A few things about the list first. Just to have a little more variety, I have no duplicate bands on the list. If I had, SFA's "Phantom Power," Dizzee Rascal's "Boy In Da Corner," The National's "Boxer" and "Original Pirate Material" by The Streets would definitely be on this list, and a few others would have gotten serious consideration (albums by Cadence Weapon, Arcade Fire, Pernice Brothers, Ed Harcourt, Ron Sexsmith, and Basement Jaxx immediately come to mind). I also did not include any EP's, reissues, live albums, Mixtapes, or compilation/rare and unreleased discs (probably the only one that might have been included would be Tom Waits' sprawling "Orphans" discs).
25. The Blueprint by Jay-Z
Jay-Z's magnum opus and probably one of the most popular rap album of all time. There are still several songs on the album that sound just as new and exciting as they did when it was released in 2001.
Key Tracks: Girls Girls Girls, Izzo (H.O.V.A.), Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)
24. Set Yourself On Fire by Stars
This album was so immediate when I first heard it in 2005 and it has held up remarkably well. Really, not a single bad track on the album and only a few mediocre ones. And until the final few tracks, it feels like one of the best concept albums about relationships ever produced.
Key Tracks: Your Ex-Lover Is Dead, Reunion, One More Night (Your Ex-Lover Remains Dead)
23. Night Falls Over Kortedala by Jens Lekman
His 2005 compilation album "Oh You're So Silent Jens" was remarkable but this album proper not only felt more cohesive, but also featured a beefed-up sound complimented by various samples and electronics. This guy is a bona fide pop star in Sweden and if there was any justice in the world, he would be in the U.S. too.
Key Tracks: Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig, A Postcard to Nina, The Opposite of Hallelejuah
22. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco
"Summerteeth" is still their masterpiece in my opinion, but this effort came close as Wilco stripped back their sound and made their lyrics even more vague than before. In a way, it is their "Kid A" (although "A Ghost Is Born" could easily take that title as well).
Key Tracks: Jesus Etc., Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm the Man Who Loves You
21. Arular by M.I.A.
Much-hyped when it came out, but justifiably so, this album sounded like something completely new when it was released in 2005. Not only did she seamlessly fuse a variety of genres, including grime, dancehall, reggae, and even punk, but M.I.A. also made a political statement at the same time (even if I don't necessarily agree with those politics, it was pretty impressive).
Key Tracks: Bingo, Bucky Done Gun, Galang
20. Stankonia by Outkast
Perhaps the most eclectic mainstream hip-hop artist of the decade, Outkast really peaked with this album and have since fallen of the face of the earth (even though "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" had its moments). Still though, after revisiting this album, I am amazed that Outkast became such a phenomenon considering how strange the 24-track effort is. Strange but truly wonderful.
Key Tracks: B.O.B., Ms. Jackson, So Fresh So Clean
19. Silent Alarm by Bloc Party
Because so many subsequent artists have aped the sound that Bloc Party employed on this, their solid 2005 debut, it is easy to forget just how mind-blowing the album was when it was first released. But none of those copiers have perfected the style displayed here and it still sounds nearly flawless almost five years later.
Key Tracks: Banquet, This Modern Love, Pioneers
18. Apologies to the Queen Mary by Wolf Parade
Another reason to thank the Arcade Fire (aside from their fantastic music) is that they enlisted Spencer Krug to form a band to open for them for some of their early shows. Krug got together with Dan Boeckner (who he splits songwriting duties with) and they formed this group--another stellar addition to the long list of great Canadian indie rock bands.
Key Tracks: Grounds For Divorce, I'll Believe in Anything, Shine a Light
17. Kill the Moonlight by Spoon
I've never gotten the comparisons some people make between Spoon and The Strokes (another band that made a great debut album that barely missed making my top 25). Both keep their respective sounds very simple and spare (no over-the-top instrumentation or electronic flourishes), but where The Strokes use spiky guitars or distorted vocals to drive their songs, Spoon uses the piano and this album is where it fuels almost every song, and does so brilliantly.
