Even though Bodden and I had our own opinions on some of the top albums of 2010, there were 8 albums that we both agreed stood out. These albums got a lot of plays on ipods and computers, at parties and on docks, so without further adieu, in no particular order, I give you Part 2 of the Top Albums of 2010.

Cee-Lo Green – The Lady Killer
Cee-Lo has proven that he doesn’t need Danger Mouse in order to produce some great jams. His solo effort produced The Lady Killer and has a range from sexy soul to gangster edge. I think Cee-Lo says it best himself when he described his album as a “sexy, sophisticated night in the life of a lady killer.” It’s a great album overall, but the real gems are tracks 6 to 13. Check out this Toe Jams post for a more in depth look at this album.

Cee-Lo Green – Satisfied
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/07-Satisfied-Produced-By-Fraser-T.-Smith.mp3|titles=Cee-Lo Green – Satisfied (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)]

Suckers – Wild Smile
I remember I told Bodden to check out this album earlier this summer and after the first listen he was like “I tried Mon, but I’m just not feeling it”. Then, one day I got this email that said “I was about to throw in the towel, when all of a sudden on the 5th spin, I was like woah, I’m feeling these tracks.” I felt the same way. I think I loved it because I didn’t love it at first – if that makes any sense. I loved that it grew on me and I appreciated the tracks even more because of it. The vocals, the building instruments – I guarantee this album will be the diamond in your rough.

Suckers – Martha
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/08-Martha.mp3|titles=Suckers – Martha]

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye’s latest release received perfect scores from just about anyone who reviewed it. In my opinion, it’s not quite perfect, but I will say that it is pretty damn good. There’s a lot going on, on this album. It’s much more than a Hip-Hop record. There’s the guest vocalists, the Bon Iver collaborations, the orchestration, the list goes on. Love him or hate him, it’s tough to deny his talent when it comes to making music. I believe Kanye is striving to be much more than a Hip Hop artist, and on his latest record, I think he may be another step closer.

Kanye West – Monster (feat. JAY-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver)
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/06-Monster-feat.-JAY-Z-Rick-Ross-Nicki-Minaj-Bon-Iver.mp3|titles=Kanye West – Monster (feat. JAY-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver)]

Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
This was by far my most anticipated album in 2010, and as expected, it did not disappoint. Arcade Fire changed up the game plan a bit on this one. It’s not as heavy on the anthems. That’s not to say they were not up to their old tricks. The entire crew is back. The band is backing front man Win Butler behind the keys on quite of a few of the tracks – opposed to the strings. This probably gets my vote for the album of the year. I had the pleasure of seeing them twice this year. And the new tracks sound fantastic live. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and check this album out.

Arcade Fire – Rococo
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/04-Rococo.mp3|titles=Arcade Fire – Rococo]

Vampire Weekend – Contra
I had a pretty good feeling that Contra was going to end up on my favourite albums list at the end of 2010. However, being a January album, I wasn’t sure if my thinking was premature. It wasn’t. This album is a beauty. A great follow up to their self-titled debut. It contains some of the same elements I loved in their debut, while keeping it fresh at the same time. It’s pretty hard not to like this music. You can revisit this album anytime and it always sounds great.

Vampire Weekend – Diplomat’s Son
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/09-Diplomats-Son-1.mp3|titles=Vampire Weekend – Diplomat’s Son 1]

Best Coast – Crazy For You
The lo-fi surf-pop sound seemed to have a bit of a resurrection in 2010. I didn’t think I was crazy about the sound. I read quite a few positive reviews about Best Coast so I thought I’d give it a shot. After checking it out, I didn’t think too much. Then next thing I know, I’m singing the songs all day long. I had to go back to the album. It’s a pretty easy-breezy listen. Sounds a bit better when the weather’s a bit warmer. But not a bad way to keep warm in winter either.

Best Coast – Bratty B
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/09-Bratty-B.mp3|titles=Best Coast – Bratty B]

Matt & Kim – Sidewalks
As I said in a previous post, Sidewalks is a great soundtrack to listen to while discovering your city, but that’s not where it’s potential ends. Their more polished sound is a welcome change while still keeping their signature garage rock/punk sound. These guys never fail to get me a good mood and this album is no exception. Even in their approach to softer songs you can hear their optimism.

Matt & Kim – AM/FM Sound
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/02-AM_FM-Sound.mp3|titles=Matt&Kim – AM_FM Sound]

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – I Learned The Hard Way
Now this is a great combination. Sharon Jones pipes backed by the cool cats known as the Dap Kings. Sharon’s vocals are fantastic. Singing R&B/Soul like she means it. You can just tell that there’s real meaning behind her vocals. And the Dap Kings provide the perfect backdrop for her to shine. The Dap Kings are more than just background music though, this is a talented group that can work the horns with the best of them. A great listen.

Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings – Better Things To Do
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/03-Better-Things-to-Do.mp3|titles=Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings – Better Things to Do]

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.