JayeL Audio

The conclusion of my favorite tracks of 2010, plus two mixtapes with all 37 songs.
5. Mumford & Sons – Little Lion Man
Interesting fact about this song, Laura sings it without an accent and I sing it with a piss-poor Irish accent. If you haven’t sang this song at least once this year (with or without an accent), whats wrong with you?
4. Arcade Fire – We Used To Wait
One of the best online experiences/music videos I’ve witnessed and also one of the best songs of the year. The sinister synths on the hook were a great touch to echo Win Butler’s social musings.
3. Janelle Monae – Cold War
I have no idea what “war” Janelle is fighting for, but I’d gladly join if the marching music sounded like this. One of the many tracks from The ArchAndroid that showcases her charisma and engaging voice.
2. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes – Home
Classic call and response record that sounds like ’60s pop. Technically, it came out in 2009, but its probably one of the songs I listened to most this year. Deal with it.
1. Local Natives – Airplanes
One of many great songs by these guys, but “Airplanes” was the track I listened to on repeat. The hearfelt track about missing the chance to get to know a deceased grandparent is enough to bring some tears. And one I can definitely relate to.

JayeL Audio’s Top Tracks of 2010 – Disc One (.rar)
JayeL Audio’s Top Tracks of 2010 – Disc Two (.rar)
What were your favorite tracks of 2010? What did I miss? Let me know in the comments and enjoy the mixtapes!
Tracks #37 to #28
Tracks #27 to #16
Tracks #15 to #6

Two great artists. Two great albums. One great mash-up album. Producer Wick-It The Instigator brings together Big Boi and The Black Keys for something that is much more natural than it would seem. I had already been listening to “Black Bug” on repeat, but had no idea there was an entire album coming. “Afraid of the General” is particularly stirring, while “Everlasting Shine Blockaz” finally brings Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney together with Gucci Mane (you’re thrilled, right?). Gotta love that cover art.
The Brothers of Chico Dusty (Big Boi vs. The Black Keys) by wick-it

15. The National – Terrible Love
Sometimes, the best songs are the sad ones. Matt Berringer and company crafted an epic jam about a deeply troubled man. “It takes an ocean not to break” could be interpreted a lot of ways, but sounds a lot like alcoholism to me.
14. Tennis – Marathon
Tennis is an indie pop duo that had one of those stories that seems too good to be true. Pretty much all of their leaks from their upcoming album are too. “Marathon” is a fantastic example of retro pop that Camera Obscura would be proud of.
13. El Guincho – Bombay
I have no idea what the hell El Guincho is saying (need to brush up on my Spanish I guess), but this track is infectious. Mix tropical pop with electro and you have “Bombay”.
12. Radio Dept – Heaven’s On Fire
A genius premise for a song. I interpret the lyrics as all about the evils of the music industry, but the beat is about as pop-py as can be. Is it ironic that its also a major sample as part of my favorite mash-up of the year? I never understood irony.
11. Kanye West – Lost In The World ft Justin Vernon of Bon Iver
It only took the words “featuring Bon Iver” to know I was going to love this song. Great sample choice, great tribal rhythms and great rhymes. Bravo Mr. West and Mr. Vernon.
10. Cee Lo – What Part of Forever
I am truly shocked at how this song got swept under the rug, especially after being featured in Eclipse. Cee Lo may have left the swears at home this time, but his soaring vocals are on great display on this tale of confused love.
9. Lord Huron – Son Of A Gun
I’ve already explained my love of Lord Huron and the act’s two recent EP’s. “Son Of A Gun” is one standout of what I expect will be many to come.
Lord Huron – Son Of A Gun
8. Big Boi – Shutterbugg
Big Boi just destroyed one of the most innovative beats of the year courtesy of Scott Storch. DJ’s everywhere should be slapped for not giving it more play, but then again, I guess thats why I don’t listen to radio. I’m pretty sure this beat circulated Laura’s dreams when I got my hands on it in April.
7. LCD Soundsystem – Dance Yrself Clean
Ah, the song that I couldn’t get past on This Is Happening. Definitely has to be top 15 album openers I can think of. Its just too damn good not to listen to multiple times. When that drum and synth kick in at the chorus, it really makes me realize I need to see these guys in concert.
6. Lettercamp – Call It Off
Lettercamp was by far my favorite act to come out of Detroit in 2010. “Call It Off” (free mp3) has indie anthem potential punctuated by Liz Whitman’s inescapable voice and a glittering synth hook that is damn near addictive.

