[SKOA Presents] The Top 25 Albums of 2010: 20-16

20. Tame Impala - Innerspeaker [Buy MP3 | Vinyl]
When you think about psych rock bands for 2010, the first band that should stand out should be the Austrailian 3 piece, Tame Impala and their debut album Innerspeaker. This album rocks from beginning to end, from the eerie beatle-esque vocals from vocalist/guitarist Kevin Parker in the track “It Is Not Meant To Be” to other stand out tracks like “Desire Be Desire Go”, “Lucidity” and “Solitude Is Bliss”. Innerspeaker’s amazing melodies and lyrics drenched in reverb and echo vocal effects, along with the band’s solid fuzz rock sound sets you in an awesome psychadelic dreamscape with each listen. The exciting part about this album, it’s the band’s first release which means we have a lot to look forward from Tame Impala in the future. - Rocko

19. Warpaint - The Fool [Buy CD | Vinyl]
An all girl band with a lot of buzz this year which normally would have me turning around immediately upon the mention of “buzz”. Yet, these girls delivered an exceptional debut album along with rousing live performances. Their lead single “Undertow” grabbed my attention immediately with it’s, as Pitchfork put it, “smoky mid-tempo” feel set the tone for the rest of the album. The rest of the album didn’t disappoint with it’s moody riffs and lyrics paired with Emily Kokal’s, Theresa Wayman and Jenny Lee’s haunting vocals and harmonies, along with the mellow drum work of Stella Mozgawa. From front to back the mystriousness of these girls drips through your speakers and makes you want to listen on and on. Yes it’s their debut album, but it’s also a bloody good listen and will have you imagining fields of flowers on a summers day along with the changing leaves of Fall. An all year round album that I feel deserves it’s place in our top albums of 2010. - Shey

18. Interpol - Interpol [Buy CD | Vinyl]

This self-tiled fourth installment from New York City's finest managed to deliver in a big way despite recent lineup changes and a recent break as lead singer Paul Banks ventured off into the great big world of solo records under the name Julian Plenti. In true Interpol fashion, the album is dripping with a dark allure, courtesy of the rhythm section, while Banks' vocals coat each song like hot fudge on an ice cream sundae, with its velvety richness. Working hand in hand with the stellar performances is the usual excellent writing that we have grown to expect from the band. The approach to the subject matter in each piece is pretty straightforward but always carefully presented. While this album did not break any new ground, it did reinforce their well-earned place in the world. - Kibbe

17. Chromeo - Business Casual [Buy CD | Vinyl]

Chromeo is perhaps one of the most interesting musical partnerships out there. Not only do Dave-1 and P-Thugg describe themselves as “the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture,” but they also managed to bring the seemingly forgettable sounds and styles of the 1980s and turned them into music that is catchy and modern at the same time. Their latest album Business Casual is an overly sexual, funky, groovy, dancey romp from start to finish. Right off the bat it hits you with the bass bumpin’ “Hot Mess,” and from there it just picks up and takes you for a seductive ride. What makes this album stand out from Chromeo’s two previous albums is the increased diversity that the duo brings to their instrumentation, whether it’s the heavier use of catchy guitar riffs or their fantastic progression on the synth, it all comes together in a very catchy and sexy package. - Adrian

16. Vampire Weekend - Contra [Buy CD | Vinyl]

With only two albums under their belt, New York-based Vampire Weekend is amazingly comfortable with the music they make. Their sophomore studio album Contra delivers a well-paced and overall surprising package that is on par, if not better, than their debut album. Every element of the band comes together so nicely on their second outing, whether it’s Ezra Koenig’s distinct vocals or Rostam Batmanglij’s unique synth work; all of it just connects in such a way that it’s hard not to continue listening. Every song on the album manages to cross genre borders yet still offers the unique persona of Vampire Weekend, such as the ever catchy “White Sky” or their two fantastic singles “Holiday and “Cousins.” Coming out with a sophomore album that manages to surpass such an outstanding debut album (i.e. 2008’s Vampire Weekend) is a rare occurrence for most bands, but Vampire Weekend managed to do just that with Contra. - Adrian

[SKOA Presents] The Top 25 Albums of 2010: 25-21

 

It's that time of year. With only a few short days left in 2010, we here at SKOA wanted to recap with you all of the albums that the SKOA staff enjoyed the most this year. To give you time to absorb all of these (in case for some unknown reason you missed a few), we're going to be giving you a handful each day this week along with little tidbits as to why we chose the albums we did. 

