Finishing out the Top 20 Countdown: #2-#5
This post was written by Benjiposted in Uncategorized |
Be sure to come back tomorrow for the #1 album of the year (according to CSV of course), but today we have for you the albums that finish out the top 5. Without further ado:
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
How the heck did this Wisconsinan achieve indie folk stardom? Well, mostly with a unique vocal range and wonderfully lush instrumentation. Justin Vernon (the real Bon Iver) carefully laces his own vocals over rich guitars, imparting a sense of some contradictory calming urgency. Bon Iver rarely misses on this album–the album’s only real flaw is the sparseness in the number of tracks. But I have an inkling that this is not the last time that we’re going to hear of Justin Vernon.
Listen to Bon Iver - "Skinny Love "
3. Emiliana Torrini - Me & Armini
Torrini’s (full name: Emilíana Torrini Davíðsdóttir) most obvious asset is her own unEarthly voice-a croon so exquisite and delicate (cute?) that surely she could not be from this planet. Yet her lyrics focusing on love, nature, and the sea couldn’t sound more human. On Me and Armini , Torrini takes her abilities to a new level, as she incorporates more instrumentation (basslines!!) and contemporary folk sensibilities into her already developed lyrical style. No surprise here at #3.
Listen to Emiliana Torrini - "Big Jumps "
4. The Weepies - Hideaway
There’s an indescribable charm and enchantment that The Weepies have. Both Tannen’s and Talan’s have elegant, soft-spoken natures to their voices that give these pop-folk tunes a real gentleness to them. The enchanting wordplay that has become characterisitcally their own, combined with achingly sweet melodies, makes Hideaway an album that you won’t want to hide away for too long.
Listen to The Weepies - "Antarctica "
5. Coldplay - Viva La Vida/Prospekt’s March
Their shortest album yet is their most ambitious. Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends is as moody as Coldplay as have ever been-it’s bombastic and bold, outspoken and concise, much like a mission statement for the band. As if Viva La Vida wasn’t enough to satiate your appetite, Chris Martin & Co. managed to put out an additional EP Prospekt’s March that is equally as entertaining and captivating.
Listen to "Strawberry Swing "
