10. Chromeo – Business Casual [Modular/UMA]
Chromeo hit it big with Business Casual, another homage to eras and keyboards gone by. As well as its awesomely poppy tunes Business Casual is all about the duo’s dexterity, throwing down some French-ed up sex jams and disco workouts.
9. Tanlines – Settings EP [True Panther Sounds]
Often instrumental, a little bit weird but always very entertaining, Tanlines have nailed a union of tropical beats and synths to create what I’m calling calypso-electro. Just go with it and enjoy.
8. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening [DFA/EMI]
James Murphy’s disco wonder-group conquered in 2010 with their third disc This Is Happening. Just try and stay still while Murphy and co blast their way through Dance Yrself Clean.
7. Wild Nothing – Gemini [Captured Tracks]
It’s embarrassing that all the immaculately staged haziness of Gemini comes from the mind of just one dude, but indeed Wild Nothing manages to layer his dream-pop leanings into oblivion while keeping it ever so cinematic.
6. Bag Raiders – Bag Raiders [Modular/UMA]
It feels like I’ve been saying that ‘next year’ will be the big one for Bag Raiders for about four years now, but I’m pleased to say I was right, as they definitely were untouchable in 2010. Smart but always fun, clubby but still listenable, this album is awash with treasures.
5. Dom – Sun Bronzed Greek Gods EP [Burning Mill Records]
Dom, the eponymous leader of his band, is kinda like the Tweet generation’s Holden Caulfield. Snotty, self-important and already world weary, he’s incredibly cool and just like Catcher In The Rye was in Year 11, he’s essential reading listening.
4. The Drums – The Drums [Moshi Moshi/Shock]
Full of jubilant, whimsical, surfy, poppy, garage-y indie rock, all you really need to know is that this is heaps of fun, and now that the weather’s warmed up it’s a perfect summer record.
3. The Radio Dept. – Clinging To A Scheme [Labrador]
While everyone else in Sweden gets off making ridiculously happy music, The Radio Dept. took a further dive into the shadows with another achingly good record of nights on the couch and bruised emotions.
2. Tame Impala – Innerspeaker [Modular/UMA]
Dropouts ripping bowls in a feedback loop doesn’t sound like fun, but damn. Damn. This is an incredible record. Almost dripping in ideas and ambition it’s immersive listening.
1. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Def Jam/UMA]
Forget the BS, hearing is believing. And once you hear Kanye’s comeback record, you’ll believe it too: Kanye West is easily the most magnetic, entertaining and forward thinking rapper working today.
