- Top 50 albums of the decade (30-21)
30 The Cardigans – Super Extra Gravity
Some of the most beautifully observed lyrics and turn of phrases I’ve heard in a long time are showcased in this album. And that’s coming from someone who’s been described as “lyrically autistic.”
29 Radiohead – Kid A
Not the most immediate album to get into, but again this album is a prime example of really showing off one of the few bands that can constantly reinvent themselves and push boundaries way further than their peers. Mixing up delayed rhodes over haunting vocals, techno, big bass distortion is in order on this album. Don’t leave this album for the fan boys to wank over, get involved.
28 Gorillaz – Demon Days
A high end concept album takes the Gorillaz project to the level that they need to be, by involving Dangermouse. The bottom end comes out more to give this album the groove the last album was lacking. Superb fluidity throughout this whole album makes this a well put together project.
27 Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay follow up their fantastic debut with something a bit more balls out. Unfortunately due to the finger clicking Middle England crowd it can really put a lot of people off Coldplay, and to be fair their newer stuff is pretty poor which is pretty fair to say. But listening to “In My Place” should really help to invoke some emotional response, and will remember to the distant fan why Coldplay have gotten to the position that they are in.
26 Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid
From Asleep in the Back to The Seldom Seen Kid, the high level concepts that were executed well in Asleep in the Back come to life on a new level on Seldom Seen Kid. Getting the breakthrough they deserve, Elbow bring out a selection of beautifully composed songs, with wonderfully composed string sections and use of other acoustic instruments/percussive elements to produce an album worthy of winning the Mercury’s.
25 CSS – Cansei De Ser Sexy
Fun, unadulterated, electronic, live, hybrid, punky and unashamed music is executed perfectly by CSS’s debut affair.
24 The Doves – Lost Souls
Instrumental indie mixed with full on songs, this album took the indie ideas and dance music structures to form a brilliant subtle mix of musical ideologies. Every album since this has gotten better and better, but this is the album that surmises the Doves for me.
23 The Dears – Gang Of Losers
Piercing voice and lyrics, solid playing and a well written album is a hint towards firmly securing Canada’s strong presence of top quality songwriters and musicians within the international music scene.
22 The Hidden Cameras – Awoo
More Canadians! This is another example of mixing up high energy folk music with indie sensibilities… to a devastating effect (devastating in a good cutting through all the shit way).
21 Ivy – In The Clear
Dreamy and luscious this is one of the ultimate escapism albums. Non-offensive it may seem, but it is such an immersive journey man album.
