So here it is…A Decade of Music.

I know that almost every website,blog or culture related entity is releasing their top of the decade. I personally don’t consider it the end of the decade until the end of 2010 but just for a lark I will give you my top 20 albums of the past ten years.

Keep in mind I am only putting  full albums on the list. I buy/get many albums that are good but, in my music snobbery I only consider a select few to be masterpieces as a whole. These are not ranked because I don’t fancy giving myself a coronary just to write a blog entry.

Here we Go…

1. Sondre Lerche- Faces Down (2002)

This debut from Norway’s Sondre Lerche utterly blew me away. His ability to combine catchy pop hooks with a bossa nova sound just kept me intrigued from the start. So much that I saw him in concert that year.

2. Taking Back Sunday- Tell All Your Friends (2002)

The album that started it all. While they weren’t single-handedly responsible for bringing emo into the mainstream, these boys from Long Island sure knew how to do it with  a killer debut album. It’s perfect from start to finish. You think you know but you have no idea.

3. Rilo Kiley- Take Offs and Landings (2001)

I have to credit my friend Charlie for introducing me to one of my favorite bands, Rilo Kiley. He played me a song from their previous release called “The Frug” but this was their first studio album that gained them critical success.

4. Brand New- Deja Entendu (2003)

Deja Entendu, french for “already heard” is certainly the most ironic statement about this album. Brand New, another fellow band from Long Island surprised everyone with their sophomore release. Your Favorite Weapon, which was their debut was certainly expected when it comes to the pop punk and emo genre but this release just blew everyone away. They diverted from their sugar-coated sound to a more mature progressive sound with some of the most ingenious lyrics I’ve ever heard. No matter what music you are into, get this album. The End.

5. Arcade Fire -Funeral (2004)

This seven piece Canadian band is one of the most original bands I’ve heard in the last decade. While their “Neon Bible” album was a close second to this one, I had to put Funeral on here. Simply beautiful music for music’s sake.

6. The Libertines – Up the Bracket (2002)

I have a love for dirty British rock bands ( and the men who front them), but mostly I am attracted to them because they possess the roots that grunge music once had. Punk, and distorted with an energy that only Pete Doherty and Carl Borat can do. Don’t believe everything you read about Pete Doherty, but do believe in his musicianship because he’s one of the best this decade.

7. Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago (2007)

“Skinny Love” was the first song I heard off this release and I haven’t looked back since.

8. Manchester Orchestra- I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child (2006)

Brand New took this band on tour in 2007 and it’s one of the best decisions they ever made. This indie rock band from Atlanta charmed emo audiences over with their powerful mainstream debut. Check out the track “Golden Ticket”.

9.  Cursive- The Ugly Organ (2003)

I had heard of Cursive but I didn’t jump on the bandwagon right away. Once I heard this album I fell hard for Cursive. Combining a cello and organ just works so well in this album.

10. The Starting Line- Direction (2007)

I was introduced to The Starting Line in 2003 but their third album, Direction really spoke to me. In a way I have almost grown up with each Starting Line album and I really identified with their sound more in this release. As soon as the opening track starts, Direction you can tell they are grown up and loving the new skin they’re in. As am I.

11. Fiona Apple -Extraordinary Machines (2005)

It took Fiona Apple six years to release an album after When the Pawn…and my God she did it again. As soon as the demos leaked I was all over it. I even road tripped with a friend to Boston to see her and it was a life changing experience. I really can’t say anything about Fiona that hasn’t been said.

12. Jack’s Mannequin- Everything in Transit (2005)

When I heard that Something Corporate broke up  I almost fell out of my desk chair at college. However, I have to say that without that breakup Jack’s Mannequin never would have happened. Andrew MacMahon, the lead singer formed this band and stayed true to his Southern California roots by creating heavy piano rock with references to the endless California summers.

13. Head Automatica -Decadence (2004)

If this is what happens when hardcore bands’ singers take a break to create the dance album of the decade then this should happen more often. I’m dancing as I write this entry.

14.  Franz Ferdinand- Self Titled (2004)

This band from Scotland blew everyone away with their genius debut album. A mix of Brit-Pop and dance made this album on heavy rotation and it still is.

15.  Hot Rod Circuit- Sorry About Tomorrow (2002)

I just bought this album on vinyl last week and it’s still just as good as the day I bought it the first time.

16. The Streets -Original Pirate Material (2002)

Mike Skinner, a.k.a The Streets debut album was such a breath of fresh air in the world of hip hop. It’s quite rare that a MC from England puts out such a cutting edge album that can reach stateside. Since then he has released three more albums that have proved he has got the crossover hurdle cleared.

17. John Mayer- Room for Squares (2001)

ok, ok. Now I know that people have come to form many opinions about John Mayer these days but you seriously can’t deny how amazing this album is. When I first heard “No Such Thing” I knew that I was in for something special. And he hasn’t disappointed me since.

18. My Chemical Romance- Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004)

Come on, like you didn’t love this album?

19. Across the Universe Soundtrack (2007)

Now, I have to say that I am not a huge fan of the Beatles. I just never could get into them. However, this film was so amazing and the soundtrack which is all Beatles covers just blew me away. I still listen to this album and get chills.

20. Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker (2000)

Ryan Adams is the decade in music. He just makes alt-country a whole new genre that he owns. This is his debut studio album and it’s beautiful from start to finish.

So, there it is! Please let me know your favorites and any feedback! I love to talk music with my fans!!