Best Albums of 2010 – through the first quarter – Part Two

8. Joanna Newsom – Have One on Me (Drag City)
After dazzling with Ys, an album that was filled with five of the most engaging songs of the past decade, Joanna Newsom took some definite time off to plan her next move. Quietly and secretly, she’s amassed eighteen songs of music that are all about focusing on her songwriting strength and beautiful voice. A voice that is enchanting and beguiling, Newsom has again created something tangibly spectacular; only this time she’s far more direct and that much more in control.

7. Gonjasufi – A Sufi and a Killer (Warp)
Resting on top of a resilient establishment where influences from Middle-Eastern sounds, to re-imagined hip-hop, to bustling old-sounding records lay, is an enigmatic singer/rapper, Gonjasufi. Taking cues from three gifted producers, there is never any denying that it’s Gonjasufi’s terrific voice that is the star of the show. The music is so diverse and free-moving that in reality, it’s a viscerally charged representation of what this album is: sincere and downright remarkable, it’s truly a special album.

6. Pantha Du Prince – Black Noise (Rough Trade)
An incomparable musician, Pantha Du Prince makes the kind of electronic that should be played at clubs around town. His mesmerizing take on what is usually deemed a ‘repetitive genre’ proves that he knows exactly what he is doing when he combines elements of classical into his electronic music. This is absolutely enriching and marvelous music that should never be ignored. It’s unlike what you’re used to hearing and probably a bit more challenging but give it time and reap its rewards.

5. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach (Virgin)
What else can we really say about this excellent set of music that Gorillaz created? Not only did it silence all the doubters and haters but it resoundingly showcases a band that is gelling and hitting on all cylinders. The music is captivatingly stunning with new beats and styles forming underneath a colorful umbrella of music and just for diversity, throw in Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, De La Soul, Little Dragon, Mos Def and Mark E. Smith, to name a few, and you have the wonderful album that Plastic Beach is.

For one of my favorite songs of 2010, I went with Yeasayer’s “O.N.E.” I know that “Ambling Alp” gets a ton of exposure but I love the free-spirit and entirely joyful music of the former. Their new album, Odd Blood, is filled with great moments and I can’t help but smile and sing along with the band as they sing, “No, you don't move me anymore. And I'm glad that you don't, 'cause I can't have you anymore.” And I think I figured out how to get individual media to play here, so check it out! – Bryan
Yeasayer – “O.N.E.”