Here they are: the five albums that we thought were the best ones released in the past year.  These lists are unbelievably subjective, but after writing about music nearly every single day for the past 12 months, it’s kind of nice to revisit what resonated most.

I had a conversation not long ago about how writing this blog affected my love of great songs and albums, and my response was that I still fall in love with albums and songs, but the time I allot for listening to them repeatedly is reduced significantly.  Whereas I may have listened to Jeff Buckley’s Grace for a year straight, now even the best albums get merely a few weeks – and that’s with lots of other music mixed in.  It’s a great problem to have, and I hope it continues.

On a personal note, we’d both like to thank you for taking the time to read what we put out here – whether you’ve just discovered us this week or you’re a regular.  We do appreciate it, and we hope you all have a safe and happy New Year.

Beach House // Teen Dream

The fact that Teen Dream was released in January and still ranks this high is a testament to how good it actually is.  Filled up with gorgeous dream-pop, Teen Dream is a natural and honest progression for the duo, and one that worked extremely well. -A

[mp3] Beach House :: Norway

The Morning Benders // Big Echo

The first time I listened to this album, I was at work, very early on a Saturday morning back in the earlier parts of 2010. I was able to stream the entire album on the gone-but-not-forgotten music site LaLa. The ability to stream the record in its entirety solidified my decision to immediately order the record on vinyl. I’ve probably listened to this record more than any other this year, and it’s still as fresh. -D

[mp3] The Morning Benders :: Excuses

The Walkmen // Lisbon

There’s an air about The Walkmen’s latest album – something almost freeing – when it’s compared to 2008′s You & Me.  Perhaps due to the fact that it was recorded in a span of five days, Lisbon comes off as more loose than its predecessor.  And while most might not think it was nearly as good, it was certainly good enough to deserve this spot. -A

[mp3] The Walkmen :: Angela Surf City

Tame Impala // Innerspeaker

Andy’s personal #1 of 2010, Tame Impala’s first proper full-length combined Lennon-like vocals with psychedelic, expansive music; while that style might be oft-repeated, few pull it off so convincingly well.  Innerspeaker wears its influences well, but the band doesn’t allow them to get in the way or make them feel forced.  This is an album to listen to as a whole; it’s a rare thing to find a cohesive album these days. It’s even more rare that it’s this good. -A

[mp3] Tame Impala :: Solitude Is Bliss

Deerhunter // Halcyon Digest

In a surprise (to me) win, my personal #1 album of the year is the blog’s collaborative top record. Without prior knowledge of each other’s rankings, Andy rated Halcyon Digest one spot higher than I did Innerspeaker.

While I wouldn’t have considered it out of the question, I didn’t believe this record would land in our top spot. I assumed our eventual #2 would take that honor, though either is certainly worthy of it. I speak often of expectations, but mine couldn’t have been higher for Deerhunter following 2008′s Microcastle, an album I consider at times to be my favorite record ever. I assumed I would love this album, that I eventually did and came to rank it as my favorite was not a foregone conclusion, but rather one that was earned. -D

[mp3] Deerhunter :: Revival

…until next year

It’s here.  It’s today.  By the time you read this, I’ll probably already be out of the house, waiting for my favorite record store to open up their doors.  If you haven’t been planning already, or are just a casual observer, check out the full list of vinyl that is being released specifically for Record Store Day.  It’s lengthy, and awesome, and a lot of it is extremely limited – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.  I have a list of 10 things I want, and have ordered them according to what I want most so I know where to focus my energy.

Your local indie record shop should be holding something.  The ones around here are having sales, having bands, and then there’s a party at a local bar later on tonight.  Get yourself to someplace close to you and support independent record stores.  You’ll miss them should they ever go away.

Here are a couple of tracks from bands that have releases today.  They aren’t specifically from today’s releases, but hopefully they get you out to the stores.  Have an excellent day.  We’ll report back on what we end up with – and you should too.

The Black Keys – I’m Glad (mp3)

Beach House – Zebra (mp3) from Teen Dream

Modest Mouse – 3rd Planet (mp3) from The Moon & Antarctica