I’m really liking the dancehall/reggae with soul vibe to this new guy, Alex Clare. It certainly helps that Diplo & Switch produced his latest track “Up All Night” thats filled with energetic vocals and a backing thats part menacing guitar and part militant drum kick. Oh and one of my favorite new emcees, Gilbere Forte’ drops a few bars. The Guardian has more details on Alex Clare here. Up All Night featuring Gilbere Forte by IslandRecordsA&RUK

As we continue on with my favorite tracks of 2010…..#27-#16
27. The Black Keys – Everlasting Light
Man likes woman. Man tells her why he should be with woman. Nothing mind blowing lyrically, but Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney don’t need to be. The opening track from Brothers expands on their drum and guitar blues rock with even more well rounded pop appeal than many people thought they could.
26. Cee Lo Green – Fuck You
Yes, you are probably sick of this track by now, but its a work of genius. The retro sound mixed with Cee Lo’s charisma, unique voice and potty mouth is the perfect combination. Its pretty easy to imagine Cee Lo smiling as he croons every f-bomb.
25. The Morning Benders – Excuses
A track that has enough grandeur to get indie kids excited and enough sway and rhythm to make for an ideal beach song. Take me back to the beach in Caseville on Lake Huron please.
24. Janelle Monae – Tightrope ft Big Boi
I’ve yet to see anyone else attempt the “Tightrope” dance in public, but I’d like to. Just another piece of Janelle Monae’s eclectic piece of art, The ArchAndroid.
23. yOya – Fireworks
One of those folky/indie guitar tracks I consistently get addicted to. Alex Pfender’s glides pretty nicely over this summery beat.
yOya – Fireworks (free mp3)
22. Arcade Fire – Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Partially because “Sprawl II” showcases Regine’ so well. Partially because a song about an urban geography issue has never sounded so upbeat. Mostly because my geographer gf taught me about urban sprawl often in 2010.
21. Broken Bells – The Ghost Inside
Anyone Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse collaborates with these days doesn’t surprise me anymore. When I saw he was crafting an album with James Mercer, I could totally imagine a hit. “The Ghost Inside” is a highlight that expertly melded Mercer’s falsetto and Burton’s knack for nostalgic instruments (synth organ on the hook, I think) about a woman in an unfulfilled relationship.
20. LCD Soundsystem – Home
James Murphy and co don’t really care if you can’t hang around for an 8 minute song, but if you do leave early, you’ll miss something. “Home” has disco flavor that The Rapture utilized so well on their last album, with a dabble of Talking Heads mixed in.
19. The Hold Steady – The Weekenders
Remember “Chips Ahoy”? This is the sequel and I love it. Craig Finn is the man. “She said the theme of this party’s the Industrial Age/And you came in dressed like a train wreck”
18. Restless People – Days of Our Lives
Frenetic pace, stuttering synth, and hopeful lyrics made “Days Of Our Lives” and Restless People a constant listen.
17. Band of Horses – Neighbor
I like Band of Horses as a whole, but there is no doubt lead singer Ben Bridwell’s vocals are the star of the show. “Neighbor” is a bare-bones track that showcases Bridwell’s chilling vocals over some reverb and grand piano work before a thunderous grand finale.
16. Ellie Goulding – Under the Sheets
British songstress Ellie Goulding was quite enchanting on her debut album Lights (and later on re-issued Bright Lights). “Under the Sheets” is simply about heartbreak, but Goulding’s charming vocals coincide so nicely with the synth-filled backing.

