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"An Experiment..." evolved, after the break!
Introduction:
Working at a desk computer can be quite boring. If no one told you before.
In 2008, this music-obsessed author had to share a computer in our "Vault" located on the Paramount Studio lot before we eventually moved to a much bigger building in Studio City in the Fall/Winter. There I spent 80% of my day multi-tasking between requests while scrolling through webpage after webpage, YouTube video after YouTube video, until I clocked out.
That was the cycle for close to two years. I read a lot of blogs and downloaded music to listen to on the long ride home. It's what I loved to do between the tedious daily errands. Every day a new webpage sprouted up with more content to check out. It was awesome. But by mid-2009, I decided to follow the trend and make one myself.
You can hear more about my early days in Episode 0 of the That Buzzing Sound podcast. Poorly spoke about my origins there in far more detail. How I met Picksysticks while working in the research department and the early days on Blogger. I should have mentioned how much I loved writing journals on MySpace. Think I had over 100 before the site collapsed upon itself. I was able to save a few before that site regenerated.
(Pretty sure what I've been doing over the years is merely an extension of that experience.)
Anyway! 2010 marked my first full year as a Music Blogger! That version of me was absolutely content with re-sharing all the things he loved hearing daily. Didn't get many views in 2009, but "Bored 4 Music" started to make bigger strides in 2010 due to a constant jam-packed posting schedule. PR agencies started to reach out to me via email more and more as the views went higher and higher. Then I got the concert itch by the time 2010 came to a close. Setting the stage for a crazy 2011.
Unlike most of these Favorite Albums Mega posts I've composed over the past year... this was by far the easiest! Cause you never forget your first.
Already had a handful of records picked out from the first pass on Album of the Year.org. I never wrote about these 25 projects either as my first "Favorite Albums of 2010" list was just a bunch of record covers posted on the sidebar of the "Bored 4 Music" homepage. No joke. Sure I've written about some of them in the past "1st Songs"... still, this is the first official list I ever devised for 2010. Now that's a really cool feat.
Enjoy...
My Favorite Albums of 2010 (Redux)
#25 - 'Hands All Over' by Maroon 5
An album I've been addicted to since I started my 2010 re-listen surprisingly. Popped it on before leaving for RSD 2024 & had such a great time with 'Hands All Over' on the ride down to Pasadena. Still rocking select tracks on my Apple Music. I have reached the Adult Contemporary age so that probably makes sense? Or maybe I'm missing radio-friendly Maroon 5? Who knows.
Regardless of all the internal conflicts, out of the many... many replays... 'Hands All Over' stood out as one of the most addicting pop records from 2010. It wasn't the mainstream hits like "Moves Like Jagger" or "Never Gonna Leave This Bed". My old-school favorite tracks such as "Runaway", "Don't Know Nothing", "Get Back in My Life", or "Just A Feeling" really hit me all these later. Felt great to vibe in a bed of nostalgia. Just leave me with the covers over my head. Please.
#24 - 'Talking To You, Talking To Me' by The Watson Twins
Became a fan of The Watson Twins because of a love for Jenny Lewis' discography. So when they released 'Talking To You, Talking To Me' in 2010, I tried my best to support the project to my super small audience. Remember sharing singles & videos throughout that era. Even covered them at the LA Times Festival of Books with Picksysticks at UCLA one year around this release.
This is one of those albums that got deleted from my consciousness in the years following 2010. So experiencing 'Talking To You, Talking To Me' felt fresh in 2024. You can really taste that raw indie folk rock from the speakers. Sounded like it was birthed in the deepest reaches of Bohemian Los Angeles. At a Café in Echo Park on a Fall evening. If that makes sense.
This listener has always loved "Devil in You", "Tell Me Why", "Forever Me", and "U N Me" but "Snow Canyons" got more replays during this modern-day listening session. Such a beautiful musical moment. Can't recommend this album enough. Felt like reconnecting with an old friend.
I noticed (while putting this blurb together) that The Watson Twins released a few more records recently and I gotta go check them out now! Hate feeling so out of touch with artists who made up much of my musical history.
