Category Archives: lil wayne

Sweetbob’s Top 50 Albums of 2010 (26-50)

I used to be a music journalist before I started this blog. I worked for a ton of websites and even ran my own for a few years. I decided to dive back into the genre, since 2010 was a great year for music. I have spent the last few weeks listening to music non-stop and I have been a very tired boy. I have narrowed down the albums that were released in 2010 to a top 50 list with a few honorable mentions listed at the bottom of this post. Here are the bottom half of my Top 50 Albums of 2010, with links to key tracks.

Enjoy!

26. Sleigh Bells – Treats

Key Track – “Infinite Guitars”


The best way to describe this Brooklyn-based band would be “noise pop.” They formed in 2008 and their debut full-length album, “Treats,” barely missed our Top 25. They are a band on the rise and from what I hear from my friends, put on a crazy live show.


27. Yeasayer – Odd Blood

Key Track – “I Remember”


I wasn’t a big fan of Yeasayer until I hear “Odd Blood” for the first time. I have a hard time believe that they produced this album themselves. I’m glad that they translated their success opening up for MGMT in 2007 into putting out such a solid album. I almost added “Ambling Alp” as the key track on this album, but “I Remember” is currently stuck in my head, it’s catchy.

28. Deadmau5 – 4×4=12

Key Track – “Raise Your Weapon”


I’m glad Deadmau5 decided to focus on music instead of math, because he consistently puts out solid albums. “4×4=12” is the Canadian artist’s third album. Even if it’s not as good as last year’s “For Lack Of A Better Name,” I had to add it high on my list.

29. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

Key Track – “Airplanes”


Local Natives have been describe as “psycho folk” in album reviews, but I think the critic was just trying to think up a new genre. “Gorilla Manor” is a modern take on traditional folk music, a breath of fresh air for the genre. They spent most of the year opening up for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. It should be time to headline their own tour to support this great album.

30. Lil Wayne – Rebirth

Key Track – “Runnin'”


2010 was a year Lil’ Wayne would probably like to forget. He spent most of it in prison, but before his sentence he released “Rebirth,” a rap/rock hybrid that came out early this year. Even though he relies heavily on auto-tune, he comes through with an superb album.

31. Hot Chip – One Life Stand

Key Track – “Hand Me Down Your Love”


I have a hard time trying to describe Hot Chip to people who haven’t heard them. I want to say that they are “soul dance,” but that would be painting them into a corner. This is the band’s 4th album and if you haven’t heard of them, get on iTunes and get out your credit card.

32. Girl Talk – All Day

Key Track – “Jump On Stage”


I’m probably going to get hell from my friends for not ranking this album higher. I think “All Day” is one of the most re-listenable albums of the year, but had to consider that he is rearranging great music put out by other artists. I am going to see Girl Talk live in two weeks and I’m sure it will be amazing. Anyone who can put an Ol’ Dirty Bastard rap over a Radiohead track is talented.

33. Cee-Lo Green – The Lady Killer

Key Track – “No One’s Gonna Love You”


Everyone loves his song, “Fuck You,” but you will have to take a listen to his cover of the Band of Horses song, “No One’s Gonna Love You.” I love his work with Danger Mouse in the group Gnarls Barkley and he looks to finally put on a solo album that is getting critical-acclaim and flying off shelves.

34. Free Energy – Stuck On Nothing

Key Track – “Dark Trance”


Power pop albums aren’t my cup of tea, but Free Energy’s “Stuck On Nothing” stood out from other albums in the genre. LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy produced the band album and he got the best out of the band. “Bang Pop” is their best known track, but there are many others on the album worth a listen.

35. John Legend & The Roots – Wake Up!

Key Track – “Our Generation”


I love John Legend and he had a hand in making Kanye West’s latest album great. I also love The Roots, who you may see again later on in this list. When you combine the two, you are guaranteed to have something worth listening to.

36. Kid Cudi – Man On The Moon Vol II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager

Key Track – “Scott Mescudi Vs. The World”


I thought that Kid Cudi would be a one-hit wonder when “Day N Nite” started to get played on the radio. He changed my mind when I heard his debut album, his second effort is just as good. Kid Cudi is making Ohio proud, even if he has a song on the album solely dedicated to the green herb, “Marijuana.”

