Jack White is back! “Love Interruption,” is the debut single from the upcoming Jack White solo project, “Blunderbuss,” dropping April 24. “Blunderbuss” shouldn’t be confused with the episode of “Portlandia,” that features a fictional music festival. (I was secretly hoping it was going to have some affiliation with the show, because if you haven’t seen “Portlandia,” you are missing out.) However this is no fiction, Jack White is coming full force with an (I hate the over use of the word so forgive me) EPIC project.
“Blunderbuss,” an 18th century muzzle-loading firearm, seems like an appropriate title for the album based on the single alone. “Love Interruption” is a pretty violent song lyrically, “I want love to…stick a knife inside me…(my fingers) slam them in a doorway…murder my own mother…change my friends into enemies.” (See Below for more) The lyrics are poetry really- dark poetry-but beautiful nonetheless. Conversely, the accompaniment is a gentle acoustic guitar strumming that leads you to believe it will be a relaxed song. I was honestly shocked by the lyrical content, not because it was absurdly violent, it was not something I’ve come to expect from Jack White…however he may have gotten some influence from his side project the Dead Weather. Hopefully the entire album won’t be as creepy and dark.
I want love to
roll me over slowly
stick a knife inside me,
and twist it all around.
I want love to
grab my fingers gently
slam them in a doorway
put my face into the ground
I want love to
murder my own mother
and take her off to somewhere
like hell or up above.
I want love to
change my friends to enemies,
change my friends to enemies
and show me how it’s all my fault.
I wont let love disrupt, corrupt or interrupt me
I wont let love disrupt, corrupt or interrupt me
Yeah I wont let love disrupt, corrupt, or interrupt me anymore.
I want love to
walk right up and bite me
grab ahold of me and fight me
leave me dying on the ground.
And I want love to
split my mouth wide open and
cover up my ears,
and never let me hear a sound.
I want love to,
forget that you offended me
or how you have defended me,
when everybody tore me down.
Yeah I want love to
change my friends to enemies,
change my friends to enemies
and show me how it’s all my fault.
Yeah I wont let love disrupt, corrupt or interrupt me
I wont let love disrupt, corrupt or interrupt me
I wont let love disrupt, corrupt, or interrupt me anymore.
10. We Are Born- Sia (released June 18th, 2010) – Although I didn’t give this album a great review, it has grown on me considerably. It also helps that Sia is one of the most amazing singers. Sia had a great year: she wrote a couple of tracks for Christina Aguilera and “We Are Born” was nominated for Album of the Year for the ARIA Awards. The album was produced by The Bird & The Bee’s Greg Kurstin and includes the hit song “Co-Dependant.” The album also includes a Madonna cover of “Oh, Father” as well as the dance track “Clap Your Hands.” Look for Sia to be coming to the US in 2011! Click here to buy it on 
9. Teen Dream – Beach House (released January 26th, 2010) – This was one of the first albums released in 2010, this album should appeal to most people. I heard it for the first time and was blown away. Thanks to my buddy Coby for turning me on to this album. Teen Dream has a little of everything for everyone. Beach House has come along way since their debut album in 2006, which was a very impressive debut album that you should add to your collection. This album was received well by the “critics” and the bloggers of the world. The album was produced by Chris Coady and featured the track “Used To Be.” Currently, you can by an exclusive 2 disc set (CD + DVD) for $9.25 on Amazon, you can purchase it by clicking 
8. Under Control – Cary Brothers (released April 6th, 2010) – Cary is most famous for his work with the Hotel Café and “Garden State” soundtrack. This year he showed what a powerhouse he was in the Indie scene here in Los Angeles by releasing his sophomore album. The album features a beautifully stripped down cover of Level 42’s “Something About You,” which features vocals from Laura Jansen. Upon its release, it was the #1 on the iTunes Indie Charts, all this with little to no radio airplay. “Ghost Town” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” are stand out songs on the album. Cary is getting ready to launch another tour with Joshua Radin, so look for them on the road in 2011! Click here to buy it on 
7. I Learned The Hard Way – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (released April 6th, 2010) – Sharon Jones has come a long way from her days as a back-up singer. Sharon Jones has made a name for herself by producing records with that 60’s/70’s nitty gritty sound. This album may not have the same sound as her previous three albums, yet it is still real R&B music, made by a group of people with funk! The album was produced by their bassist Gabriel “Bosco Mann” Roth and features the song “The Game Gets Old.” This album will make many of the larger named lists, because of its authenticity and creativity! Look for Sharon Jones and the gang to be touring in 2011, so look for them in a town near you! Click here to buy it on 