#23 - 'Teenage Dream' by Katy Perry
I still remember hearing "Teenage Dream" (the single) for the first time.
It sounded like a pop heaven as I sat at the company's research station. Forwarded the track straight to my vault mentor, who I thought would've loved it because she was a Perry-Brand fan, and got no response. Followed up later and she just "meh'd". It is funny in hindsight but ...back then... I was quite bothered by the no response. Really cut deep. Stuff I fixed that "part of me" in the years that followed. However, the scar still remains (kidding).
2012's 'Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection' is the better package as it includes Katy's liberating "Wide Awake", "Dressin Up", & "Part of Me" which really heightens this already stellar collection. Most of the original tracks are a little "too youthful" for this aging listener. "Bubblegum pop" in every sense of the term. This listener doesn't party on Fridays anymore. That sums up my feelings on this album.
The 2010 version of me appreciated it far more. He did such irresponsible things all the time. This listener still can't overlook 'Teenage Dream's' contribution in my musical history because I was literally living my "Teenage Dream" of working in Hollywood. Makes me smile whenever these tracks appear on mainstream radio.
#22 - 'Be My Thrill' by The Weepies
Got my first taste of The Weepies while being a super fan of the TV Show "Scrubs". "World Spins Madly On", from their sophomore album - 'Say I Am You', is the anthem for one of the most profound episodes of Season 5: "My Deja Vu My Deja Vu". Listening to it while writing this and just melting in this chair. My love for Indie Rock / Folk Rock came from that amazing TV series. Their music supervision was on point. "Grey's Anatomy" is equally as good... and The Weepies' tracks have been a part of those seasons too! Deb and Steve's music made for lovely moments.
Cause you can feel the comforting warmth from The Weepies. 2010's 'Be My Thrill' is a beautifully deep project. Whether it be about thinking about a loved one who passes, walking through the park, or to the market... you'll always need a tissue on standby. The emotions that pour into your musical soul tend to find their way deep. Solid songwriting has a tendency to call forth that kind of response.
This album was made for me. Hearing Deb & Steve's memorable vocals reactivated a part of me long forgotten. The title track especially. Getting my blood pumping. I can't wait to share more words about The Weepies soon because I never featured their 2011 concert at The Troubadour before. Expect that soon!
#21 - 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' by Various Artists
"Hello again, friend of a friend..."
'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' remains one of the best film soundtracks of the 2010s. But you already know that. Glad to see the public opinions about the film change over the years. Truly a cult classic. The soundtrack has always been an indie darling. Fits the film wonderfully. Need I say more?
#20 - 'Contra' by Vampire Weekend
Time has made me appreciate 'Contra' a bit more. When Vampire Weekend first dropped their sophomore project, I thought it was all sonically all over the place & strange. Everyone else absolutely adored the high-class, bourgeoise, indie pop sailing through their headphones. I'm sure most listeners think it is Vampire Weekend's best album in their growing discography. I'm finding it extremely hard to debate that fact.
As I listen to 'Contra' with the summer season approaching... the album feels hella fun! Youthful extravagance with carefree flows projecting college nonchalance. Remember those days? They come flooding back the deeper I connect with 'Contra'. 'Modern Vampires of the City' means far more to my musical history but this project sounds so great running fast with windows open.
#19 - 'I'm Having Fun Now' by Jenny & Johnny
My late-night LA concert adventures began in 2010 after experiencing Jenny Lewis & Johnathan Rice at The Troubadour and then a month later at The Music Box (now The Fonda Theater) on Hollywood Blvd during their "Jenny & Johnny" era. Brought my point-and-shoot digital camera to each venue and did my best to capture some Hollywood Nights. What came after was 200+ shows of memories this author can look fondly back on. Memories that quickly returned when I hit play on this album.
(You'll read all about the Jenny & Johnny concerts soon. Promise.)
Why did I pick them to start this journey? I don't remember actually. Think I was trying to pander to an old friend. Jenny Lewis was one of her favorite artists. Spent years before this period learning to appreciate Rilo Kiley & Jenny's Rabbit Fur Coat era immensely which carried over into 2010. Jenny's tag team with Johnathan Rice connected with me more than all those albums combined. The two sounded great together on 'I'm Having Fun Now'. Indie Rock anthems to sway back and forth all around SoCal. A trend flooding this countdown so far.