Key Tracks: The Way We Get By, Stay Don't Go, Paper Tiger
16. Yours, Mine, & Ours by Pernice Brothers
It was difficult deciding whether to include this album or 2001's "The World Won't End" on this list, but ultimately, this one won out simply because there is not a false step on the entire album. Nothing new here--just ten perfect pop songs that are totally irresistible.
Key Tracks: The Weakest Shade of Blue, Sometimes I Remember, Blinded by the Stars
15. Shut Up, I am Dreaming by Sunset Rubdown
While I chose not to include any albums from 2009, I briefly flirted with the idea of putting "Dragonslayer" on this list because it feels like it could be Sunset Rubdown's strongest statement to date. But this album still barely edged it out for me because it has held up as being Spencer Krug's greatest music offering yet. I understand that some may have gripes with his voice, but the man can sure write intriguing, multi-layered songs.
Key Tracks: Stadiums and Shrines II, The Men are Called Horsemen There, They Took a Vote and Said No
14. Kish Kash by Basement Jaxx
This is the first album where Basement Jaxx really embraced a handful of guest artists to complement their excellent dance beats and the formula added another layer to an already great thing. Their 2001 album "Rooty" might have the more memorable moments ("Where's Your Head at" and "Romeo") but this is solid throughout.
Key Tracks: Lucky Star, Good Luck, Right Here's the Spot
13. Madvillainy by Madvillain
Certainly the best-reviewed rap album of the decade, this collaboration between beatmaker Madlib and MC MF Doom is as strange as it is catchy. A rare case where the skits actually compliment the proper songs, Madlib's excellent choice of samples and beats provided the perfect backdrop for Doom's laidback delivery.
Key Tracks: ALL CAPS, Figaro, Accordian
12. From Every Sphere by Ed Harcourt
The best singer-songwriter working in Britain right now, Ed Harcourt is probably the most prolific as well. His most memorable songs might be on his debut album, but this, his sophomore effort, is his most complete. One of the absolute best artists of the decade.
Key Tracks: The Birds Will Sing for Us, All of Your Days Will be Blessed, Metaphorically Yours
11. Breaking Kayfabe by Cadence Weapon
I will never forget seeing this guy live when he opened for Islands back when this album had just been released. He all thought he was some groupie in a smelly t-shirt. The next thing we know, he is up on stage melting our faces with his enthusiastic delivery and insane beats. He gets bonus points for having another great album released this decade ("Afterparty Babies") and for being Poet laureate of Edmonton (which is just kind of cool I think).
Key Tracks: Sharks, Black Hand, Oliver Square
10. Cobblestone Runway by Ron Sexsmith
In my mind, Sexsmith is the Canadian equivalent of Ed Harcourt--the best singer-songwriter working in that country and one of the absolute best period. He has had three great albums this decade (also see "Retriever" and "Blue Boy") but this is his crown jewel. In addition to great songwriter, Sexsmith employed a great producer to add all sorts of instrumentation to beef up the entire affair. Truly uplifting song-making.
Key Tracks: Dragonfly on Bay Street, Gold in Them Hills, These Days
9. Showtime by Dizzee Rascal
This was probably the toughest decision I had to make for this list. "Boy In Da Corner," Dizzee's debut, is one of the most well-respected rap albums of the decade and certainly the best representation of U.K. grime (it also has Dizzee's best song "I Luv U"). But there were a few samey sounding songs on it, which is why I went with this album instead. There is not a boring moment here and the songs are catchy without forsaking the grime elements that made Dizzee such a revelation in the first place.
Key Tracks: Stand up Tall, Face, Dream
8. Last Exit by Junior Boys
Around the same time that Postal Service blew up with their mix of indie and electronica, Junior Boys quietly released this debut with a similar style but executed in a far superior manner. The songs were unabashedly dancey but not overlong or cloying at all. Also check out their other two excellent albums "So This is Goodbye" and "Begone Dull Care."
