Snackin' On The Decade: Top Albums 25-21

We're halfway home. At this point, I wouldn't look at you funny if you have any of these albums as your favorite of the decade. They're all so good. If you are jumping into the list here and want to enjoy from the beginning, the countdown starts here.

25. In Rainbows - Radiohead

This album will go down as the revolutionary record that brought us pay-what-you-want pricing. And while that was a big story, the thing that I think makes this album so special is the fact that it's one of the last albums, especially in the indie rock category, that every fan listened to it for the first time at the same time. That's because of the great job of secrecy the band pulled off. Within a week of the announcement it existed, the link was landing in our inboxes to download and listen to. To me, that is such a thrill. When I pulled these files over to iTunes, and hit play, I knew thousands of others across the world were doing the same. And, on top of that, this album kicked ass from the start. 15 step was a complete re-introduction of a band that had become too dark on their previous album. No weird vocal effects, just great electro-rock art.

What makes this album stand out in the Radiohead cannon is that it goes back to The Bends sequencing. This isn't a concept album. For a decade, that what each of their albums fealt like. Now, they pulled those off amazingly well, but it was refreshing to just hear song after great song that all stand on their own. It allows them to become more your own. No wonder they gave it away almost like a surprise birthday present.

In Rainbows - Radiohead

24. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not - Arctic Monkeys

I remember 2/28/2006 very well. That's because I was sick. It was one of those bone-chilling cases of the flu where I had on my flannel PJs and a thick sweatshirt hoodie while curling up under two blankets in my bed, and still was shivering. I remember before my wife left for work, I was able to get up to brush my teeth, and had just enough energy to turn on the radio to our NPR station before crashing in the bed. The next 8 hours are a blur of nyquil-induced dreams and Diane Rehm discussions. The one thing that I know for sure is there was an excellent story on a new release by the biggest thing to hit the UK since The Beatles. That story was about The Arctic Monkeys. Two days later when it was safe for me to drive again, I hopped in my car and headed straight to Best Buy (still buying CDs at this time) to pick up this album.

Every time I listen to this album to this day, I still can't believe Alex Turner was a teenager when he wrote this album. The storytelling of each song is so impeccable. The vibrant characters telling their highs and lows. And as good as Turner's Catcher And The Rye stories are, the true foundation of this record is the drums. They are direct, powerful, and non-stop. The pulse pushes from one song to the next until the subtle sad guitar plucks of A Certain Romance takes you back home to your room to reminisce on the turns your life has taken.

Whatever People Say I Am, That...

23. Silent Shout - The Knife

The nerds (and I mean that as a complement) over at Pitchfork came up with a great description of this album; Haunted House. This is some scary shit. And very unique. I don't think anything sounded close to this the entire decade. But under all the synths, distorted vocals, and driving rhythm are amazing hooks. It's a pop record for people that grew up watching Tim Burton movies.

I especially love Forest Families' chorus "Music tonight. I just want your music tonight." It sounds like a vampire's call for blood. Throughout the song, the hunt is on. It's a primal call that I relate to when I just have to get to a stereo as soon as possible and crank...it...up. Sometimes you have to hear music to survive.

Silent Shout - The Knife

22. It's Blitz - Yeah Yeah Yeah's

I thought this band was done after their flat Show Your Bones album. I never expected them to become my favorite band and produce my favorite album of 2009. Much like the album cover, they took my heart in their hand and squeezed. And this album earned my adoration over time. First, I loved the dance beats throughout. This the upbeat tracks are the best Brooklyn party in the dingiest basement. Karen O stepped up to take her rightful place next to Deborah Harry as a NYC misfit goddess. Don't you want to go to the show where heads roll on the floor?

Second, these guys got the opportunity to fill in for The Beastie Boys as headliners of Lollapalooza. The show they turned out was nothing short of miraculous. Karen came out wearing a 3 foot Native American headdress made of hand-prints that would have made Freddie Mercury jealous. And the song choice of Runaway for this regal coming-out moment was perfect. All on that field were her prize that night. Those are the moments you live for as a fan of music. And this is the album that send chills down my spine when it transports me back there.

It's Blitz! - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

21. Kala - M.I.A.
In the late 80s/early 90s, I was obsessed with Public Enemy. They were the great middle finger to culture at the time. So fresh, fun, and powerful. Well, we didn't see the likes of them until 15 years later when M.I.A. showed up on the scene. And although her first album is excellent, Kala is a classic. From the initial moment the drum machine beat begins Bamboo Banger this album feels dangerous. As that song builds, and M.I.A. starts rapping, you are taken straight to the other side of the world. By the time she shouts she's coming back with Power. POWER!, you're lining up in formation in your fatigues and beret. Welcome to the revolution.

The shocking thing is that Paper Planes actually became a hit. It's one of those great moments in pop music history where a wonderful piece of protest art subverted the system to rise to ironic heights. I'm sure investment bankers banged this in their BMWs on their way to their massive bonuses all summer long. Nevermind this album showcases stories of extreme poverty, and a lost generation of Boyz in Africa. I think you should take a moment and really listen to the lyrics of $20 to feel the frustration of watching the rich roll by your home in a hummer. Deep shit wrapped in bumping beats.

Kala - M.I.A.

Check out the next 5 in the countdown here.