It all started here with 'I'm Having Fun Now'. This was the first album I ever followed along with as it was promoted, released, & then covered the live performances. Holds plenty of first steps in my blogging history. Helps that the album is a fantastic listen. Especially as the Southern California heat warms up this setting.
#18 - 'Brothers' by The Black Keys
An awesome indie rock soul record that just vibes the deeper you listen. Had us howling throughout 2010. 'Brothers' was my introduction to The Black Keys. The impression they made on this project kept me engaged with their music for the next decade. Something you should know if you've followed along to my Favorite Albums Series. It all started here with 'Brothers'.
#17 - 'Grace Potter & the Nocturnals' by Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
Keeping the indie rock soul going as Grace Potter & the Nocturnals brought that energy to 2010. Their self-titled debut started the decade with this hard-hitting sexy cool swagger. I loved this project so much that I ventured to The El Rey Theatre for an equally awesome late-night show a year later. Don't worry... those pictures will be appearing on the site soon!
(spoilers!)
#16 - 'Treats' by Sleigh Bells
An eccentric album hammered into my consciousness back in 2010 and has never fallen out of my mind after all these years. That's how unique Sleigh Bells' 'Treats' is. Noise Pop, in its roughest-most experimental form, goes down surprisingly well on each listen. This album has become one of my favorite recommendations to pop & rock fans over the years as it doesn't get more complex & fun than 'Treats'.
#15 - 'Business Casual' by Chromeo
Speaking of fun! 'Business Casual' continues this common 2010 theme beautifully. Chromeo pulls off "tongue in cheek" better than any music group. They create these hip-shaking anthems by infusing old-school funkadelic soul with modern-day electronic style. What old sounds completely new again and with a fresh sense of vigor. They mastered their art form here on 'Business Casual'. Everything that followed merely expanded on this formula. And I still love it!
#14 - 'Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty' by Big Boi
Big Boi's debut solo project, 'Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty', was one of the most acclaimed & beloved albums of 2010. It was something we all agreed upon as the decade kicked off. I haven't spun it since then honestly... despite owning the CD... and it still kinda holds up. You can feel the carefree 2010 vibes. Especially on the funky lead single, "Shutterbugg", which is still a standout in 2024. Everything else is debatable. Well... maybe except for tag team with Janelle Monae. "Be Still" is an underrated classic.
Thought I'd quickly move on from 'Sir Lucious Left Foot...' after a few tracks, but I didn't! What starts very classic Outkast in style slowly transforms into a full showcase of hip hop & soul's rising stars at the time. It was quite nice to incorporate new voices on his new journey while paying homage to the funk legends. Don't ever forget about this timeless hip-hop journey.
#13 - 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)' by Taylor Swift
'Speak Now' is my favorite Taylor Swift album. I think it is the perfect blend of country & pop. Sucks I couldn't place it any higher but I love the albums below even more it seems.
Again, 2010 me would be tuning into CMT Top 20 Countdown every Saturday morning. And guess what was #1 for multiple weeks? "Sparks Fly". "Ours". "Mine". "Mean". "Back To December". 'The Story of Us". Looked forward to singing along as I drank my morning soda. (I didn't switch to drinking coffee yet.) Plus I woke up at noon normally. Drinking coffee in the midday was a weird concept back then. Now... not so much.
A perfect album for the perfect time in my life.
#12 - 'How I Got Over' by The Roots
The Root's 'How I Got Over' remains a generational project. Probably my favorite album from the legendary Roots crew. Lyrics that strike the heart. Instrumentals that make the head nod, shaking around those relatable introspective and deep existential thoughts. Will have you questioning beliefs while fueling "The Fire" inside you. How did they get over all the trauma? Well... just listen to these stories. Maybe they'll help you overcome yours.
Something we all need to hear at one point in our lives.
