become masters of the ethereal sound, keyboard and guitar combining subtly under Legrand's haunting vocals, however, it's the poppy facets of the album that really make it stand out - Teen Dream is ridiculously catchy without descending into cheap, repetetive hooks. If it's good enough to lure the likes of Beyonce and Jay Z to Beach House concerts, then it's good enough for us.
#1 - Foals - Total Life Forever
Total Life Forever, the second offering from Oxford indie favourites Foals, saw them depart from their barking, jerking math rock and progress into the unchartered territories of a more slick, more carefully composed sound. Total Life is a large step up from their previous work - there is an unquestionable synergy of instruments, with guitar, drums, synths and bass working in perfect harmony with Yannis' new falsetto-filled, melodically driven vocals. The album cover seems to represent their new sound perfectly - there is something tidal, almost aqueous, about the structure of the songs. They are climactic and emotional; they transfer perfectly between gentle and restrained and loud and brash; the lyrics are abstract yet emotional and the hooks are perfectly considered. Total Life Forever is a perfect example of how, through experimentation, a band can become so much more than they ever were.
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