Scott Wotring’s Top 10 Albums and Things from 2010
1. Surfer Blood — Astro Coast
What struck me as nothing more than a simple rock record, transformed with each listen into a collection of the year’s best pop songs. The hooks are abundant, the lyrics are genuine, and as a bonus, I saw them drink Four Loko on stage before it was cool!
2. The Tallest Man on Earth — The Wild Hunt
This album is more than King of Spain, although most songs have that element of folksy twang that make it both unique and accessible. I play this stuff when I’m alone and mumble the lyrics all day. It’s bold and beautiful, like the doggone TV show.
3. The Drums — The Drums
I first heard this album while jogging. By song four I was wondering Is This It? I’m a sucker for that shimmering New York City garage rock sound, and this album nails it. See them live if you get the chance. The singer is a jazzy wonderboy.
4. Miniature Tigers — Fortress
A smattering of happy-go-lucky pop songs, perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun. Guaranteed to show up on a Chevy Volt commercial next year.
5. Wavves — King of the Beach
‘Cause I’m just having fun… with you! — that pretty much sums it up. Jess and I blasted this album on the way to the beach. It was the right sound at the right time this summer.
6. Chihei Hatakeyama — Ghostly Garden
Best ambient music of the year. Ghostly Garden is 48 minutes of nothingness, atmospheric sounds that fade into the background and becalm Scott Wotring. Good music for reading and writing.
7. LCD Soundsystem — This is Happening
Though not as original as Sound of Silver, this album kept with the long-form, satirical, indie dancerock that makes LCD so fucking cool. Twice this year I danced publicly to this album, once at the beach, and once in front of a camera.
8. Beach House — Teen Dream
Beach House is sentimental without being sappy. Their songs evoke sadness, but only tease with the deathblow. This album would drown in sorrow if not for the band’s considerable talents as musicians.
9. Gold Panda — Lucky Shiner
Best electronic album of the year. In the crowded genre of chill electronica, Gold Panda (born Derwin Panda) stands out with his eccentric beats and spiffy synth hooks. The sound is both adventurous and agreeable. Four Tet with a longer shelf life.
10. Titus Andronicus — The Monitor
This album makes me want to guzzle a bottle of whisky and punch someone right in the face. It’s modern and raw, with an unrestricted view into the mind of a man contemplating the truths and evils of everyday life. Punk rock for the middle-aged. The walk home is gonna be a real shit show!
Top 10 Things:
1. Hopscotch Music Festival
2. Raleigh to London to Paris to Amsterdam to Hamburg to Raleigh
3. Brussel sprouts with sriracha and lime
4. Stuff You Should Know podcast
5. Warrior Dash
6. The Room
7. Caribou at Cats Cradle
8. Google Maps
9. Linville Gorge Backpacking Trip
10. Six-pack Challenge
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