#11 - 'Tron: Legacy' by Daft Punk
Crazy how the House of Mouse went all in on a Daft Punk soundtrack. The major studios nowadays seem to play everything so damn safe... which sucks. The fact that this 'Tron: Legacy' score even exists is a miracle. Sure the film was indifferent to most, but you can't deny how brilliant this soundtrack is.
Daft Punk didn't hold back either creating a soaring cinematic listening experience. There are only a few moments of classic Daft Punk on the soundtrack as they focus more on quiet subtly over-bass-bumping expectations for the majority of the listen. They build to those moments over drowning the listening experience with them. Something this listener finds so much more satisfying.
If you want that album... they released it in 2011. It's called 'Tron: Legacy Reconfigured' and it is awesome! However, I prefer this version more.
#10 - 'Trill O.G.' by Bun B
My lasting memory of Bun B's 'Trill O.G.', the third entry in his hip-hop series at the time, was all the praise it received from the hip-hop blogs. The Source gave the album 5 Mics.
So how does it sound in 2024? Pretty good. Solid entry featuring some of Hip-Hop's heavy hitters, rising stars, and legendary ghosts atop some awesome instrumentals. Forgot they used a Tupac verse. So that popped me once again. "Right Now" has some humor in general. Pimp C's opening verse always brings a smile to my face.
The album feels very 2010s. There's nothing wrong with that. Thought highly of 'Trill O.G.' back then and even though doesn't hold up as much nowadays... the nostalgia has been a pleasure.
#09 - 'All Day' by Girl Talk
When I write about the early days of how music blogging felt like the "Wild West" during the 2010s... Girl Talk's 5th project - 'All Day' - is what I mean. Gregg Gillis spent the mid to late 2000s releasing these amazing sampling albums that cooked different genres into a melting pot of non-stop vibes. Making for one of the most filling meals for your ears. All for the low price of "Free.99".
I'm pretty shocked that a good portion of Girl Talk's discography is available on streaming in 2024. This author is listening to 'All Day' on YouTube right now. Having an absolute blast in this chair! Couldn't recommend this mixtape enough. Fuses so many artists & songs I absolutely adore into a genre buffet.
To think this was his finale back then makes this project feel even more meaningful. The "Wild West" was starting to sunset and we went out with our hands up while leaning back. Something this listener knows quite well because we were at Gregg's 2011 showcase at The Hollywood Palladium. EDM shows never disappoint. Just a room of people having a good time. Recommend taking part.
#08 - 'Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager' by Kid Cudi
This album spoke to me. Not so much anymore but in 2010, 'Man On The Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager' Soundtracked a high point in my professional life and channeled much of my sad feelings around it. Driving 2+ hours on dark freeways for years eventually takes its toll on your psyche. Listening to Kid Cudi's haunting musical crazy cool Rockstar nightmares felt close under those fluorescent LA street lights.
Did it make my exhaustion better? Probably not, but Cudder & I were "all in together" those dark worlds we resided in back then. Perks of being young, I guess? We can have dark experiences like this with friends & strangers. An adventure worth reliving anytime I find myself playing my favorite selects from '...Mr. Rager'. For I have shared plenty of singles from Kid Cudi's masterpiece over the years.
Happy I can enjoy everything I hear on this project. Sounds even better on Vinyl.
#07 - 'The Suburbs' by Arcade Fire
A perfect rock record. Just gonna leave it at that. If you know... you know!
#06 - 'Kaleidoscope Heart' by Sara Bareilles
Listening to 2007's 'Little Voice' during my rookie year (2008) at the Company left such an impression. Sara's soothing indie pop vocals sang me to and from work as I lived the dream I was somewhat chasing. Sure it wasn't film, but TV News was never boring. Her songs eventually became comfort music over time as I made the long drives from my hometown to Hollywood daily.
However, I don't think I appreciated 'Kaleidoscope Heart' more than I do now in 2024. It might be Sara Bareilles' most complete album. 2013's 'The Blessed Unrest' does mean more to me on a personal level but I really love my time with 'Kaleidoscope Heart' whenever I find my way back to it. "Uncharted", "Never Gonna Get Over You", "Say You're Sorry", "Basket Case", "Hold My Heart", "Let It Rain", and "Breathe Again" are all awesome listens.
