Hi, I'm TR. I used to write frequently for IRR but the past year has been a really unsettled time as I transitioned into a new job in Tennessee. 2010 has also represented a shift in the way that I consume music. I think in general my attitude and maybe the attitudes of those around me has shifted from an attitude of ownership to an attitude of consumption. Streaming music online, listening to podcast and sharing audio files has replaced owning CDs and going to the record shop. Still, I have consumed a lot of music in 2010 and here is a highlight of artists that made an impact on me in 2010.
Shearwater
No one is still talking about Shearwater's Golden Archipelago but I have loved this album all year long. I recently learned that Jonathan Meiburg sang in an episcopal church choir as a boy and that helps explain his majestic, soaring vocals. Shearwater's music has an epic quality and a connection to the natural world that I have experienced only in one other band; Sigur Ros. All of this epicness is accompanied by a banjo, varied instrumentation and a sense of longing for a world gone by.
Beach House
Atmospheric indie dream pop duo Beach House released a gem in 2010. Teen Dream came out in January and I have not grown tired of it for the entire year.
She & Him
This was my fun summer album. I finally realized just how charming Zoey Deschanel's voice is. Accompanied with M. Ward's musical genius and love of 50s-style music I thought Vol. 2 improved on Vol.1.
The National
This was The National's break out year building from the success of Boxer. They are big rock stars now, who wear suits on stage and play larger venues for fans who know their lyrics. Matt Berninger's indifferent, polished baritone singing works well against the backdrop of orchestral rock. I have been drawn to songs like Terrible Love and Blooddbuzz Ohio but I have kept my distance from this album because of its darkness. Grant and I knew that The National were good back in the Alligator days and now they are getting all of the acclaim that they deserve.
Sharon Van Etten
The only reason that I am including Sharon Van Etten on this list was because the NPR dj's raved about her so much. She has a fragile, delicate quality but a strong stage presence and a vein of anger running through her music. It was this song Crime that I found particularly broken but powerful.
Tallest Man on Earth
Releasing the album Wild Hunt and the EP Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird in 2010 this Swedish singer known as The Tallest Man on Earth has an energetic, Dylanesque style to singing and songwriting that just gripped me. I have not been able to stop listening to him and the live show that was recorded for NPR at Washington DC's 9:30 Club is breathtaking.
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