Last year marked a strange transition in music, from Kanye collaborating with Bon Iver to Mountain Dew sponsoring Wavves. Indie as a genre has become virtually indefinable.
1. Broken Social Scene
Forgiveness Rock Record
Arts & Crafts
One of the greatest musical heavyweights continues their record of unwavering perfection and sonic beauty.
2. Sufjan Stevens
Age of Adz
Asthmatic Kitty Records
Sufjan took an enormous risk in 2010 when he shift from his beloved folk nuances to utter electronic chaos, but somehow he made it work.
3. Kanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Roc-A-Fella
I’m still undecided as to whether Kanye is a 5-year-old or a latent genius, but this record seems to suggest the latter.
4. Los Campesinos!
Romance is Boring
Arts & Crafts
One of the few albums that can explore heartbreak without once sounding trite.
5. The Books
The Way Out
Temporary Residence Ltd.
Only The Books could turn creepy self-help videos into gorgeous melodies.
6. Vampire Weekend
Contra
XL
Vampire Weekend once again proves itself to be a pop pioneer instead of just a Graceland rip-off.
7. Small Black
New Chain
JagJaguwar
Small Black shows that chillwave can be much more than just lazy electronica.
8. Marnie Stern
Marnie Stern
Kill Rock Stars
Today’s most underrated guitarist continues to turn shredding into an art form.
9. LCD Soundsystem
This is Happening
Virgin
Somehow LCD Soundsystem has been able to give legitimacy to making even more songs about dancing.
10. Zach Hill
Face Tat
Sargent House
If you don’t already know that Zach Hill is the greatest drummer alive: He’s the greatest drummer alive.