You can argue that Sara might've tried hard to capture "Lightning in a Bottle" on this project but she came rather close in my opinion. Especially in hindsight. The album is fun and beautiful. What more can you ask for?
#05 - 'Recovery' by Eminem
Found it difficult to compound my love for 'Recovery'. Actually took me two days to meditate on the whole experience. It is an album that holds plenty of feelings for me. Maybe too many honestly. One of my favorite artists of my teens finally "grew up". Well... sort of. There are some questionable/childish lyrics throughout 'Recovery' that will beg to differ, you know? Every step can be a positive step on the road to recovery. Happy Marshall confronted it all through his art form.
The finished product is an empowering, fun, and impactful listen. Have joked that Eminem puts together a fantastic third verse that will make listeners run through a wall after hearing it. 'Recovery' has plenty of those. For it is not how you start... it is how you finish. The personification of the man behind the artist. To see how much he has grown in the years beyond 'Recovery' is heart-warming, to say the least. And it all started here. Take all these meanings to heart if you need a little push.
#04 - 'The ArchAndroid' by Janelle Monáe
Been waiting for Cindi Mayweather's cinematic musical journey through time to save a world to hit the Broadway stage or silver screen. Felt like a certainty. However, Janelle has incorporated short films with the other parts of her musical trilogy after 'The ArchAndroid'. So maybe it isn't needed? Perhaps one day? Hell, I should write it then!
Janelle Monáe's 2010 afro-futuristic pop conceptual debut is nothing short of remarkable. A deep, complex experience that equals any form of media in storytelling, messaging, and enjoyment. Doesn't need a screen or stage either... just your imagination. The listener gets to create their own moving picture for Android Cindy Mayweather's epic journey to break free from the mental cages.
Something that will play an important role in 2024 & beyond for our society & the technology slowly transforming it. 'The ArchAndroid' remains a masterpiece. Beyond its definition. More reason why I feel it should be translated into more forms of media moving forward, you know?
#03 - 'Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys' by My Chemical Romance
Luckily, My Chemical Romance's "Fabulous Killjoys" alter egos got to live beyond the speakers after their 4th and final album, 'Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys', sunsetted in the wasteland. Gerard Way turned their journey into a short series comic book for Dark Horse. Allowing the journey to have brilliant visuals. Expanding on the concept album a bit more. Which this long-time fan loved.
I honestly listen to 'Danger Days' more than any other My Chemical Romance project nowadays. Even though 'The Black Parade' is my favorite album of time... I enjoy the monstrous anthems the Killjoys provide on this concept album. They're all hopeful and not typical emo. Their soaring cinematic soundtrack mirrors most Hollywood blockbusters in delivery and execution. Can't help but root for the underdogs as the villains push them to their limits. I'm howling these anthems along with them. Till the last laser beam is fired.
"Summertime", alone, is a masterpiece that has hints of The Cure peppered throughout it. So damn good.
I don't know y'all. Maybe I liked growing up with my favorite college-era band as we were all maturing at the same time? Making us all "The Kids from Yesterday" forever more. This project really projects those feelings for me. MCR went out on their own terms too. Appreciate the closure that is quite bittersweet.
Happily, I got to see My Chemical Romance perform select tracks from this album at the Hollywood Palladium & Hollywood Bowl during the 'Danger Days' era. Still one of the highlights from those early "Bored 4 Music" days. Anytime you have a chance to see your "Bucket List" bands, be sure to do it. "Killjoys" don't last forever.
#02 - 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' by Kanye West
Let's talk about Apple Music's #26 Best Album of all time, shall we?
Ye's 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is truly a special record. Changed the hip-hop world while shining a massive spotlight on rising stars. He created a truly expensive, bourgeoisie, gaudy, hyper-sexualized, and overall epic masterpiece that mainstream makers really expanded on in the years after. I still consider 'MBDTF' to be the "highest of high art". Too precious to touch. Just gotta experience it in all its glory. Bordering on a religious experience at times.
I had such a moment driving to work one morning. In the darkness, I could see the flames crawling from the interior of a broken automobile with the haunting "All of the Lights (Interlude)" strings soundtracking the real-life moment as I passed it by. A telling image that hasn't escaped my aging memory since.