Key Tracks: High Come Down, Teach Me How to Fight, Birthday
7. Alligator by The National
The National released two of the very best albums of the decade (this album and "Boxer"), and this is the album where they really came into their own after releasing two good but not stellar records. On paper the band's formula may seem straightforward, but what really sets them apart from other similar acts is the lead singer's unique voice and his poetic, storytelling lyrics.
Key Tracks: Mr. November, Looking for Astronauts, Secret Meeting
6. Karuki Zamen Kuri No Hana (Lime, Semen, Chestnut Blossoms) by Shiena Ringo
Maybe it is because I spent time in Japan that the foreign-language vocals don't bother me (although people don't seem to have a problem with Sigur Ros), but I am a big fan of some Japanese artists and Shiena Ringo has to be my favorite. She completely branched away from what some might term as "J-Pop" with this album and made a very compelling artistic statement. Definitely worth investigating, in spite of the language barrier.
Key Tracks: Yatsuke Shigoto, Ishiki, Odaiji Ni
5. Neon Golden by The Notwist
Radiohead might have the been the first rock band to add glitchy electronica with strong results (with "Kid A") but The Notwist matched the technique on this album with great success.
Key Tracks: Consequence, Solitaire, One With the Freaks
4. Funeral by Arcade Fire
The defining moment of Canadian indie rock this decade and a brilliant concept album to boot, the running theme and cohesive nature it provides is what really makes this record such a great experience.
Key Tracks: Crown of Love, Neighborhood #2 (Laika), Wake Up
3. Rings Around the World by Super Furry Animals
Another very difficult decision. "Phantom Power" is just barely a notch below this album but both are perhaps the best examples of just how much of a genius Gruff Rhys is. The man is prolific, writing most of the songs for SFA in addition to making solid solo albums and participating in one of the more memorable collaborations in recent memory as Neon Neon. His songwriting here is as good as it gets.
Key Tracks: Juxtaposed With U, Presidential Suite, It's Not the End of the World?
2. A Grand Don't Come for Free by The Streets
The ultimate concept album and the best of the U.K. grime albums, Mike Skinner perfected what he started on his debut with this classic effort. Hearing the story unfold, track by track, through Skinner's perceptive lyrics and appropriately simple beats is further proof that the LP is still not dead, even in the age of Itunes.
1. Kid A by Radiohead
I realize that is the trendy pick for album of the decade, but it just cannot be denied--Radiohead released the best album of the 90's with "OK Computer" and they did it again, just ten months into the new decade, with this record. We've all heard the album multiple times and so there is no need for an explanation as to why it is so revolutionary, but Radiohead truly outdid themselves here, flawlessly combining so many sounds and emotions into ten tracks. Nearly ten years later, it still sounds unlike anything that came before it, or after it.
Key Tracks: Idioteque, Motion Picture Soundtrack, Optimistic
-Notable Omissions, in no particular order (a preemptive strike for the inevitable crap I will get for leaving these great albums off. I promise, I labored over whether or not to include these for quite a while before eventually whittling them out in favor of the ones that did make it):
YoYoYoYoYo by Spank Rock, The Warning by Hot Chip, Cole's Corner by Richard Hawley, You Forgot it in People by Broken Social Scene, Multiply by Jamie Lidell, Exit by Shugo Tokumaru, The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow, Black Sheep Boy by Okkervil River, Think Tank by Blur, Beauty and The Beat by Edan, Is This It? by The Strokes, Nashville by Josh Rouse, Agaetis byrjun by Sigur Ros, Lycanthropy by Patrick Wolf, LCD Soundsystem by LCD Soundsystem, Illinois by Sufjan Stevens, Hell Hath No Fury by Clipse, For Hero: For Fool by Subtle, Stainless Style by Neon Neon.