It has been our honor to share all the things we love with you guys and we hope you enjoy all of these albums as much as we do! 

On to 25-21! 

25. The Radio Dept - Clinging To A Scheme [Buy CD]

Swedish indie pop band The Radio Dept. has had a fairly low-key profile over the course of their twelve year existence. With a devote following and a dreamy sound that is on par if not better than any indie pop out there, it is hard to believe they’ve never really broken into the mainstream. That low key image seems to work for the band, though, and it becomes apparent when listening to the music they’ve created. Since 1998, the trio has amassed tons and tons of EPs and albums, and their third official studio album, Clinging to a Scheme, shows how well the band has perfected their sound. Each song on the album is masterfully crafted, with each and every sound coming together to create an almost ethereal musical atmosphere; Clinging to a Scheme is easily The Radio Dept.’s most polished work to date. - Adrian

24. Hot Chip - One Life Stand [Buy CD | Vinyl]

With three previous studio albums under their belt, Hot Chip’s latest, titled One Life Stand, comes together to be the cleanest, and best, record the band has ever put out. Every track perfectly blends the unique vocals of Alexis Taylor with greatly refined electropop beats. The band clearly knows what they’re doing and One Life Stand is the perfect representation of the energy and care that these Londoners put into their music. - Adrian

23. Tokyo Police Club - Champ [Buy CD | Vinyl] 

Despite a lot of buzz surrounding Canadian indie rockers Tokyo Police Club’s A Lesson in Crime EP back in ‘06, their debut album Elephant Shell felt fairly underwhelming. This year, though, they stepped up their game significantly with their sophomore LP, Champ. The energy that the quartet brought this time around far outshines their previous releases, producing a record that feels polished and more enjoyable. With greatly improved instrumentation, the band seems much more comfortable with the music they are making, and that shows throughout the entire album. The name of the album makes it clear enough that these guys are on top of their game. - Adrian

22. Beach House - Teen Dream [Buy CD | Vinyl]

It seems fitting that when Beach House stepped outside the boundaries of their usual melancholic, dreamscape world with the release of Teen Dream, they finally showed how much more potential they have as a band. The incredible voice of Victoria Legrand was, in the past, the focus of Beach House’s music, and still is. This time around, though, the elements that were previously background noise are now in the forefront alongside Legrand’s stunning vocals. Guitarist Alex Scally brings his skills to a more prominent level, adding a much needed depth to the beautifully mysterious sound that Beach House has become known for. With each new album, Beach House’s lo-fi, minimalist sound is becoming more and more solid, and Teen Dream represents a huge step forward for the duo. - Adrian

21. The National - High Violet [Buy CD | Vinyl]

When a band releases it’s third, it’s fourth or in this case their fifth album the bar can be set quite high by previous material. The National and their album High Violet leaped over that bar and dusted it off on their way over! The album is as introspective and dark as you’d of come to with Matt Berninger’s brooding voice dominating both guitar chugging tracks such as “Little Faith”, along with crowd favourites like “Terrible Love”. This album is the bands most ambitious, tantalising, gripping release to date, wearing their hearts on their sleeve and delivering a captivating album from cover to cover. If their progression from album to album is anything to go by, album 6 would have to be near on perfect to conquer High Violet. - Shey

[SKOA Presents] The Polyamorous Affair - "Rebel" (Video Premiere)

"Rebel" is the final track from The Polyamourous Affair's third release, Strange Bedfellows. Members Eddie Chacon and Sissy Saint-Marie lure you in with their pulsating beats and enchanting voices on this track. It's the kind of song that makes you feel uncomfortable and yet you find yourself strangely okay with the sensation. The video, shot in Berlin, Germany and directed by dev01ded, brilliantly reflects the same emotions with it's dreamy/nightmareish haze.

[SKoA Presents] Context Quote

Fan of The Kickdrums? Then some of you may know their live guitarist Daniel Weiss. Weiss recently released his solo project Context Quote's third album &. The album was recorded in a two-hundred-year-old house in Peekskill, New York which was once an installment along the Underground Railroad. The album was produced and written by Weiss with contributions from friends and even got his mom to record some vocals. (aaawwwwwwwww)

Its a nice mix melodic and alternative rock and definitely is one you dont want to miss out on, especially people who are fans of bands like The Kickdrums and Grizzly Bear. Check out 3 of the tracks below and if you want to hear more of the album. Head over to the Context Quote website to download it for free.

