Illustration by Philip Hays from New York magazine, February 1970
Here's the first part of my Top 25 of 2010 list. I've included a link to my original review of the album (where available), as well as a brief comment on my current feelings about the album. I know it's not a very diverse list - when it comes to new releases, I don't wander as far afield from my "indie rock" home as I do with older stuff.
#25 Shadows by Teenage Fanclub (Merge Records)
The Fannies' ninth proper album isn't loaded with "wow!" moments, but the band uses its talent for power-pop hooks to make a surprisingly ingratiating '70s soft-rock pastiche, with the songs of Norman Blake being good enough to edge this one into my Top 25. (Original review here.)
"Baby Lee" by Teenage Fanclub
#24 Broken Bow by Eux Autres (Bons Mots Records)
I've only had Broken Bow in my hands for couple weeks, but I'm already certain it belongs in this list. The band's erudite indie pop comes across as a co-ed Vampire Weekend, but the real story here is Heather Larimer, one of my new favorite vocalists. (Original review here.)
"Queen Turner" by Eux Autres
#23 The Bluebirds of Happiness Tried to Land on My Shoulder by Tobin Sprout (Moonflower Records)
One of the highlights of my year was seeing Tobin Sprout take the stage as part of the reunited Guided By Voices classic lineup, but the counter-balance to that get-the-boys-back-together reunion is Sprout's new LP, a beautiful meditation on aging and letting go. (Original review here.)
"Pretty" by Tobin Sprout
#22 Heartland by Owen Pallett (Domino Records)
With Heartland, Canada's honey-voiced violinist drops the Chocobo-imagery-laden Final Fantasy pseudonym and makes an impenetrable concept album in which he is a deity having an extended dialogue with a farmer named Lewis. Luckily, the songwriting is strong enough to compensate for the concept. (Original review here.)
"Lewis Takes Action" by Owen Pallett
#21 Undercard by the Extra Lens (Domino Records)
A lot has changed since John Darnielle's early days of wailing into his boom box while thrashing a battered acoustic guitar. A lot of his songs still sound like a bundle of raw nerve endings, but his willingness to emphasize mood with additional sounds in the mix works best when he partners with someone like Franklin Bruno, the other half of the Extra Lens. (Original review here.)
"Only Existing Footage" by the Extra Lens
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