But 'MBDTF' was never my #1 Album of 2010 or of Ye's fantastic discography. I prefer the chaotic 'Yeezus', painfully sad '808s & Heartbreak', or the revolutionary 'Graduation' over 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' in general. Why? Personal taste? Maybe I just remember 'MBDTF' before it got released.
Kanye, being the genius he is, used the early days of blogging to test the waters on many of this album's tracks. I looked forward to those "Good Friday" drops. (I kept blank CDs in my office drawer for those moments) Not all of them got put on the record and some, like "Devil in a New Dress", got expansions on the album with that Rick Ross verse. Did it make the track better? Most certainly. So I can't knock Kanye for being so forward-thinking. Now artists just delete tracks from streaming all willy-nilly. Music is no longer safe.
Ye feels like a visionary because of it. He let the internet chew on the songs, saw their reactions, and pivoted accordingly. A similar thing he did with 'SWISH' until it manifested into 'The Life of Pablo'.
The reason why I like 'Yeezus' is that didn't see the chef making the meal week by week. It got teased, dropped, and ingested. The music was mind-melting too! 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is a really... really... really amazing hip-hop project that captures the exile and comeback of Kanye West. He knew he had to become something more than an artist. He became a "gawd". Thanks to having a supportive & talented friend group.
Truly recommend seeking out documentaries, video essays, and articles about the making of this album. Shows how important the process really was for 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'. Also, proof sometimes it's great to step out of the spotlight and focus on your art for a bit. Breaks, whether chosen or forced, are good.
#01 - 'Teflon Don' by Rick Ross
All these years later, Rick Ross still talks about money, power, and respect. He hasn't done it better than here on 'Teflon Don', my longtime favorite album of 2010. Trust me it's hard to co-sign a project featuring so many red flag artists in 2024. Just go down the tracklist. Kind of scary man.
(deep sigh)
This is an album with "swagger". Rick Ross' delivery over these hard-hitting beats raises the fires of my creative spirit a hundred times over. Then and now. Like opening up a tank of nitrous on the speedway. And I felt invincible at the height of my professional honors in 2010. You couldn't touch me. I was on another level at the company. A golden boy with an ego. Though I tried to hide it.
'Teflon Don' can draw that passion out of me when it hits my ears. Even now as I sit here typing away these final words. Feel like a completely different person. Probably why there aren't many slow points over the 50+ minute ride. You listen fast and burn out even harder by the time Drake, Chrisette Michele, & Raphael Saadiq cool you down when Aston Martin powers down. Something special about that pacing. No wasted energy.
'Teflon Don', unapologetically, was the first album of my music blogging era that latched onto my life with such fierce force that I now wear a "Teflon" vest because of it. Though it is ripped & tattered now. Will always go back to "MC Hammer", "BMF", "I'm Not A Star", & "Free Mason" when I need a push. (aka One button, like an Atari. haha) But this was the album that I walked out of 2010 siding with.
A record that became an ally, alias, mentality, and positive motivative force to tackle the life-changing decade ahead. We did pretty good in hindsight.
OH! We're not done yet, here are all the albums I considered for the 25 spots above!
Honorable Mentions (in case you are curious)
- Deftones - Diamond Eyes (really wanted to put this one on! #26 for sure!)
- Lady A. - Need You Now
- She & Him - Volume Two
- Weezer - Hurley
- Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
- The Drums - The Drums
- Best Coast - Crazy for You
- Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
- OK Go - Of the Blue Colour of the Sky
- The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt
- Young the Giant - Young the Giant
- The National - High Violet
- Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
- Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
- Broken Bells - Broken Bells
- School of Seven Bells - Disconnect From Desire
- Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea
- Rufus Wainwright - All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu
- Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse - Dark Night of the Soul
- B.o.B - B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray
- Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here
- Sade - Soldier of Love
- Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops & Hooligans
- deadmau5 - 4x4=12
- Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - III/IV
- Rihanna - Loud
- John Legend & The Roots - Wake Up!
