Top Six of 2010 1/2

Alright. Six months, six records. Admittedly, I might be a little behind new releases, but still. There shouldn't be too many surprises if you've been following me.

6. Jonsi - Go

Life in record form. Sigur Ros has always had a talent for conveying the human experience in musical terms, and their frontman must be a large part of that, because his solo record is bursting with exuberance and beauty and sadness and joy.

5. Dignan - Cheaters and Thieves

Atmospheric and intense at the same time, this is one of those great records by someone you've never heard of before that blows you away. The musicianship leaves nothing to be desired, and the lyrics are poignant and painfully honest. If you know me at all, that earns extra points from me.

4. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

What to say about Broken Social Scene? They just know what they're doing. This record features the band, a few of the members new parents, balancing their newfound maturity with the rock 'n roll ethos. Also, the track "All to All" showcases the female vocalists' best interplay to date, over a catchy electronica beat.

3. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

To be honest, I wish I could put it higher. This is such a solid, solid pop record. Mos Def? Bobbie Womack? Lou Reed? Little Dragon? Damon Albarn brought in the best collaborators to date, which showcases less of Albarn's vocals, and more of his composing and songwriting. It's more synth based than the other releases, and comes across like a sort of Clash/Michael Jackson crossover. A completely brilliant album. I check for news on a vinyl pressing about once every two weeks.

2. Broken Bells - Broken Bells

Now, I don't always get excited about supergroups...Raconteurs don't thrill me, and I'm mostly apprehensive about Thom Yorke's Atoms For Peace. But when I heard that James Mercer of the Shins and Danger Mouse formed a side project, I knew I had to hear it. From the first drunken/broken keyboard line to the last cries over a drum machine, this record is immaculate, melding indie, pop, hip hop, electronica, and traces of psychedelic rock for a most satisfying experience.

1. MGMT - Congratulations

Almost everyone I know hates this record. I only mention that because it's proved impossible to talk about this disc without mentioning its predecessor, Oracular Spectacular, which treaded similar psychedelic ground--except for the three extremely danceable synthpop singles for which everyone bought the record. But as for Congratulations, it has been accused of being aimless, of noodling too much, shifting moods before one has time to establish itself. And that's true. But isn't that the point of psychedelic rock in the first place? Congratulations follows the psychedelic spirit of Pink Floyd's "Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and The Doors' "Strange Days," creating a psych-revival record that stands on its own, regardless of its predecessor.