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The Best Album of the Decade, according to Jackie Varriano. File photo |
CommentsThe Best Albums of the Decade
Best of the Aughts
Published: January 15, 2010by Jackie Varriano
Usually something as brash as touting a “Best of” list takes time, input from experts, heated debates, and agonizing moments before it is finally compiled. This list, however, is mine and mine alone. The 10 best albums that helped steer my course, made me cry or scream along — whether it be in the car, in a crowded stadium, or in the shower — and did nothing to help me resist that occasional irresistible urge to dance.
Check out Best Moviews of the Decade and Best Books of the Decade too!
10) Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch, 2001) Bright Eyes Digital Ash in a Digital Urn (Saddle Creek, 2004) Almost every song on YHF from “I’m Trying to Break Your Heart” to “Jesus, Etc” contains a magnet to your fingertips forcing you to Turn. It. Up. On the flip side, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes delivers the heart wrenching “Gold Mine Gutted” with a force that’s left me breathless.
9) The Strokes Is This it (RCA, 2001) The White Stripes White Blood Cells (Sympathy for the Record Industry, 2001) Two bands who arguably changed the course of rock, calling for a “garage rock revival.” Put these two albums together on shuffle. From “Last Nite” from the Strokes to “Hotel Yorba” from the Stripes, you won’t be disappointed.
8) Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend (XL Recordings, 2008) Apparently, I give an eff about an “Oxford Comma,” and so should you. I dare you not to giggle when “One (Blake’s Got a New Face)” comes on.
7) Outkast Stankonia (LaFace/Arista, 2000) How could you not love this album. From the “BOB” and “So Fresh, So Clean” — obvious hits — to the less well known “Red Velvet.”
6) POS Audition (Rhymesayers, 2006) Atmosphere When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Shit Gold (Rhymesayers, 2008) Politically, culturally relevant hip hop from Minneapolis beats strong in my heart. Don’t miss “P.O.S. is Ruining My Life” or Atmosphere’s “Yesterday.”
5) Modest Mouse The Moon & Antarctica (Epic, 2000) Although Modest released quite a few albums in the aughts, this gives you a wonderful feeling about the band. When Isaac Brock launched into “Wild Pack of Family Dogs” at 2009’s Outside Lands Festival, I was elated to sing along loud and proud.
4) The Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Warner Bros., 2002) At least one amazing thing has come out of Oklahoma and that is the Flaming Lips. An absolute “Wizard of Oz” of an album, enjoyable from “Fight Test” to “It’s Summertime.”
3) Regina Spektor Begin to Hope (Warner/Sire, 2006) It’s hard to believe this little Russian pixie creates the huge amount of sound that she does. Whimsical and fun, “Samson” and “Hotel Song” are delicious treats.
2) Feist The Reminder (Polydor, 2007) Wowza, this album really knocked my mis-matched socks off. Forget that pesky Apple commercial, this entire album is one not to be missed.
1) Johnny Cash American III: Solitary Man (American Recordings, 2000) How can one resist the Man in Black, I ask. In the twilight of his life, this album shakes the listener to their core. Easily the most amazing effort in my top 10.
So there it is. Are you thinking to yourself, “Wait! Where is U2, TV on the Radio, the Killers, Gwen Stefani, Spoon, 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Kings of Leon, Death Cab for Cutie, Metallica, Bon Iver, Franz Ferdinand, Queens of the Stone Age, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, or Coldplay?” While it’s hard to narrow down the thousands of albums released into a “Top 10” — er, “Top 13” — share your list and let me know what you think. Post a comment, or email me at jvarriano@moonshineink.com.
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