If you could only take 20, which ones would you choose? Sophie’s choice.
We would take these. Desert islands are amazing on their own, but these albums would make ‘em much more comfy.
(in alpha order)
Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo
It’s insane that these kids are just out of HS. Like a lot of Long Beach bands right now, they’re making some beautiful folk rock that would make Neil Young proud. Nice guitar work too. -J
Bear Hands - Burning Bush Supper Club
I’m waiting for this album to burn out but I just keep liking it more and more. And sometimes when I close my eyes and listen to “Tablasaurus” I pour one out for Empire of the Sun. -T
The Bird Day - Collect Vibrations (free download)
I’m a sucker for falsetto and imaginative guitar work. “Gonna Beg You” is my anthem. -T
Broken Bells - Your Head Is On Fire
Danger Mouse + James Mercer = indie pop album that winds up on all the Year End lists and in your mom’s soccer van. -J
Caribou - Swim
This dark, dancey, electronic math-pop is great to throw on before or after a night out. His first album sounded like zombies, this one sounds like Four Tet. BTW, dude has a PHD! His thesis was aptly titled Overconvergent Siegel Modular Symbols. -J
Deerhunter - Halycon Digest
Bradford Cox’s voice and lyrics couldn’t be more perfect. There are parts of this album that made me cry. The word “epic” was invented for songs like “He Would Have Laughed”. -T
Delorean - Subiza
Tropical, upbeat euro-dance pop from Basque country via Barcelona. -J
El Guincho - Pop Negro
Just watch the “Bombay” video. -J
Electric Sunset - Electric Sunset
This is one of the most underrated albums of the year. Main dude Nic Zwart manages to create beautiful electronic grooves that are rooted in great pop melodies that he delivers with casual ease. You can practically feel the snowflakes landing on your tongue. -T
Etherea - Free Etherea (free download)
Electro hip-hop inspired jams. For lovers of Pogo, Bullion, and all things chill-fi. -J
J. Cole - Friday Night Lights (free download)
You can say what you want about Kanye’s album. J’s gots the better beats AND the better flows. And you deserve better. -T
Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
When we have moon colonies, this will be the jazz music you listen to. Can’t wait. -J
Julian Lynch - Mare
Beautiful, sleepy, smoke den music. Apparently his study of ethnomusicology really came to good use on this one. If you’re ever chilling hard, put this on. -J
Keith Canisius - This Time It’s Our High
This is like Mew on acid. Highly recommended on good speakers/headphones. -J
The Radio Dept. - Clinging To A Scheme
Chill, Swiss grooves. Pretty sure this dude on the cover only listens to The Radio Dept. -J
The Ruby Suns - Fight Softly
A perfect poolside album. We imagined what it would be like to never hear these songs again. That thought made us very sad. -T
Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
Neo psych-rock from Australia. Can’t get enough of “Alter Ego” and “Runway Houses City Clouds”. George Harrison was reincarnated to front this band. -J
Toro Y Moi - Causers of This
Chaz is the man. This album was highly anticipated and it delivered in spades. If this list weren’t in alphy order, this would probs be at the top. -T
Twin Shadow - Forget
This man is very believable, but after reviewing his bass lines and swagger, I don’t think I’d let him date my daughter. If somehow this album missed you, start with “At My Heels”. The chimey guitars and dramatic chorus are as instant as it gets. -T
Wild Nothing - Gemini
I wish John Hughes had access to this album in the 80’s. Imagine the possibilities. -J/T
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Check out our MUST DIE Honors Menchy of 2010
