10. Agnes Obel - Riverside
Every few years a singer with a unique, celestial voice mystically skies in on a magic carpet, writing haunting, traditional folk songs laden with modern hooks. Last time it was folk troubadouress Joanna Newsom. This time it's Denmark's new sensation, Agnes Obel. On her sombre debut, 'Philarmonics', she showcases beguiling vocal beauty placed in a mire of eerie piano and acoustic guitar. 'Riverside' epitomises this, with her simple piano and heavenly harmonies brought to the fore.
9. Liars - Scissor
Since Liars' formation 10 years ago, a large multitude of genres have been invented, re-invented and coined because of them. From the post-punk revivival they fronted back in 2001, to the dance punk, noise rock and drone rock genres they later fronted, it's fair to say music has changed because of them. On latest freakout, 'Sisterworld', as of yet, unclassifiable, they infuse frenetic, angular rhythms with distortion overloads, juxtaposed with soothing melodies and keys. Lead single 'Scissor' is a wild animal stuck in a cage, which destructively breaks free at roughly 2.10.
8. Warpaint - Undertow
Mystical art-rockers Warpaint were formed back in 2004. Until 2010, they had been performing only locally, hiding away in their hometown of LA. They were best known for their celebrity links (inc. having a RHCP member as an alumnus).
This year they finally released their debut album, 'The Fool', six years in the making. It was one of the most critically revered works of the year, and one of the best-selling alternative LPs released in the UK; it is currently topping end of year lists everywhere and they have just been featured on the BBC Sound of 2011 poll.
Their success was down to their totally spine-tingling music; their deftly constructed record was infused with enchanting harmonies, pounding funk bass (very reminiscent of ex-Interpol man, Carlos D) and reverberating guitar twangs. 'Undertow' encapsulated all these traits marvellously.
7. Pantha du Prince - Lay in a Shimmer
Like the aforementioned 'Satellite Snyper', this was another track in which German electronic extraordinaire PdP combined his trademark bells, clicks and a subtle yet miasmic beat. Taken from his best entire work to date, and indeed one of the best album releases of the year, 'Black Noise', the beguiling minimalist in this tune has created one of the best tunes of the year.
The album also featured a notable collaboration with Animal Collective's Panda Bear who played his role perfectly, his vocals adding alot to the record's soporific, clicky and laid back ambience.
6. Dum Dum Girls - Jail La La
Now I have to say there are a lot of these American, female-led, lo-fi garage groups. I think the scene started with Vivian Girls, who wrote some very pretty tunes and made a couple of good albums, which were both left nice and rough around the edges, but they didn't write any brilliant, infectious pop tunes, which I believe is key. Neither did Beth Consentino's Best Coast who saw considerable success this year with their lusty single 'Boyfriend', as did Frankie & The Outs with their debut record
But there was one group of female renegades who did, however, stand out from the crowd. This was Dum Dum Girls, a group of goths who create sleazy, pounding singalongs, distortion galore, like a female Jesus & Mary Chain, but fronted by a modern-day Siouxsie Sioux, apparently called 'Dee Dee'.
'Jail La La' is undoubtedly the greatest rock n roll song of the year. It's raw, catchy and sassy, and that's cool.
