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

4. The Souljazz Orchestra – Rising Sun (Strut)
A largely acoustic album, the sounds on this brilliant release are rooted in African rhythms, gorgeous jazz and varying styles. The musicianship is where it’s at with musicians that easily travel into different modes and keys before always finding their way back home – even when it isn’t exactly to the tonic. And that’s just the thing, even when they’re all over the place, there is still a richly warm tone to their sound and in every sense of the word, this is an outstanding album.

3. Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here (XL Recordings)
A true legend, Gil Scott-Heron took fifteen years off before returning to present a poignant and stirring album. Call me crazy but being able to make superb music so late in the game is one amazing accomplishment and one that not only places Scott-Heron back into his classic status but it leaves you wondering just how many people still don’t know about him. Everything about I’m New Here is downright flawless, that it should be vitally remembered for years and years to come.


2. Hot Chip – One Life Stand (Astralwerks)
In making amends for a previous album that left you stale and cold – wanting more songs as good as “Ready for the Floor” – the electronic group returned with what is easily their most accomplished work to date. The best treat in any kind of music following is when a band who’s been dabbling in greatness for a while finally comes to the plate and smashes a home run over the fences. It’s sincerely deserving of praise because Hot Chip has presented an unstoppable force of exceptional music to behold.

1. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor (XL Recordings)
The New Jersey band has created something both masterful and brilliant with their second release. A concept album that is loosely based on the Civil War, it still holds the amazing music that has made Titus Andronicus such a beloved band. And while its subject matter was devoted from lead-man Patrick Stickles’ studying of the war, the band fills the album with exciting music that is always out with one mission in mind: thrill and stun. And with The Monitor, mission accomplished.

The final songs for this batch are a double bill courtesy of Mr. Scott-Heron and the guys from Hot Chip. The latter is first with their fantastic song, “One Life Stand.” The video is the promotional one for the song and thus, it is shortened but let those lovely synths, corresponding rhythms and the terrific wordplay take you over.


And then there is the video for “Me and the Devil.” The music is stormy and dark, allowing Scott-Heron take over with his matured and distinct voice. It’s an incredible entryway into what the album is about and for all of its mystique, it’s an undeniably outstanding piece of art. – Bryan