Sunday 9 January 2011

kollaps' top 10 of 2010

2009 was an incredible year for album releases. 2010... not so much.

Perhaps that is a slightly egoistic statement, but I felt that there just weren't that many memorable albums this year. Nevertheless, here are the few ones worth mentioning:

#10 - Agalloch: Marrow of the Spirit


November 2010, United States.

Combining the traditional elements of black metal, folk and post-rock altogether, Agalloch created yet another epic, dark and atmospheric masterpiece.

#9 - 65daysofstatic: We Were Exploding Anyway


April 2010, England.

"The band intersperses heavy, progressive, guitar-driven instrumental sections with both idm-esque programmed and live drums." This album, however, moved away from post-rock sounds and into elaborate electronics.

#8 - Arcade Fire: The Suburbs


August 2010, Canada.

I hadn't liked an Arcade Fire album this much since their debut, "Funeral". "The Suburbs" brings out a rockier and more layered sound than previous albums.

#7 - Efterklang: Magic Chairs


February 2010, Denmark.

"Magic Chairs" is Efterklang's most pop-oriented release yet. Whilst its compositions are admittedly less intricate than in previous releases, the album is filled with exquisite and alluring moments.

#6 - Caribou: Swim


April 2010, Canada.

Caribou is the stage name of Daniel Victor Snaith, a mathematician as well as musician. "Swim" was my first introduction to Caribou, but immediately got me hooked.


#5 - Amiina: Puzzle


September 2010, Iceland.

Amiina's second full-length album was definitely one of my most played records this year. "Puzzle" combines electronics with absolutely perfect chamber instrumentation.

#4 - Alcest: Écailles de Lune


March 2010, France.

A great successor to "Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde". A melancholic album that fuses black metal with shoegaze in a fantasy wonderland setting.

#3 - Kvelertak: Kvelertak


June 2010, Norway.

This was a pleasant surprise. Kvelertak's eponymous debut album introduced me to a genre I wasn't entirely acquainted with: black 'n' roll.

#2 - Les Discrets: Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées


March 2010, France.

Catapulted by fellow French band Alcest, Les Discrets released their absolutely amazing debut in 2010. "Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées" is a mix of shoegaze, post-rock and black metal that takes you to a surreal place filled with furry, whimsical creatures.


#1 - Crippled Black Phoenix: I, Vigilante


September 2010, England.

Hands down my most acclaimed album of 2010 and the driving force behind me wanting to do a 2010's Top 10. If you still haven't listened to this album, I urge you to do it now.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

then, many of the best releases of 2010 come from black-metal blends? ...mmm... i don't think so.

i like your blog very much, but this "best of" is terrible, imho.

troy.

kollaps said...

what is the problem with some of the best releases this year coming from black metal blends?

this top is obviously shaped by my listening habits. you are encouraged to come up with your own list if you think differently. however, these are still the ten albums *I* liked the most in 2010.

Anonymous said...

i agree, "tops" are a matter of subjectivity, ie personally i find BM ridiculous and their voice witchy-style hilarious.

so, if you'd entitled your post "MY 2010's Top 10" i wouldn't say a zip ;)

peace
T.

kollaps said...

I've changed the post title. I hope this makes the post's subjectivity a little more obvious to everyone.

and also, if you liked my top, you're just gonna loooove hybrisma's.

Anonymous said...

the new title will help, and will avoid confussion with other entries.

yes, her list is much more... honest.

have a great year, i wish you will enhance your sarcasm (it's quite "obvious to everyone").

and finally, i'm sorry if honest comments piss you off... ok not :D

the norman conquest said...

howdy! my name is norman and i'm from the oakland california based post metal band The Atomic Bomb Audition. i couldn't find a method to contact you, and i'd love to send you my band's latest album "roots into the see"... i think it's right up your alley, the sound is a complex, dynamic subform of metal, like Animals-era Pink Floyd filtered through the raw aural sensibility of Neurosis. could you send me an email address that i could send our press kit to? my email is mantraina@gmail.com thanks!

kollaps said...

hey, Norman. we'd love to hear your stuff. the blog's email address is spiralcircusblog@gmail.com. cheers.

Anonymous said...

Great Top 10 lists. I'm surprise Lis Er Stille wasn't mentioned though. Great album!

El Mo said...

Great choices, Have you ear this one already:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRXczrY8tZ4&feature=related