It’s that time of year again. You know, time for the frenzy for making Best Of lists. Lists that bring order to the chaos, lists to remember, lists to focus, lists that reveal the personality of the list-er.

In the contrarian spirit that I love to inflict on RTH, I’d like to put forth a 10 best album list that may not exactly match up with your own. These have been the constant loop in my studio and in my car, though many of them have to be turned down when Ms. Jade is in the passenger seat.

I’m always hoping to open a few eyes and ears. Take ‘em or leave ‘em, in no particular order:

Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!

The power and the glory of cinematic drones.

Andy Stott – Luxury Problems

Creepy noir disco beats and chopped vocals.

Land – Night Within

For everyone still longing for the sound of Talk Talk and David Sylvian

The Men – Open Your Heart

Almost kicked off the list due to their bullshit live performance, but still…

Swans – The Seer

You really have to commit to this album. Not for the faint of heart, but were they ever?

Deerhoof – Breakup Song

Ladymiss Jade has been funking up the kitchen with these SF locals.

Jack White – Blunderbuss

No, it wasn’t the album we hoped for, but I found myself listening to this a lot.

Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light

Aka “Huh?” Stupid cover, but a longtime favorite band.

Flying Lotus – Until The Quiet Comes

A suite of beats and squeaks that carries the torch of his aunt Alice Coltrane.

Burial – Kindred EP

More noir beats and ghostly presence. He takes his signature sound a little bit further each time.

 

The Meh List:

Albums we had high hopes for, but…

Tame Impala, Beach House, Gonjasufi, Frank Ocean, The xx, Four Tet’s latest EP.