Pick-Axe Bobby's Top 12-ish Albums of 2010

Here's my obligatory list of albums you've never heard of, straight-up hate, or think I'm a poseur for liking best in 2010.  Straight from a guy whose opinion you care about 0%.  Enjoy!

12) Howl - Full Of Hell

Howl really surprised me with this debut full-length.  Had seen them plenty of times over the last 2 years, and loved that they really translated their intensity on this record.  Excellent folks, too. Key track: "Jezebel"

11) Grinderman 2

Don't think I really need to explain how genius Nick Cave and Warren Ellis are.  But it is worth noting that I love how fun this album is, while simultaneously so grim at points.  The video for "Heathen Child" just about says it all. Key Track: "Heathen Child"

10) Shining - Blackjazz

Holy fuck, what a mindmelt this album is. This album is a seriously challenging listen, but there is so much going on at any given moment that it never gets dull, even when repetitive.  I could go into the depths of how complex the songs are, how brutal and technical the playing/arrangements are, or how this is 'the future of metal' or something.  But I won't; just check this batshit crazy music out yourself.  Key Track: "Fisheye"

9) Hollerado - Record In A Bag

I first came across Hollerado at SXSW this year, where their show was my fav of the whole festival; just a total party replete with party poppers, beer everywhere, and ending with the crowd on stage playing and singing and jumping and FUCKING FUN! I didnt expect their album to be as jangly and singable as the live stuff, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Put this on at a party, and you won't be able to turn it off. Key Tracks: “Do The Doot Da Doot Do”, “Americanarama”

8) Salome - Terminal

GAAAA, so goddamn heavy.  So sludgy.  So dystopic.  So... MEAN... Key Tracks: “Master Failure”, "The Witness"

7) Black Tusk - Taste The Sin

Ok, I'll admit it.  The reason I paid attention to this release initially was the John Baisley artwork.  Which really means he gives tacit approval, and goddamn if this record deosn't rock start to finish.  No fucking around, just straight fast and loud, stripped down 3-piece doom.  The fact that their live show kicks so much ass is just the icing on the cake. Key Tracks: “Red Eyes, Black Skies”, “Takeoff”

6) Devo - Something For Everybody

Do you know the story behind this album? Besides being the new wave legends' first studio album in 20 goddamn years, the final cuts were "focus group-approved," and conceptually marketed as, well, something for everybody... Devo are pure pop genius and Devolution is real, people. Get hip. Key Tracks: “Don't Shoot (I'm A Man)”, “Fresh”, “Human Rocket”

5) Tweak Bird - S/T

These guys are musical chameleons.  Two total hippie weirdo brothers that make heavy but singable music that works as well for workout music as it does for getting baked and riding around with the top down.  They can play with a metal band, or a punk band, or I dunno, a gypsy band and it would work. Key Tracks: “Sky Ride”, “Lights In Lines”, “Tunneling Through”

4) Coliseum - House With A Curse

Remember when Coliseum opened for every metal band in the world over the last few years?  Wanna know why?  Because they fucking kick ass.  They are writing better songs with every album, not losing their edge, but not afraid to stray from the hardcore path.  It's like Helmet and Unsane had sex with your mom.  I must have listened to "Blind In One Eye" twenty times before the album even dropped. Key Tracks: “Blind In One Eye” (duh), “Crime And The City”, “Statuary”

3) Kylesa - Spiral Shadow

The praises of Kylesa's new record are abundant among critics, and well the only reason I would put this on my list is to spite them.  The truth is, this band is simply fantastic.  They are big, they write heavy ass riffs, they're well-produced, and they pull it all off live.  They also wrote the best Torche song of the year ("Don't Look Back") (sorry, Torche, I still love you). Key Tracks: “Tired Climb”, “Don't Look Back”, “Cheating Synergy”

2) Melvins - The Bride Screamed Murder

The Melvins are my favorite band. The Bride Screamed Murder is a testament to why. From the call-and-response swagger of the military chant in "The Water Glass" to the noise and riffage of "Electric Flower" to the complete deconstruction of The Who's "My Generation", this record is pure Melvins perfection.  Key Tracks: “The Water Glass", “Evil New War God”, “Electric Flower”

1) Kvelertak - S/T

I don't fucking get it, people.  I really, really, really don't.  Why on earth is there so much hostility amongst critics and fans alike toward Norwegian newcomers Kvelertak?  Is it because they recklessly borrow from black metal, thrash, punk, hard rock and anything in between?  That must be it, because this album positively rips, and only those isolationist criers of 'kvlt' and people who don't like their food touching could whine about how bad ass these songs are.  This album is simultaneously at the top of lists and the most decried of others.  That about says it.  Track of the Year: "Blodtørst"

Honorable Mentions:

- Torche - Song For Singles:  Like I said earlier, I still love Torche.  Just didn't get into the album like I did Meanderthal.  Also it was short.

- Cloudkicker - Beacons:  Self-produced Djenty melodic instrumental.  Something I wish I had more time with.

- This Comp Kills Fascists, vol. II:  BLEEEEEAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!

- Deathspell Omega - Paracletus:  Totally mind-melting French black metal.  Really out-there stuff.  Kinda slept on this one, and with time, might have made the list.

Albums I totally slept on, oops:

Misery Index
Slough Feg
US Christmas
Magrudergrind
Valient Thorr
Swans
Daughters
Danko Jones
Daath

Album of the Year, 2011:

Already calling it: Longmont Potion Castle, Vol. 8

-Pick-Axe Bobby
Content Coordinator