The Single Best Album of the Past 10 Years

[Dusty Chalk]

Gosh, so many:

The Mess We Made, Matt Elliott (simply phenom)
Neon Golden, Notwist (their previous two aren't bad, neither, and I think make it into the time frame) -- just some of the greatest songwriters
(), Sigur Rós
Garbage (barely makes it into the timeframe, as it was released in August 1995) and Version 2.0
Darkest Days, Stabbing Westward -- I still listen to this as a test disk, and gets my foot tapping and my head nodding every time (no, not puts-me-to-sleep nodding, headbanging-in-my-chair nodding...stop that)
The Fragile, Nine Inch Nails -- under-rated
Hindle Wakes, In The Nursery -- gorgeous beyond words

I'm sure I'm forgetting some more metally and alienny (?sp [?word]) disks...

[Swish]

Well, at least some of you. Many of my favorites were already taken, so if I had to choose just one that hasn't already been mentioned, it might be The Honeydogs - 10,000 Years. Whatever the case, choosing just one is insane. I have a hard enough time picking my favorite in one particular year, much less in the last 10.

So long,
Swish

[nobody]

I don't really believe a ten year period can produce something as definitive as a best album, but if I had to choose, and I'd choose by what records I keep coming back to over and over through the years, I 'd probably have to go with something by Massive Attack or Tricky, or perhaps Sigur Ros.

I may also consider OK Computer and Yankee Hotel Foxtrott. Neon Golden's mentioned a lot here and I'm a big fan of that as well.

Then again, loking at those choices, it would seem I'd unfairly prejuduced by reason of getting old and mellow. If I had to toss on some rocking stuff, I'd have to mention just about anything by Reverend Horton Heat as the fellas' have been putting out some of the most consistently rockin' good time music of the last decade hands down. And the first Kings of Leon album will always get tossed on around here, just good, basic rock and roll there, catchy and fun, with a nice grimey feel to rough things up a bit. Hell, the last Green Day album's bound to be a classic as well. And, I'd have to toss out something by the White Stripes.

Then, we're still leaving out R&B stuff, like great work by Erykah Badu, especially Baduzium, which I've listened to time and time again, maybe something by Maxwell, or how about D'Angelo's debut. Then there's quality hip hop like OutKast's Aquemini, and I'm sure much much more even though I don't keep up with the genre these days.

Thats not even mentioning great late career albums from the likes of Johnny Cash and others.

Yup, just far too much great stuff spread across a range of genres to even come close to narrowing it down to one album.

[Davey]

Many of my favorites were already taken, so if I had to choose just one that hasn't already been mentioned, it might be The Honeydogs - 10,000 Years. Whatever the case, choosing just one is insane.

It is insane, but kind of fun too. Makes me think a little about what I'm really inclined to reach for, as opposed to just acknowledge as great. I didn't really consider anything from the last couple years, just hasn't had time to develop enough. Another good one is that Steve Wynn CD that you and me and audiobill like so much. Have any of you picked up his last couple CDs? Any opinion?

But that said, I just picked up a used copy of Wilco's last CD a few days ago, A Ghost Is Born, and have been getting blown away all over again. Man, I love this album. Probably destined to be my favorite slice of Wilco in the future. Might even get mentioned by me the next time this question rolls around. Probably will. I can see that it's gonna be in the player almost exclusively for weeks. It's sick, I know....

Fill up your mind with all it can know
Don't forget that your body will let it all go
Fill up your mind with all it can know
'Cause what would love be without wishful thinking

[audiobill]

Bill has it EXACTLY CORRECT. Well done!

I'll go one step further and pick In The Aeroplane Over the Sea as the best album of the last 10 years. Cut! Print! That's a Wrap!

We are not only like-minded Canadians, but like-minded musical brethren X-LionTamer.

[Swish]

Another good one is that Steve Wynn CD that you and me and audiobill like so much. Have any of you picked up his last couple CDs? Any opinion?

But that said, I just picked up a used copy of Wilco's last CD a few days ago, A Ghost Is Born, and have been getting blown away all over again. Man, I love this album. Probably destined to be my favorite slice of Wilco in the future. Might even get mentioned by me the next time this question rolls around. Probably will. I can see that it's gonna be in the player almost exclusively for weeks. It's sick, I know....

I saw them perform a few tracks from it on Austin City Limits. What a show. It was almost as good as when I saw them live when they started the YHF tour. I played the shit out of Ghost the next few days and consider it among my favorite Wilco ceedees, although I like all of them, so that really doesn't mean anything, does it?

Here Come the Miracles is awesome for sure, but I don't recall hearing his last two. My BBB (Best Bud Bob) has them, so I'll hafta ask his opinion of them. He's pretty liberal with his taste, so it's tough getting a bad review out of him. I also wanna check out Steve's new and fabulous hotel and casino in Vegas.

Swish Baby

[Snowbunny]

I hate having to choose!

For now I'll pick the one I'm listening to right now as I wash the kitchen floor.

