The Suburbs by Arcade Fire

What can we say about this album that hasn’t already been said? It’s a Grammy-nominated international best-seller that has consistently placed on everyone’s end-of-year lists. Chances are you’ve already heard it. The NME accurately compares this album to R.E.M.’s Automatic for the People, “an album that combines mass accessibility with much greater ambition.” And that’s exactly right. There’s something here for everyone, and that’s why everyone l...

Champ by Tokyo Police Club

This summer, Tokyo Police Club released their second album, Champ, and critics continue to sing the band's praises. As with their previous releases, Champ mines upbeat melodic guitar pop that is in keeping with the band's youthful presence while simultaneously moving to deepen and expand their sound, presumably with an eye toward their future and designs on longevity. Good move, especially for a band that was labeled "sci-fi pop-punk" upon their debut.

This is an al...

Heaven Is Whenever by The Hold Steady

“This record, I think actually was us aging gracefully. Some of the lyrics come from a place of a little more wisdom, being 38 and at this point having a lifetime in rock ‘n’ roll,” stated Craig Finn. And no doubt, from the beginning notes played by slide and joined by arpeggiated chords on guitars, you can tell Heaven Is Whenever boasts a more measured and relaxed approach for The Hold Steady. That doesn’t mean they trade in their trademark ant...

As Posted on December 15, 2010 on Facebook.com/fiestabravamusic
 
 Infinite Arms by Band of Horses

Could less fuss have been made over one of the most beautiful albums of the year? Q Magazine called it a "strangely domestic affair" and it's true. This is less a Friday night album than a Sunday afternoon one. Perhaps that is why you don't hear people raving about it in the same way they do the new Sufjan Stevens or Arcade Fire, two albums that are much more overtly ambitious. But despite its lac...

As Posted on Facebook on December 14, 2010:
 
  As huge music fans, we decided to put together our OWN list of the best albums of 2010--in this case, our personal favorites. What better way to count down the holidays? For the next ten days, beginning today, we will post one album a day from our Top 10. Consider this a recommendation, either for yourself, or if you're doing some holiday shopping, perhaps for that music fan you know. Today we begin with #10.

#10 : Plastic Beach by Gorillaz

You ju...