My Albums of the Decade

I like making lists. But this one was very hard.

There are two factors I've taken into account when compiling this list; how 'good' I think the album is (songwriting, performance, production, creativity etc.) and how much I 'enjoyed' it. So some albums that are amazingly good (eg. Dear Science - TV on the Radio) wouldn't get a look in because I didn't fall in love with it. Whilst others like 'Parachutes' by Coldplay - which I enjoyed - did not make it because they aren't really that impressive or progressive at all. And because these records are impossible to rank I've put them in alphabetical order.... I tried doing just 10 - but I physically couldn't do it - so there's 20.... here goes:

Arcade Fire - Funeral

Probably the best debut of the decade

Beck - Sea Change

I love his beats but his songs and outstanding

Bjork - Vespertine

Beauty personified in album form

Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene

One of the most exciting bands around - an orchestral indie triumph

Burial - Untrue

If you grew up where I grew up you'd get this record. Believe the hype.

D’Angelo - Voodoo

The best soul record of the 00's. Hands down.

Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity

Angular art rock. Brilliant.

Elliot Smith - Figure 8

The greatest album from one of the greatest song writers of his generation. Sadly missed.

Four Tet - Everything Ecstatic

When rhythm trumps melody you know it is special.

Godspeed! You Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven

Epic. Coldplay should give up.

Goldfrapp - Felt Mountain

A flawless album. Unlike anything since.

Grizzly Bear - Yellow House

America's best indie band doing their thing.

Justice - †

Daft Punk must be gutted. Their sound times a thousand.

PJ Harvey - Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea

Even though it won the Mercury prize this album is awesome

Radiohead - Kid A

The best album of any decade

Radiohead - In Rainbows

They are the only band to make it twice because they are the best - by far.

Rufus Wainwright - Want One

A totally unique pop record. One of my favourites of all time.

Ryan Adams - Gold

If you want to know why he's so good - listen to 'Sylvia Plath'

Sufjan Stevens - Come on Feel the Illinoise

Intricate and clever. He is Indie's darling for a reason.

Thom Yorke - The Eraser

Itchy beats. Fidgety sounds. A tight record. Essential.

phew!

dg