Spiritualized - Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space

Sun so bright that I’m nearly blind
Cool cos I’m wired and I’m out of my mind
Warms the dope running down my spine
But I don’t care ’bout you and I’ve got nothing to do
Free as the warmth in the air that I breathe
Even freer than dmt
Feel the warmth of the sun in me
But I don’t care ’bout you and I’ve got nothing to do
Love in the middle of the afternoon
Just me, my spike in my arm and my spoon
Feel the warmth of the sun in the room
But I don’t care ’bout you
And I’ve got nothin’

I think I’m in love
Probably just hungry
I think I’m your friend
Probably just lonely
I think you got me in a spin now
Probably just turning
I think I’m a fool for you babe
Probably just yearning
I think I can rock and rool
Probably just twisting
I think I wanna tell the world
Probably ain’t listening

And chillin' in the fridge -

[Davey]

I hate having to choose!

For now I'll pick the one I'm listening to right now as I wash the kitchen floor.

Spiritualized - Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space

Hey, isn't that the tune you picked for our 1997 Escape to the Farside compilation? But, you left out the best part ...

I think that you're my dream girl
Probably just dreaming
I think I'm the best, babe
Probably like all the rest
I think that I could be your man
Probably just think you can

What is that cooling? A bottle of Bartles & Jaymes? Are you well now? Is it something fruity?

[Swish]

And chillin' in the fridge -

I can't make out what it is from that tiny pic you attached. I can see the word Orange on the neck, and I think I see Vodka near the bottom. Hmmm, some kind of vodka cooler? If that's what it is, count me out! I'd rather drink the real thing; Ketel One on the rocks with a twist of lime.

However, beer and ta-kill-ya are the order of the day for me. I'm finally going to drink a bottle of my Fuller's Vintage Ale, although just one. The rest will be aged and saved for special occasions, although there will be some Victory Hop Whallop, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, and prolly several other fine brews. Tonight will be my first holiday party this season and what will likely go down in history as one of the greatest of all time. A big gang of friends, great music and food, the aforementioned Fuller's, and some Don Alvaro Anejo Tequila when things get interesting later on in the evening.

Swish Daddy

[Snowbunny]

I can't make out what it is from that tiny pic you attached. I can see the word Orange on the neck, and I think I see Vodka near the bottom. Hmmm, some kind of vodka cooler?
Don Alvaro Anejo Tequila when things get interesting later on in the evening.

Swish Daddy

Hey Big Daddy! No tequila for me, although tequila anejo is my drink of choice when I'm in a dancing mood.

You guessed pretty close as to what I have chillin'. But its even worse than a cooler. Its an Orange Vodka Mudslide. Never tried one before, but I expect it to taste like a melted creamsicle.

Snowie

[Snowbunny]

Hey, isn't that the tune you picked for our 1997 Escape to the Farside compilation? But, you left out the best part ...

I think that you're my dream girl
Probably just dreaming
I think I'm the best, babe
Probably like all the rest
I think that I could be your man
Probably just think you can

What is that cooling? A bottle of Bartles & Jaymes? Are you well now? Is it something fruity?

Yeah, I couldn't have included the best part, but then we couldn't have done that call/response lyric thing we do so well.

Feeling better but not 100 percent, hence the Orange Mudslide instead of something stronger.

Crap, this website sucks! Its not so much fun when it takes 3 minutes to type one word!

Snowbuns

[Swish]

Its an Orange Vodka Mudslide. Never tried one before, but I expect it to taste like a melted creamsicle.

Snowie

If you want to taste something that's different. try vanilla vodka with Sprite, or Diet Sprite if you prefer. Tastes like a vanilla popsicle if you remember those things. I suppose if you threw in something orange (Cointreau or the cheap stuff....Triple Sec, which is just fine for mixing), you'd prolly have about the same thing you got in that mudslide.

Are you a martini fan? I have a blast mixing stuff in our bar for our lady friends. One favorite is a "Mango Tango" that I picked up from a barmaid in Cape May. She told me the ingredients and I just winged the portions; sparkling white wine, mango rum, and orange juice. Too often everyone just sticks to beer and wine, but every so often I'll twist an arm for something exotic or different. Did I tell you I love mixing drinks in my bar? Oh yeah, I already did.

Swish

[Davey]

I also wanna check out Steve's new and fabulous hotel and casino in Vegas.

Swish Baby

Yeah, wish I'd been savvy enough to buy a big shitload of that stock. Hoochee Coo, I wouldn't be vacationing in Vegas!

NP: Augie March - Strange Bird, one of the nice finds from last year that still sounds very good to me and about 3 other people in the world. Strange bird indeed.

[Mr MidFi]

Yumm, just picked up some Bass last night. Might have one or two myself. Is that Maker's bourbon? And you mix it with the Bass like instead of Guinness? Or do shots and then Bass chasers? Yea, that's probably what you mean. Hmm, sounds like that might be good. Or maybe not

Sorry it took a long-ass while for me to get back on this thread, but yeah...Maker's Mark shots with Bass Ale chaser is a match made in heaven. Or maybe it's hell. Certainly feels that way the next day.