The annual top tracks of the year list has expanded to 37. Why? Because you really need 2 discs to get an accurate picture of this great year in music. Look for two mixtapes at the end of the list.
37. Kings of Leon – Mary
Bring on the hate, but this might be the most infectious jam on Come Around Sundown. Lyrically, its pretty simplistic but I wouldn’t mind singing along at a show in the near future.
36. M.I.A. – Tell Me Why
The addictive beat kind of sounds like a mixture of the Jungle Book theme and acid rap. Lyrically, just sounds like a Maya rant, but I would bet she had a lot of people “throwing they hands like they mad a the ceiling” at festivals last summer.
35. Big Boi – Train Pt 2 (Sir Lucious Left Foot Saves The Day) ft Sam Chris
The sequel to my favorite song off the easily forgettable Idlewild soundtrack. Mr. Antwan Patton essentially spits what could be interpreted as the trials of the hip-hop game and/or lives of unfortunate souls continuing to circle the tracks with no end in sight. My favorite line: “Kids, common sense ain’t common when your minds trapped in a fence.”
34. Restless People – Don’t Back Down
This Brooklyn foursome was not surprisingly one of my favorite new acts of the year. Especially after I saw my iTunes play count on this infectious synth-pop gem.
33. Kanye West – Monster ft Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver
Everyone dropped some serious bars on this one, including two “rappers” I have great disdain for. Leave it to some guidance from Kanye and a trip to Hawaii to get decent work out of Rozay and Ms. Minaj.
32. Vampire Weekend – Diplomat’s Son
I have no clue what this song is referring to (love for a best friend, but worried about ruining the friendship?), but I love everything about it. The change of pace from the classically leaning somber start to the bombastic middle and tropical finish. The Paul Simon influcence is certainly felt and mentioned at one point.
31. Josh Ritter – Long Shadows
A great toe-tapping track that close So Runs the World Away on a strong note. Sounds like Ritter is just trying to comfort someone who is scared, but in the poetic lyricism he is known for.
30. Yeasayer – Madder Red
The early guitar licks make way for the anthemic, sing-along nature of the hook on Yeasayer’s “Madder Red”. Who knew guilt and a complicated relationship could make for a great pop song?
29. Wolf Parade-What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way)
One of many great post punk jams from Wolf Parade’s Expo 86, I chose “What Did My Lover Say?” for its unapologetic narrative and its zig zagging vocals and pace. Lets hope the band’s hiatus is a short one.
28. The Roots – The Fire ft John Legend
If there is a Rocky remake in the works anytime soon, this should be the theme song. Black Thought drops the knowledge while John Legend croons the inspirational hook and hits the keys. “I’m the definition of tragedy turned triumph”.

You may remember indie rockers Eyes Lips Eyes from their catchy slice of pop called “Tickle” (I featured it on my Aug mixtape here). Since then, the LA-based (originally from Provo, Utah) four-piece has been working on a what they call a “No Album” project. Essentially, the band releases one or two tracks each month as they are completed over a year. Pretty cool way of getting fans music at a reasonable rate. One of those tracks, new wavey “Simple Economics” recently spawned a fun music video shot around Los Angeles with a zombie theme. The jangly tempo and Tony Hello’s David Byrne-inspired vocals instantly made me hit replay.
The most recent single is slow-burner “Bear Trap”. Its full of relationship anxiety and slowly builds before a crashing end.
Eyes Lips Eyes – Bear Trap (free mp3)
Pick up all releases from the No Album project here.
They even wrote their own Christmas song. Get “Slept In Through Christmas” below.
Eyes Lips Eyes – Slept In Through Christmas (free mp3)

Chromeo’s synth/electro pop jam “Hot Mess” was already great and then La Roux hopped on it and made it extra great. Now Ducksauce aka A-Trak (Dave 1′s brother) and Armand Van Helden get down on the remix. It mostly showcases La Roux’s fantastic vocal highlights, but the remix is also given some sinister synth and some hypnotic bass.
Cheomeo – Hot Mess f/ La Roux (Duck Sauce Remix) by Pretty Much Amazing via PMA.
Original track:

The rest of the best according to my ears in 2010. Be sure to leave your disagreements, agreements, top 5, 10 or whatever you’d like in the comments.
1. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Probably the best album of Kanye’s career and certainly the best of 2010. In the past, Mr. West’s albums suffered from the inconsitency and cohesiveness of masterpiece. On MBDTF, West has triumphant pop records (“All of the Lights”), experimentation a la 808‘s (“Runaway”), grimy posse cuts (“So Appalled”) and focused hip-hop (“Power”). Though he certainly doesn’t sound as pained as he did on 808‘s, the tumultuous past few years has inspired Kanye to step up lyrically. “Lost In the World” masterfully expounds on a Bon Iver sample, while “Dark Fantasy” has some of the best punchlines ‘Ye has uttered in years. He even manages to get some impressive features from the likes of Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross who I normally refrain from.

2. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
The album I listened to the most in 2010 by far. Local Natives intrigued me with the tribal harmonies of “Sun Hands”, but reeled me in with the charm of the entire Gorilla Manor album. The layered vocals and sing-a-long nature draws most listeners in, but the story telling is probably the most underrated element of the band. The heartfelt letter of a missed relative on “Airplanes” and lustful conversation of “Cards and Quarters” aren’t to be missed.
Local Natives – Sun Hands (free mp3)

3. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
I initially thought This Is Happening‘s long tracks (3:30 to 10 minutes) couldn’t work for today’s ADD listening habits, but the way songs shift and pack in so many elements couldn’t be more perfect. Prime example, the subtle first notes on “Dance Yrself Clean” build with subtle words, which lead to a pounding beat and a shout worthy hook from James Murphy. Things just get better from there with the disruptive relationship on “I Can Change” and letting go with “Home”. The only song that semi-annoyed me was “Drunk Girls”, but I ended up coming around to its nonsensical fun. If this really is LCD Soundsystem’s last album, they went out on a hell of a note.

4. The National – High Violet
After five albums, The National continue to be the model of consistency. High Violet has all of the epic-ly built sounds that play up Matt Berninger’s baritone vocals and paint great landscapes for tales of despair in city life. I’m always amazed at how they can turn songs about distress and anxiety into anthems (see “Bloodbuzz Ohio”, “I’m Afraid of Everyone”, “Anyone’s Ghost”).

5. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
Coming off the especially dark, but superb Neon Bible, I expected Arcade Fire to stay in the somber lane. Instead, the band offered up their most accessible album to date in The Suburbs. There are still musings of fear (“City With No Children”) and anxiety with today’s society (“The Suburbs”), but there is a slight sound of hope and optimism (“Month of May”). On another positive note, Win Butler steps aside at times to showcase Regine’s Chassagne’s chilling vocals, especially on standout cut “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”.

Top Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention
Top Albums of the Year: #6-#10

Top tracks of the year coming soon…

As we continue on, albums 6 thru 10 that were the best according to me.
6. Janelle Monae – The Archandroid
One of 2010′s most charasmatic artists, also had a superb breakthrough album. Janelle Monae called The Archandroid an “emotion-picture” and it certainly was reminiscent of a dramatic musical. Monae bounces thru numerous genres, from doo-wop (“Tightrope”) to art rock (“Come Alive”) to old school-flavored R&B (“Oh, Maker”). “Cold War” truly shines through in showing Monae has the voice that backs up the character.

7. Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
Mumford & Sons were a band that initially intrigued me with “Little Lion Man” and “Roll Away Your Stone”, but got lost in the shuffle of new releases. I’m glad I was able to give them more of a chance later in the year. Sigh No More is a folk record at heart (gotta love the expert banjo appearances), but manages just enough cross over appeal that make replays a must. Tracks like “The Cave”, “Awake My Soul” and “Winter Winds” both master the art of building a track slowing and the turning into a foot-stomping anthem (aka the types of songs I’m a sucker for).

8. Yeasayer – Odd Blood
Another album that had a different favorite track depending on the week was Odd Blood. Yeasayer’s second album had a lot less middle eastern influcence than on All Our Cymbals, but managed to mix pop (“O.N.E.”) with experimental rock (“Ambling Amp”). The shared vocal duties by Chris Keating and Anand Wilder are used to perfection highlighting each other’s vocal and songwriting strengths on “I Remember” and “Madder Red”.

9. Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty
I think most people thought Big Boi’s long-awaited solo album would be solid based on the OutKast pedigree and previous leaks. The real question was, will it ever come out? When it did, Mr. Antwan Patton gave listeners a taste of classic OutKast eclectic beats (“Follow Us”), funk (“Shutterbugg”, “Daddy Fat Sax”), and bars aplenty (“General Patton”, “Shine Blockas”). The album may have not received the much deserved radio play, but it was a relevation and hopefully made fans realize Big Boi isn’t as far away from the perch many people put Andre 3000 on.

10. Wolf Parade – Expo 86
I had a smattering of Wolf Parade’s previous works, but each track that dripped prior to Expo 86‘s release had me eager for the album. Interviews prior to the album’s release explained the band’s process of recording live in the studio with minimal overdubs and the energy and cohesiveness shows. Co-leader Spencer Krug’s wobbly, yet haunting voice is perhaps most effective on sweltering anthem “What Did My Lover Say?”, but the album has highlights galore (“Ghost Pressure” and “Little Golden Age” to name a few).
Wolf Parade – Ghost Pressure (free mp3)