2010 TWIAPC Awards

I could’ve pulled together a “best of” list to add to the scads of other blogs who contribute to the annual tradition but after spending hours pouring through some really well put together lists and, of course, reading the “best of” guest posts right here on TWIAPC I figured I’d take another approach to bring you back around to some of the high points of 2010. So, I give you the first annual TWIAPC awards.

Dance-Around-Like-A-Crazy-Person Album Of The Year:
Florence & The Machine – Lungs

I cannot tell you how many horrible days or blue moods were chased away by coming home and putting this album on full blast and dancing around my apartment. Like Ida Maria’s fabulous release last year I have no doubt this album will remain in pretty constant rotation for years to come.

Biggest Sound From Tiniest Source:
Zola Jesus

I had the pleasure to see Miss. Jesus open for The XX this fall and wholly cow was I blown away by the vocal power exuded from her wee self. I have a much richer appreciation of her talent having seen and heard what I did that night. I cannot wait to hear what she has coming in 2011.
[MP3]Sea Talk

Album That Really Takes On New Life On Vinyl
Menomena – Mines

Probably my most favorite album of 2010 blossomed into an entirely new experience the day I brought home the vinyl and slipped it on to the turn table. Everything becomes brighter on wax. The percussion and harmonic tones in particular become incredibly full and nuanced. Even if you’re not “big into vinyl”- as I hear so many people say- you should treat yourself to this one. It’s delicious.

Best Concept Album About The Civil War (sort of)
Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

This is one smart and well produced album. Admittedly it took me a few listens to really catch everything but once the pieces came together  I found myself coming back to Monitor again and again. New Jersey sure knows how to create some great musicians.

Way Coolest Usage Of Vinyl
Octopus ProjectHexadecagon


This album not only comes with a make your own zoetrope but the D side is ten bonus tracks in interlocking roulette grooves. Meaning, you never know what track you’re going to get when you drop the needle. So effing cool.

Band I Have Major Expectations For in 2011
River City Extension

You know what I said about New Jersey’s ability to incubate fantastic music? These guys are case-and-point. The lyrics and arrangements are well rooted in classic Jersey sound with the personalities and musical talent to bring the sound unique life. They made some rumblings this year but I expect big things from them next year.

[MP3]Friends & Family (live)

Live Set That Made Me Wish I Were More Flexible
Poison Control Center

From the somersaults to the splits -all done while continuing to play- watching PCC live made me feel totally inadequate on the flexibility tip. It was also, I should note, a terribly entertaining show as well.

Album That Is The Sonic Equivalent Of A Comfortable Sweater
Frightened RabbitWinter Of Mixed Drinks

Perhaps it is because Scott Hutchison’s voice brings a great deal of comfort to me or because the tone of this album was so relatable -as Frightened rabbit albums tend to be- but I find Winter Of Mixed Drinks very comforting. Tuck into it, if you haven’t already that is.
[MP3] Swim Until You Can’t See Land

Band You Should Really Be Addicted To By Now
Lookbook

Seriously, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Go. Listen. Love.

[MP3] Yesterday’s Company

Further Proof More Soul Music Is What The World Needs
Aloe Blacc

I’ve been craving a solid return to a pop soul sound for ages and while I’ve savored the likes of Adele, Raphael Saadiq and Chrisette Michelle Blass hits the core of what I’ve been looking for.

Best Video Of The Year
Janelle Monae – Cold War

So simple yet so beautifully emotional. In a year of some awesome videos this one just stuck in my mind.

Series I had The Most Fun Writing
Summer Mix Series

I’ll have some more series coming in 2011 but I really had a lot of fun recalling the music that soundtracked summers past.

Reader Results:

Most Popular Tracks:
Bonfires – Rosie & Me
Under Control – Good Shoes
70 Million – Hold Your Horses
Airplanes – Local Natives
Heart It Races (architecture In Helsinki Cover) – Dr Dog
All Up In The Air – My Gold Mask

Most Popular Remixes:
I Am Not A Robot (Clock Opera Remix) – Marina & The Diamonds
Let’s Go Surfing (Ravonettes Remix) – The Drums
Lovegame (The Insomniacts Remix) – Lady Gaga
Home (Part Supplies Remix) – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

OK folks that’s about all from 2010. Let’s go get 2011 a hopping…

What Others Are Saying

  1. Matt Jan 27, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Man, you are lucky with Mines then. For me, that won the award for “worst vinyl pressing of the year.” There were a bunch of annoying pops and other defects from day one, I was thinking manufacturing problems. Must have been a handling issue…

  2. Emma Jan 27, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    God that sucks. I’ve have that happen a few times before and it’s such a buzz kill.

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