And while I'm all off-topic and everything...how 'bout them Chicago farking Bears!!!

NP: Spoon, "Small Stakes"

[C-Z]

I have been out of it the last year or so as far as keeping up with new music, and I am craving new (for me) stuff. In that spirit, I'm gonna take the suggestions listed here and buy myself holiday gifts of 10 or 20 CDs.

And while I'm all off-topic and everything...how 'bout them Chicago farking Bears!!!

I grew up going to Bears games, starting when they were still at Wrigley field with Butkus and Sayers. Took all three kids to a restaurant last night to eat and watch da bears kick some falcon booty. My girls were wearing my 20+ year old T-shirts that had never been worn before - one from 1984 (central division champions), and the other, 85/86 super bowl champs. Good to see them strong again.

CZ

[Davey]

Gosh, so many:

The Mess We Made, Matt Elliott (simply phenom)

Yeah, glad I finally pulled the trigger on that one. Very nice.

[BinFrog]

Pearl Jam - No Code or Yield
Rush - Vapor Trails (damn mixing engineer!), Different Stages
The Bad Plus - These Are The Vistas
Vital Tech Tones - VTT2
Joe Satriani - Strange Beautiful Music
Incubus - S.c.i.e.n.c.e. (everything since has been WELL below par)
Buena Vista Social Club - Buena Vista Social Club
Tommy Emmanuel - Only


And I'll cheat:
All of the Phish and Pearl Jam live releases

[Davey]

Yeah, tough one. Probably one of these 20 mostly anti-mainstream indie elitist hipster snob minor classics ...

Laika - Sounds of the Satellites
Built To Spill - Perfect From Now On
Modest Mouse - The Lonesome Crowded West
Black Heart Procession - 2
Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I
PJ Harvey - Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea
Notwist - Neon Golden
Califone - Roomsound
Mercury Rev - Deserter's Songs
Spoon - Girls Can Tell
Tricky - Maxinquaye
Cat Power - Moon Pix
Sparklehorse - It's A Wonderful Life
Silver Jews - American Water
David Kilgour & the Heavy Eights
Stereolab - Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Yo La Tengo - Electr-O-Pura
Bjork - Homogenic
Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane, Over The Sea
Tindersticks - II

Whaddaya mean that's cheating? Ok, Ok. Perfect From Now On. But yeah, your sister sounds hot. How old is she

Wow, funny how you can look back on all the hairstyles and wardrobes you've been through over the years, and all the things you wish you never said (or should've said), all the obvious mistakes, but then you look back and realize you still listen to pretty much the same music

Well, except that Another Desert, Another Sea by Three Mile Pilot obviously hadn't yet become the classic it is now in my mind, and I must've been high cause there's no mention of Dusk at Cubist Castle by Olivia Tremor Control, can't imagine that now. Not to mention Richard Buckner, guess I hadn't yet realized we were inseparable, Devotion + Doubt has probably changed my DNA. No Sixteen Horsepower or Woven Hand, don't know what happened there, goes to show that you can know someone else but not really know yourself. And I listen to Broken Social Scene's You Forgot It In People all the time, pretty much lives in my car deck, but no mention in 2005? Hmm, fun to revisit another time. Has your indie-elitist-snob rating changed much in the last 7 years, or your perception of the modern music world, or your list of favorite records by your favorite artists? And can we find out what Mr. MidFi's sister now picks as her favorite record of the last decade?


Edit: And now that I reflect some more, Quicksand/Cradlesnakes should be there too, even if there is already some Califone on the list. Just listened and loved today. In my mind, a slightly off-kilter bookend to Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which I intentionally left off due to the anti-mainstream nature of my original post, but which definitely belongs in a best of the 1995-2005 decade(+) list. And some Songs:Ohia too, from that same amazing year (Magnolia Electric Co.), and the one before (Didn't It Rain). So many more. That Spiritualized record mentioned by Snowbuns is an obvious one too. And Giant Sand's Chore of Enchantment remains a charmer, as does the Mekons' Journey to the End of the Night. And Joe Henry had a couple favorites, as did Josh Ritter. Bad time for sound quality, as everybody began ramping up the levels until it was just a distorted mess, but still one of my favorite times for music.

[Mr MidFi]

The funny thing is... I don't remember starting this thread, but I do remember the conversation with my sister that prompted it!

No idea how I would answer this question today. Let me give it some thought...

[ForeverAutumn]

American Idiot. 'nuff said.

[bobsticks]

American Idiot. 'nuff said.

Well...that was just rude and needlessly abrupt.

[ForeverAutumn]

Well...that was just rude and needlessly abrupt.

Did you think that I was referring to you? I would never say that about you Sticks.

[Mr MidFi]

American Idiot. 'nuff said.

I've been called worse.