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Charlie Sheen is a legend!!
Howdy folks… here’s Gonzolandia’s Righteous Albums of 2010, in a pure write-as-little-as-possible kinda way. Since this year we started a record label, and even through we think we are geniuses, I will exclude any of our releases on this list. But you can check em out by clicking here.
The Black Keys Brothers
(Nonesuch)
Once again a Dan Auerbach produced album is number one on this list. Brothers is a highly dynamic album with some deep production value. Songs from this album were used to sell everything under the sun via holiday commercials, which must mean that they are a crossover success at this point. This is a great album, with great songs and production. The Black Keys have become the #1 rock band in America with Brothers.
Shapes Have Fangs Dinner In The Dark
(Trade Gothic Records)
I will let Rance Muhammitz explain this one:
“Shapes Have Fangs took the very best elements of The Seeds garage-grunge sound and expanded on it big time. There are thrash/trash guitar rifts and licks on this album that are almost breath-taking in their acid-casualties-trailer-trash-meets-rockabilly sensibilities. You can almost hear the torch being passed here from mid-60s garage bands to Iggy Pop to The Cramps to White Zombie and then into the peyote-addled hands of Shapes Have Fangs. This will be a widely talked about album when it’s officially released . . . BTW: 2009 saw not only the death of the aforementioned genius, Mr. Saxon, but also Lux Interior of The Cramps. R.I.P. dudes . . .)”
Hacienda Big Red & Barbacoa
(Alive Records)
Beach Boys meets Sir Douglas Quintet meets Booker T and the MG’s meets Link Wray produced by Dan Auerbach. Need I say more? Also bitchin’ red colored vinyl!
The Black Angels “Phosphene Dream”
(Blue Horizon Ventures)
The Black Angels finally come into their own with Phosphene Dream, leaving behind some of the drone of their previous efforts and channeling the 13th Floor Elevators but taking it to an even higher state. They seemed to have learned that you need to craft good songs to survive in this business as opposed to droney jams. The production on this album is excellent and reverb is in full effect.
Wolf People Steeple
(Jagjaguwar)
The only critique of this band is that they bite the old classic bands a bit too much, what’s great about it is you can’t really name which ones. Every song is good on this album, must own.
The Growlers Hot Tropics
(Everloving)
Beautifully strange album.
Dax Riggs Say Goodnight To The World
(Fat Possum)
Former Deadboy and the Elephantmen frontman brings a collection of dark, sometimes bluesy tunes, well-crafted and produced.
Harlem Hippies
(Matador Records)
These guys take hipster to a whole new level. They take loads of drugs, don’t care about shit, etc. It’s generally a little faggy for my blood but something about this album had me listening on repeat. Call it a guilty pleasure.
Orgone Cali Fever
(Ubiquity Records)
LA’s best Funk / Afrobeat band comes into their own with a brilliantly produced album by Sergio Rios. They do funk with gritty sounds and the tightest rhythm section around. Vocalist Fanny Franklin shows what she can do on tunes like “Doin Wrong” and “Crazy Queen”.
Black Mountain Wilderness Heart
(Jagjaguwar)
Some really great tracks on this album as Black Mountain mixes classic sounds a la The Black Crowes, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Soundgarden and Led Zeppelin with modern sounds a la The Dead Weather.
The Bees Every Step’s A Yes
(Fiction)
I love everything about this band, this album is not as strong as their 2007 effort Octopus, but good nonetheless.
The Black Keys “Brothers”
Once again a Dan Auerbach produced album is number one on this list. Unfortunately, most of the tracks on this album were used to sell everything under the sun via holiday commercials, but I suppose that’s better than hearing a GaGa everytime I turn on the TV. And is also a result of the great commercial / Billboard success this album enjoyed for Nonesuch. Regardless of that fact, this is a great album, with great songs and production. The Black Keys have become the #1 rock band in America with Brothers.
Delta Spirit History From Below
(Rounder Records)
The songs on their sophomore album aren’t as potent as their debut album Ode To Sunshine but the passion in Matt Vasquez’ voice shines through once again.
Honorable Mentions
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Beat the Devil’s Tattoo
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings I Learned The Hard Way
Los Lobos Tin Can Trust
Jimmy Vaughan Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
The Happen-Ins Self Titled
Dr. Dog Shame Shame
The Cave Singers No Witch
Deer Tick The Black Dirt Sessions
Orgone Killion Vaults
The Chieftans featuring Ry Cooder San Patricio
Jimi Hendrix Valleys Of Neptune
Blitzen Trapper Destroyer Of The Void
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