List: Best Albums of the Decade 10-1

The final part of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. Do you agree with some of the choices? Or do you think they stink to the high heavens? Please let me know, one way or another. You can find 110-101 here, 100-91 here, 90-81 here, 80-71 here, 70-61 here, 60-51 here, 50-41 here, 40-31 here, 30-21 here, and 20-11 here. Finally, here's the most important piece of the puzzle:

10. Joanna Newsom - Ys (2006)

The first time I heard this album, I couldm't get enough. I thought it was the best thing ever. The most gorgeous album ever made. I've lessened the hyperbole a little since, but I still love it. A fantastic album, but not for everyone. Features excessive harp playing and shrill vocals. Be warned!

9. The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America (2007)

The best bar band in America hit the big time with this album. It's a record by guys nearing forty who act like they are eighteen. Thus it appeals to the kid inside all of us. But it's the lyrics that get you to stay around. Intelligent stories that are much more than mere tales about getting wasted and going to parties. They feature excellent characters who live vividly exciting lives. We're all jealous.

8. Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch (2007)

Jason Isbell's first solo album was recorded while he was still a Trucker, but it shone in so many ways. Who could argue with the blistering rock and the excellent lyrics? Take 'Dress Blues' for example. Has there been a better song written about the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq? Somehow I doubt it. Bitterly beautiful. It also helps that Jason himself is one of the best guitarists around.

7. The Strokes - Is This It (2001)

A lot was written about the Strokes when they first came on the scene. They've tried to repeat the success of this since, but neither their band albums or solo projects have matched the suckerpunch that was Is This It. Straight-up rock like this just can't be messed with.

6. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (2005)

A concept album about the American state, this was so much bigger than Stevens' first attempt, Michigan. It features the slogan "Come on Feel the Illinoise" on the cover, which just lets you know what kind of album this is going to be. Fun and egotistical, it's Stevens' masterpiece.

5. Radiohead - In Rainbows (2007)

Forget about the method of payment (you downloaded it illegally even though you could get it for free, didn't you?). This album was so much better than anyone could have expected. It's probably their most accessible album, and as a result it's their best work since OK Computer. Some of the songs are a little overblown, but who cares? That's the Radiohead style. We love them all the more for it.

4. Ryan Adams - Love is Hell (2003)

Ryan Adams has never got on well with labels. They didn't even want to release this album, so he gave them the decent Rock N Roll instead. But it was this combination of two EPs, the first which came out in 2003 that was the real success. His best work so far, it's a gorgeous album of mellow, poignant tunes. Some may not stand out on first listen (some not all), but when you let them seep in, you'll realise the glory. Phenomenal.

3. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells (2001)

No, it doesn't have a single like 'Seven Nation Army'. Few albums do. What this has is much better: Sixteen urgent quickfire songs, each one a standout on a marvelous album. It was hard to believe that only two people were involved in this record, and that there was no bass guitar in sight, but when you're as fine a guitar player as Jack White is, you need little else.

2. Drive-By Truckers - The Dirty South (2004)

The best album to come out of the confederacy since... well, ever. It's a tribute to southern United States, and an absolutely magnificent one at that. It's full of marvellous stories and imagery, such as the splendid 'Carl Perkins Cadillac' and 'Danko/Manuel', which are touching songs about the legendary musicians. The album sealed the Drive-By Truckers status as modern American legends, and is a stunning collection of songs. Simply amazing.

1. Mic Christopher - Skylarkin' (2001)

My gorgeous other half, Gill, asked me why I love this album so much. I couldn't give her a decent answer. I don't think there are words strong enough to describe the connection I have to this album. I can't help but be captivated by its beauty every single time I put it on. Released after Mic's tragic death in 2001, this was the finest hour of one of Ireland's greatest ever songwriters. Together with his work with the Mary Janes, Mic was carving out a career up there with Van Morrison's. Sadly, following a show in Holland in 2001, Mic had an accident, falling down a flight of stairs and hitting his head. He never regained consciousness and died a few days later. It was the biggest loss to the music world since the death of Jeff Buckley four years earlier. Skylarkin is just as good as Grace, if not better. The best album of the decade.

List: Best Albums of the Decade 20-11

The penultimate part of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. You can find 110-101 here, 100-91 here, 90-81 here, 80-71 here, 70-61 here, 60-51 here, 50-41 here, 40-31 here, and 30-21 here. Now, here's 20-11...

20. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - Cold Roses (2005)

The first of Ryan Adams' albums in 2005, and also his first with backing band the Cardinals. Sadly today, Chris Feinstein, bassist with the Cardinals died. Chris wasn't involved with this album, but became a Cardinal later after Catherine Popper left the band. This is a double album with a fantastic first side. The first two songs are over five minutes each but never drag on. It's Adams' lengthiest album, but it's also the best of the 2005 trilogy.

19. