Requisite Top Albums of 2010 Post

This year has been a downright clusterfuck of emotions.  Luckily, as I am constantly searching for the soundtrack to my life, I had a good playlist. Listen to some of these.  They may change your life.  Bear in mind that I am by no means a music writer, so I don't know how to describe these albums other than trying to relaying what I picture myself doing as they play in the background (these are [mostly] hypothetical).

#10. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs :  Makes me think of my childhood (even though I grew up in Wicker Park)

Soundtrack moment:  Watching 2 cute little girls play in the surf in Hilton Head while wondering where my innocence went.

#9. Cee Lo Green - The Lady Killer : 2 words. Fuck You!  And some other great tracks.  Makes me want to jump on my bed and shimmy like a Motown goddess.

Soundtrack moment:  Pulling on a tight dress, pouting my lips in the mirror, and heading out on the town with my few girlfriends.

#8. Belle & Sebastian - Belle & Sebastian Write About Love : Slightly romantic (perfect for nights spent alone waiting for someone, anyone to sign onto Facebook chat and talk to me)

Soundtrack moment: Looking at old "couples" photos in my pajamas with a glass of wine that is salty with tears.

#7. Cut Copy - Zonoscope : Although this gem won't be released until 2011, I already know it'll be a favorite of mine.  Cut Copy also wins the award for best concert I attended in 2010.

Soundtrack moment:  Making out with a random at a concert, crowd surfing, and losing a shoe.

#6. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest : Kinda dark, kinda trippy, totally up my alley.

Soundtrack moment:  Fighting with my sister about something trivial and wishing I had the balls to stick up for myself.

#5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes - From Below : The happiest goddamn music in the entire world.

Soundtrack moment:  Watching the part in Toy Story 3 when Andy plays with his toys for the last time.

#4. The Drums - The Drums : Beachy keen with an 80s infusion.  Get out your neon surfboard and put some blue zinc oxide on your nose.

Soundtrack moment:  Riding bikes on the beach with my new friends, wind whipping my hair back.

#3. Hey Champ - Star : A shameless plug for my favorite Chicago band. I would listen to these guys even if I didn't include them among my friends.

Soundtrack moment:  Checking out the Modern Wing with Joan Pinnell.

#2. Frightened Rabbit - The Winter of Mixed Drinks : Folksy, awesome, easy to listen to.

Soundtrack moment: Eating Thanksgiving dinner, playing Celebrity, and cracking up all the while with my hilarious family.

#1. The National - High Violet : Try not to slit your wrists in the most beautiful, poetic way possible.

Soundtrack moment: Throwing dirt on a departed loved one's casket, turning, and walking away in the rain.