Context Quote - & (Preview) by Some Kind of Awesome

[SKoA Presents] Tinchy Stryder

I've been meaning to post some of Jay-Z favorite UK MC, Tinchy Stryder's newest tunes but i've been sleeping on it. For that I apologize and provide a triple dose of one UK's finest for those unfamiliar. First off, you can check out the video for Stryder's single "Gangsta?" mixed with the track "Game Over" featuring one of our favorite MC's Tinie Tempah above. Second, we got the stream of Tinchy's newest banger "In My System" below, which is taking charge all of over the UK at this monent. These 3 tracks are set to appear on Stryder's 3rd LP properly named Third Strike.

Speaking of Third Strikes, were gonna hit you off with one more Stryder joint as a bonus. As once again, Tinchy teams up with another of the UK's finest, Tinie Tempah, on a remix for Diddy's Dirty Money single "Hello, Good Morning". By far this is one of my favorite Diddy tracks (and thats very rare for me to say favorite and Diddy in the same sentence). Honestly, I wish that Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder would just put out a collaboration album because right now they have the UK's hip hop scene on lock. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that becomes reality.

Tinchy Stryder - "In My System" by Some Kind of Awesome

Diddy (Dirty Money) - "Hello Good Morning" feat. Tinchy Stryder & Tinie Tempah (Remix) by Some Kind of Awesome

[SKoA Presents] Ashley Jana

Ashley Jana is an unsigned dance pop singer/songwriter based in Manhattan NYC.  Originally from a US army based in Seoul, South Korea, Ashley began writing and performing music at a young age, and now is on the rise to becoming one of biggest pop contenders out there. Check out her music below. Ashley definitely has that awesome Kylie Minogue/Lady Gaga presence in her music.

Stereophile Magazine stated, "Singer-songwriter Ashley Jana's eponymous debut CD revealed her angelic, holographically recorded soprano as she wove her elliptical melodies through an extensive vocal range..."

Check out more of her tunes at:
http://www.ashleyjana.com
http://www.myspace.com/ashleyjanamusic
http://www.facebook.com/ashleyjanamusic

[SKoA Presents] Terrible Things

Photo By Ryan Russell

Here's a nice little "super group" that's flying under the radar, but won't be for long.  Terrible Things is made up of Hot Rod Circuit frontman Andy Jackson, former Taking Back Sunday singer/guitarist Fred Mascherino (also know as The Color Fred), and ex Coheed and Cambria drummer Josh Eppard. 

Previously known as Initials, the group scored a record deal with Universal Motown Records and had barely finished up recording their debut album when they were asked to hit the road with Story of the Year and Anberlin.  Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman also has picked up the group to play a few dates on his Kevin Says stage of the 2010 Warped Tour.

The group has a few jams up on their MySpace, but if you'd rather listen to them on the go, download the rips here. 

[SKoA Presents] Swahili Blonde

What happens when you get ex-WEAVE drummer/vocalist, ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar virtuoso John Frusciante, violinist and bassist Laena Myers-Ionita, Duran Duran bassist John Taylor and multi-instrumentalists Stella Mozgawa and Michael Quinn together? One of the most awesome, experimental project/band ever? We think so!

I think their bio pretty much sums up everything: "Swahili Blonde began with Nicole Turley (ex-WEAVE! drummer & vocalist) sitting in a little room amidst a bunch of instruments and recording equipment she didn’t know how to use. After many long nights, she still didn’t completely understand how everything worked, but was happy with the unconventional sounds and compositions she was able to make. She ended up being so happy with the result of her efforts, that she decided to record and release a collection of songs for a full-length album, humorously called Man Meat.

The album consists of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Turley giving a recorded voice to paralleled realities, vibrant visuals, and mismatched rhythms and patterns, musical and otherwise. Woven throughout the 7 songs are lucid and eloquent performances by violinist Laena Myers-Ionita, guitarist John Frusciante, bassist John Taylor, and multi-instrumentalists Stella Mozgawa & Michael Quinn."

Their album Man Meat is set to release July 6th via Manimal Vinyl. However, they already have 2 single available digitally, "Elixor Fixor" and "Dr. Teeth". You can download "Elixor Fixor" below and take a listen to two other songs off the album, the single "Dr. Teeth" and "Tigress Ritual" which is the first non instrumental song we've heard so far.

Swahili Blonde - Elixor Fixor (Right Click, Save as... to download)
 

Swahili Blonde - Dr. Teeth
 

Swahili Blonde - Tigress Ritual