The end of 2009 marks the end of another decade, this time, the first of the 21st century. Many fortunate and not so fortunate things occurred. We lost two of the largest towers in the world, and for some of us, family members and friends who remain irreplaceable. We as Americans had to be individually resilient, especially with a barbaric nitwit representing our country. Our economy dropped to a disastrous level, and we are still digging our ways out of the metaphorical hole.
2009 was undoubtedly a big year in music. Animal Collective kicked off the year with Merriweather Post Pavilion, which was questionably their most accessible album to date. They ventured more into the world of dance and electronics, and created what can only be best described as a sort of “Postmodern Pop”. Dirty Projectors released the widely celebrated Bitte Orca – another album that featured a Brooklyn band delving into the world of pop and catchy melodies — while newcomers the Antlers (also from Brooklyn) chronicled the sad and tragic play out of events that ultimately led to the death of a close one that would make even Plath proud.
Easily the hardest decade to decide on — maybe because it was the first decade where I was properly introduced to music — the 90’s undoubtedly had a diverse impact on the music world. Hip-Hop was blooming and developing into something with substance, whether it be through the “Native Tongue” movement of groups like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, or through a more gritty, gangsta approach with rappers like N.W.A., and 2pac.
I’ve decided to run a top 10 list of 80’s albums based on my opinion (which can be argued as being factual) solely. The 80’s unfortunately catches a bad general rap from mainstream society that typically only remembers the fond times for it’s blonde feathered bangs, and drunken metal/acoustic ballads (I’m pointing my finger at you Bret Michaels.) But I know you, the reader can recall a more innovative, and intellectual time, where bands held pretentious outlooks because they damn right deserved to. I may be talking like I lived through this colorful decade, but truth has it that I was actually only born in the middle of it. Still, these albums have changed my life, and the natural views that I have to surviving in this crazy world.