6. When the Madhouses Appear – The Fling (released August 31st, 2010) – The Fling is a band from Long Beach who made a major leap forward in 2010. By far one of the most anticipated interviews on the ETS Show. After the show, KY played the album in the office over and over again, so needless to say I heard this album enough that I actually had nightmares about it! Their sound is very retro and reminds us all of a very popular UK band from the 60’s. Aside from their sound, their live shows are what makes this band stand out and why they have toured the world with their music! The Fling will be doing a residency at Spaceland every Monday in January, so if you’re in the LA area, check them out! Click here to buy it on 
5. Nearer The Earth – Honey Child (released 2010) – This album was a late addition to my list, just having heard it within the past few weeks. When I first heard this album, I was immediately blown away. The band members are from all over the world, but they mostly produce here in Los Angeles. This album may have been higher on the list if it weren’t for the flowing albums. Honey Child is currently in the studio, so that makes them a band to watch for in 2011. The band tours a lot, so check them out on their website. Did I mention that you can download this entire album on their site for FREE? Click
4. Life in Letters – Lucy Schwartz (released September 28th, 2010) – Fresh off winning the first ever Shelly Award for Artist of the Year, Lucy did have an amazing 2010, which was topped off by opening for Brandi Carlile on New Year’s Eve. Lucy’s great year was due in large part to the release of this album. She is also in the running for receiving an Oscar Nomination for her songs “Darling I Do” from Shrek Forever After and “Little One” for the movie Mother & Child. Life in Letter was produced by Mitchell Froom, the album includes the hit songs: “Rain City,” “My Darling” and “Life In Letters.” There is no doubt that Lucy is destined for greatness! Click 
3. Plastic Beach – The Gorrillaz (released March 3rd, 2010) -
2. Interpreting the Masters Vol. 1 – The Bird and The Bee (released March 23rd, 2010) – Another album that Sara and I agreed on was the Bird & the Bee’s third album. When I first heard that they were in studio recording a Hall & Oates cover album, I thought to myself that it would be a mistake. Boy was I wrong! With Inara’s beautiful voice and Greg’s groovy production, they took elements of the original songs and made them their own, while keeping the integrity of the originals. Everyone who reads my blogs on a regular knows that Inara is my favorite singer, so it might shock you that this didn’t receive the top album honors. While I gave them the edge for Song of the Year, there was one clear cut favorite for 2010.
1. To My Beloved Enemies – The Shimmies (released July 27th, 2010) – This is the best band that you’ve never heard of, unless of course you read my blogs! The Shimmies are a Chico based band who released their sophomore album in 2010. The album starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up. When listening to the album, it is clear that the band puts a lot of their emotions into their lyrics and it helps connect them with the listener. Buy There Album on 
Well, I know you all saw it coming. From the moment I was exposed to this album in May, I was hooked. Not only does Monáe transcend genres perfectly in her debut, but this young woman is the role model that young girls need these days. In an era of the oversexed media and population, Monáe’s flare for fashion, dance and acceptance of all things music reminds girls (and people in general) to keep an open mind and be your own person. Her music is catchy, smart and fun. Hopefully Diddy (her mentor) doesn’t turn her into a pussycat doll somewhere down the line. Click here to buy it on 
I was never a huge fan of OutKast but for some reason, I was looking forward to Big Boi’s highly anticipated solo debut and purchased it the day it came out. It planted its seed and what grew within me was something massive…A Georgia peach tree from the dirrty south! Armed with the coolest beat in song-of-the-summer “Shutterbugg”, Chico Dusty is 2010′s gem, especially with smart lines like: “My recitals are vital and maybe needed for survival/Like the Bible or any other good book that you read/Why are 75 percent of our youth reading magazines?/’Cause they used to fantasy and it’s what they do to dreams/Call it fiction addiction ’cause the truth is a heavy thing/Remember when the levies screamed, made the folks evacuees?/Yeah I’m still speakin’ about it ’cause New Orleans ain’t clean/And when we shoutin’ ‘Dirty South’ I don’t think that is what we mean.” Click here to buy it on 
“Please state your full name for the record: ROBYN!” This Swedish firecracker left 2010′s pop starlets in the dust when she released three albums within one year. Body Talk, Pt. 1 was a good start and provided a universal list-topping single in “Dancing on My Own,” but Body Talk, Pt. 2 stepped up the game and left us wanting more! When the third installment was released, it was met with a little confusion (by me) as to why she would cheat us out of our money by making it consist mostly of songs from the first two releases. Upon listening to the album though, the listener discovers she wasn’t cheating us at all but really exposing us to the best pop explosion of 2010! Konichiwa Records was built on the foundation of musical freedom, as Robyn began it when Jive began to confine her vision. Well, one thing is for sure: Jive is kicking themselves in the ass right now. She has proved that, in her own words, “the whole industry knows better than to fuck with me!” Click here to buy it on 
After spending most of her life trying to make a career out of singing but only getting as far as the back-up mic, Sharon Jones was finally given the opportunity to shine in 2002. Her soul group’s fourth album, which was released in 2010, is further proof that this feisty mid-50-year-old is on the top of her game. So what if it took her a few decades to get noticed? The important thing is that in her prime, she is blowing away the competition in the neo-soul/revivalist musical movement and the group’s live shows are a living, breathing, dancing, grooving testament to that. Jones, at 54, still moves like she’s in her early 20′s and sings like she has all the wisdom in the world. The Dap-Kings are the perfect back-up band for Jones’ personality and lively voice, making this combo a 1-2 punch! Click here to buy it on 
Though this album was released in May (the same day as Monáe’s, actually), I only recently discovered it. This Nas and Marley collaboration displays the talent of both artists. Their respective flows have such different styles yet they merge together nicely, all while delivering a profound message of togetherness and peace. Nas has always been known to have his own style in flow while Marley’s back-and-forth between singing and rapping add some softness and bite. A positive album out there is what this world needs and Relatives provides that in expressing love, peace and even questions that will hopefully make things better. The first step towards making change is asking questions, right? This album does that while still being creative and musically appealing. Click here to buy it on 
The James Murphy-led outfit LCD Soundsystem has been on plenty of “Top Albums of 2010″ lists with their recent [and final?] release, This Is Happening. The album is good, but didn’t make my list. Instead, Murphy made an appearance in another way: with his perfect producing on Free Energy’s debut album. Stuck on Nothing is the perfect pop-rock record, reminiscent of 70′s and glam rock with a heavy dose of pop. The delicious hooks do their job and keep you hooked and the album has gotten great reviews across the boards from numerous musical outlets. Though Murphy’s little pet project (the band is also signed to his DFA label) has yet to break through into the “popular” realm, it is certainly making a name for itself as one of Spin Magazine’s favorite new acts. And more importantly, one of mine. Click here to buy it on
Despite Mailo’s scathing review of West’s fifth full-length, West just won’t go away. Fueled by his own need for perfection, West pulled out the big [creative] guns for Fantasy. Melding together the perfect mix of classic College Dropout Kanye with the new 808′s and Heartbreak Kanye, the polarizing performer boasts what many are saying is the best of the year. I don’t agree that this album tops any of those above it, but I do agree that this album kicks ass. The production and engineering is superb (it even prompted an L.A. Times interview with the otherwise looked-over engineer of the album), the lyrics are typical emotional, silly, sarcastic Kanye and his celebrity pull is demonstrated in tracks like “Monster” and “All of the Lights.” Kudos, Kanye. Click here to buy it on 
As I said before, when I heard the opening track of TBATB’s latest release, I exclaimed “ALBUM OF THE YEAR!” based solely on that. The album was released in March so obviously I was a little premature. But at any rate, Inara George and Greg Kurstin’s latest indie-pop-fest holds its own and did so for two months before Monáe bumped her down. Even though I don’t usually like to count cover albums as a legit album, Interpreting the Masters has shown me that that is not necessarily always the case, especially when the new act completely reinvents classic songs and still makes them work. George and Kurstin introduced a classic duo to a new generation with this release and I’m looking forward to them doing the same with [hopefully] some new volumes. Mailo and I have expressed our love for George for her creativity, uniqueness and style, but only I have a special song dedicated to me! Click here to buy it on 
VW have had a busy year having a commercially successful album, having their songs featured in seemingly every commercial on TV and a lawsuit filed against them by the woman on the cover of the album. Overshadowing that though is the greatness of the album in general. Lead singer Ezra Koenig’s charmful and sweet voice paired with rock and electronic sounds and beats makes this album a guaranteed way to make you move. Additional help from strings to New Wave influences help make Contra one of the best albums of the year. From songs about Mexican “aguas frescas” to reminiscing about gay, sugar daddy love affairs, Vampire Weekend makes anything sound cute. Click here to buy it on 
After releasing one of 2009′s most highly anticipated albums which then became one of the best of 2009, Cudi turned around and released Rager. Dealing with the downfall after the success of MOTM1, Rager is considerably darker in tone and more mellow in sound as Cudi has suffered some dark times. Rager is quite personal and the listener almost finds him or herself in a conversation with the troubled man himself. The album’s single “Erase Me” is deplorable, despite it featuring Kanye West and “McLovin’” in the music video but the rest of the album is rife with gems like “Marijuana,” “Ashin’ Kusher,” “The Mood” and “Wild’n Cuz I’m Young.” Cudi has gone on record by saying he’s tired of hip-hop and is starting a rock band, which I’m not too thrilled about since “Erase Me” is probably a preview of what’s to come. If that’s the case though, at least we have two great original Kid Cudi albums. Click here to buy it on 