37. Kings Of Leon – Come Around Sundown

Key Track – “Pyro”


I was expecting big things from Kings Of Leon after their last album, “Only By The Night,” was such a smash success. The band didn’t seem comfortable with the instant worldwide success, after releasing other albums that they thought were just as good. “Come Around Sundown” isn’t as radio-friendly, but I’m pretty sure the band is okay with it.

38. Matt & Kim – Sidewalks

Key Track – “Block After Block”


Matt & Kim put on a great live show and their album, “Sidewalks,” is just as entertaining as buying a ticket. They are an energetic two-piece band and if you haven’t heard of them, I’m sure you have heard a track or two at some point. If they are in a town near you, check them out and buy this album.

39. Gogol Bordello – Trans-Continental Hustle

Key Track – “Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher)”


Speaking of energetic live shows, Gogol Bordello might take the trophy in that contest. I saw them a few years ago at a Warped Tour in Chicago and they rocked the tired, sun-poisoned crowd. “Trans-continental Hustle” is in the same ilk as their previous efforts, but under Rick Rubin’s production (or lack thereof), they have released their best album to date.

40. The Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt

Key Track – “Kids On The Run”


The Tallest Man On Earth (aka Kristian Matsson) is a Swedish folk musician you may not have heard a lot about. He has released other full-length albums and EPs over the last few years, but “The Wild Hunt” is his strongest. It’s produced to sound like you are listening to it on low-fi vinyl. The production enhances the experience of listening to it and will remind you of early Bob Dylan.

41. Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness: Rock Record

Key Track – “All To All”


I had an ex-girlfriend who loved Broken Social Scene a few years ago and for some reason it completely turned me off on the band. I really can’t explain why, but I decided to give them another shot with “Forgiveness: Rock Record.” I’m glad that I reintroduced myself to the band with this album. I’m glad that I didn’t let a past failed relationship keep me from listening to this album, I feel like I just had a break-through.

42. The Walkmen – Lisbon

Key Track – “Victory”


I have been a fan of The Walkmen and every other album in their discography would probably land in the Top 20 albums released in those years. “Lisbon” is a good album, but it didn’t hit on all the buttons their past albums did. It still lands at #42, it’s respectable, but go check out the rest of their discography before you listen to it and get back to me.

43. The Roots – How I Got Over

Key Track – “Walk Alone”


I told you that The Roots might appear again on this list. It was a great year for the guy from Philly. They are getting mainstream popularity by being the house band on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and releasing great albums. This album is full of guest-stars and smart lyrics on every track. Also, I would follow ?uestlove on Twitter if you want to know more about the band, he’s entertaining.

44. Seabear – We Built A Fire

Key Track – “We Fell Off The Roof”


Clash magazine described Seabear as “Sufjan Stevens meets an unplugged Arcade Fire.” If that doesn’t spark your interest, you aren’t a music fan. The indie-folk band from Iceland haven’t made a huge splash here in the U.S., but another album as good as “We Built A Fire,” and they could become a household name.

45. Washington – I Believe You Liar

Key Track – “1997”


After releasing an EP in 2008, Washington’s full-length debut was buzz-worthy. Megan Washington, the band’s lead singer, has a voice and style that screams a pop success. They may have not received the popularity yet, but “I Believe You Liar” is a very good album to build a career on.

46. Cloud Control – Bliss Release

Key Track – “This Is What I Said”


Are you in the mood for Australian indie folk music? I don’t think I have ever said that to myself, but after listening to this album, it’s now plausible. I’m glad that I stumbled upon this album in late November. It has been a staple on my iTunes for the last month.

47. Rogue Wave – Permalight

Key Track – “Solitary Gun”


Rogue Wave is one of the longest-tenured bands on his list and they still have the magic touch. “Solitary Gun” is one of my favorite tracks on the year. The rest of the album is good, but the album makes this list based mostly on just a few tracks. I would wish for a more consistent effort, but I”ll take it. It’s still worth a few spins, just not the strongest album they have released.

48. Four Tet – There Is Love In You

Key Track – “Circling”


I will admit this from the start, Four Tet may not be for everybody, but “There Is Love In You” perked up my ears. If you like artists like Bonobo and Aphex Twin, you could be in for a treat. I wanted to add it to this list because it doesn’t sound like a lot of the stuff out there and needs to be recognized. Check out a few tracks online and decide yourself.

49. Avi Buffalo – Avi Buffalo

Key Track – “Jessica”


Yet, another debut album from a young band cracks my Top 50. I must be in love with band on Sub Pop Records or formerly on the label. There have been quite a few that made it on here this year. Some critics have compared them to The Shins, which is an adequate, yet lofty, comparison.

50. Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot The Son Of Chico Dusty

Key Track – “General Patton”


Big Boi is further separating himself from Andree 3000 with this album. I love Outkast, but if he keeps making good solo music, I can survive. I only ask them he releases on album with Sleepy Brown on a track, hearing him on a Big Boi track is starting to become predictable.


Honorable Mention


Caribou – Swim

Key Track – “Kaili”


Once again, this band isn’t for everybody, but still should get a mention as a “close by no cigar” album to miss the list.

Girls – Broken Dreams Club

Key Track – “Heartbreaker”


This album would have made the list, but I had a hard time putting an album with only six songs on the list.

How To Dress Well – Love Remains

Key Track – “Date Of Birth”


Just too many good albums and only 50 spots on the list.

Kate Nash – My Best Friend Is You

Key Track – “I Just Love You More”


I’m going to piss off a lot of ladies by not adding this on my list. I may have just missed a golden opportunity to earn some more female readers.

Die Antwoord – $O$

Key Track – “Enter The Ninja”


A weird, unique band that I had to mention. If you can watch that video without being freaked out a bit, you should probably quit the internet and see a shrink.

Jimmy Eat World – Invented

Key Track – “Action Needs An Audience”


An all-time favorite band with a solid album. It’s not their best, but worth a listen.

Foals – Total Life Forever

Key Track – “What Remains”


Think early Travis & Blur albums…a decent brit-pop album.

By: TwitterButtons.com

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Song Of The Day – The Game ft. Lil Wayne (My Life)

If you can’t get T-Pain or Akon on a track, chances are Lil’ Wayne will want to do it. The Game hasn’t struck any kind of precious medal since he split with 50 Cent. He needed something hot to get him back to platinum level. “My Life” could be the track to get him back in the conversation. Lil’ Wayne sounds like he is crying when he sings, but that is to be expected.

I got The Game’s new album, “LAX,” and I was very happy with it. I wasn’t expecting much since his last album was horrible. “LAX” has a lot of guests that is always welcome in today’s hip-hop. Ludacris, Nas, Common, Lil’ Wayne, Ice Cube, Ne-Yo, Bilal, and Raekwon all make cameos on tracks. The Game has taken the next step, even though he hasn’t gotten over 50 Cent, he has a few jabs on this album, it’s a step in the right direction.

Here is the video for “My Life”.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Song Of The Day – Akon & T-Pain (Right Now)

My birthday was yesterday and I had a lot of fun. We had people over and it was one of the better birthdays I’ve had in a long time. My roommate made a playlist of music that played throughout the night. There were a lot of Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and of course Akon & T-Pain.

The song “Right Now” is pretty good, almost surprising that Akon can do this good of a job at writing lyrics. This is coming from a guy who wrote a song about how he wants to “eff you,” but was switched to “love you” and it became a hit. I like what T-Pain has done to hip-hop, but he also cheapens it a little. By singing into a voice modifier, it can even make a guy like Lil Wayne sound like he can sing a little. I’m sure T-Pain and Akon will be major players in the music business for many years to come.

Go out and buy “The Usual Suspects” album, it’s pretty good, this is coming from a guy who rarely endorses hip-hop. Here is the audio for “Right Now” by Akon & T-Pain.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Song Of The Day – Lil’ Wayne (Lollipop)

I’m not much of a hip-hop fan, but Lil’ Wayne is a little different. One of the first rap albums that I bought was Juvenile’s “400 Degreez.” After I listened to that album over and over again, I started to listen to more of the Cash Money Records roster. I liked B.G., Turk, Baby, Manny, and especially Lil’ Wayne. I know he was probably 15 at the time, but his lyrics weren’t “bubble gum” like a Lil’ Romeo or Bow Wow. Lil’ Wayne is the prince of keeping it real.

Lil’ Wayne kind of fell off when Cash Money was having problems selling records. Lil’ Wayne last album seemed to propel him to a superstar level, since he has been guest starring on more tracks than T-Pain.

Lil’ Wayne’s new album, “Tha Carter III,” looks like it should only build on his success so far. A few tracks have been leaked on the internet and “Lollipop” and “A Millie” are the first two singles set to be released. They both have great hooks and a hot beat.

America’s White Boy isn’t usually your #1 place for the hottest hip-hop, but Lil’ Wayne seems to have another winner.

Here’s Lil’ Wayne’s “Lollipop”

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.