Top 15 Albums of 2010

15. High Violet (That National). Kept afloat by "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Lemonworld." And "Sorrow"'s harmonies.

14. This is Happening (LCD Soundsystem). Should I say this album is really poppy or really dancey? There are advantages to each. From this position...

13. tommy (Dosh). Look for: "Number 41" ft. Andrew Bird.

12. Cosmogramma (Flying Lotus). Wow. I don't know what just happened. Very...tangible.

11. Swim (Caribou). Sounds exactly like the cover looks, so an A on the album art, as well. Beautiful mix of trance, dance, and color.

10. LP4 (Ratatat) Such easy listening, yet you can still dance to it. Something about their timbre is just so delicious.

9. Wild Smile (Suckers). Finally, a mix between David Bowie and Animal Collective - just what I needed. Great hooks; lacks flow.

8. Transference (Spoon). Demos, anyone? What? Best song nom: "Who Makes Your Money."

7. The Way Out (The Books). Whoever you think you are...thank you. "Beautiful People": nominee for song of the year.

6. Age of Adz (Sufjan Stevens). This man defies the parameters of what it means to write a song. Favorite track, "Too Much;" favorite dance, the modified sprinkler.

5. Light Chasers (Cloud Cult). Still rising in the ranks. Best lyrics. ("Room Full of People in your Head," "The Exploding People.")

4. All Delighed People EP (Sufjan Stevens). I can really get into his long (and I mean LONG) works. I really believe he is one of the most original artists out there.

3. Eyelid Movies (Phantogram). This albums hits a lot of spots. Perfect mix of electronic and emotional. Female singer also a plus. SOTY nominee: "Futuristic Casket."

2. Contra (Vampire Weekend). Most exquisite/maximalist/accessible melodies, hands down. Song of the year nominees: "California English," "Horchata," "White Sky."

1. Down There (Avey Tare). I had to do it. It sounds like both swimming underwater with bottom feeders and my subconscious. Can't get enough of "Heather in the Hospital" (Is Transitional Song of the Year a category?). Other nom: "Ghost of Books."

Honorable mentions

Dr. Dog
Eminem
Josh Ritter
Yeasayer
LCD Soundsystem
Jack Jackson
Sleigh Bells
deadmau5
Holy Fuck
Four Tet