- Cee-Lo Green - The Lady Killer
- Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
- LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
- Wale - More About Nothing
- Jamiroquai - Rock Dust Light Star
- Jamie Lidell - Compass
- Childish Gambino - Culdesac
- How to destroy angels_ - How to Destroy Angels
- KT Tunstall - Tiger Suit
- Ozomatli - Fire Away
- Spoon - Transference
- Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns
- Matt & Kim - Sidewalks
- Belle and Sebastian - Write About Love
- Caribou - Swim
- Michael Jackson - Michael
- The Black Eyed Peas - The Beginning
- Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday
- Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown
- Lil Wayne - I Am Not a Human Being
- Nas & Damian Marley - Distant Relatives
- Tokyo Police Club - Champ
- Barenaked Ladies - All in Good Time
- The Morning Benders - Big Echo
- Drake - Thank Me Later
- !!! - Strange Weather, Isn't It?
- Usher - Raymond v. Raymond
- Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto
- Sufjan Stevens - All Delighted People
- Lissie - Catching a Tiger
- MGMT - Congratulations
- Crystal Castles - (II)
- Godsmack - The Oracle
- M.I.A. - ΛΛ Λ Y Λ
- Keane - Night Train
- Brandon Flowers - Flamingo
- Secondhand Serenade - Hear Me Now
- Lil Wayne - Rebirth
- Anaïs Mitchell - Hadestown
- Four Tet - There Is Love in You
- Robyn - Body Talk
- Bring Me the Horizon - There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret.
- Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues
- Aloe Blacc - Good Things
- The-Dream - Love King
- Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave
- Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life
- Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
- Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses - Junky Star
- James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning
- Damien Jurado - Saint Bartlett
- Belle and Sebastian - Write About Love
- Ben Folds & Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue
- Rufus Wainwright - All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu
- Ne-Yo - Libra Scale
- Robert Randolph & The Family Band - We Walk This Road
- Andrew Bird - Useless Creatures
- Phantogram - Eyelid Movies
- The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards
- Francis and the Lights - It'll Be Better
- Mark Ronson & The Business Intl - Record Collection
- Eels - End Times
- Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man
- Travie McCoy - Lazarus
- Marina & the Diamonds - The Family Jewels
- Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs - God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise
- Darius Rucker - Charleston, SC 1966
- Herbie Hancock - The Imagine Project
- Fitz & the Tantrums - Pickin' Up The Pieces
- Disturbed - Asylum
- Professor Green - Alive Till I'm Dead
- Goo Goo Dolls - Something for the Rest of Us
- RJD2 - The Colossus
- The Script - Science & Faith
- Trey Songz - Passion, Pain & Pleasure
- Ludacris - Battle of the Sexes
- Josh Turner - Haywire
- Joshua Radin - The Rock and the Tide
- T.I. - No Mercy
- Sarah McLachlan - Laws of Illusion
- Duffy - Endlessly
- Neon Trees - Habits
- Swedish House Mafia - Until One
- Flo Rida - Only One Flo (Part 1)
- Sugarland - The Incredible Machine
- James Blunt - Some Kind of Trouble
- Hans Zimmer - Inception (Music from the Motion Picture)
- The Devil Wears Prada - Zombie
- Big K.R.I.T. - K.R.I.T. Wuz Here
- SpaceGhostPurrp-Muney Jordan - NASA: The Mixtape
- Kno - Death Is Silent
- The Tallest Man On Earth - Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird
- J. Cole - Friday Night Lights
- James Blake - CMYK
- Xiu Xiu - Dear God, I Hate Myself
- James Blake - Klavierwerke
- Mac Miller - K.I.D.S. (Kickin' Incredibly Dope Shit)
- The Pretty Reckless - Light Me Up
- Shakira - Sale El Sol
- Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines
- Bo Burnham - Words Words Words
- Angels & Airwaves - Love
- Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
- Odd Future - Radical
- Klaxons - Surfing the Void
- Kendrick Lamar - Overly Dedicated
- Miguel - All I Want Is You
- Ed Sheeran - Loose Change
- Logic - Young, Broke & Infamous
- Hopsin - Raw
- DJ Khaled - Victory
Thanks for reading this far!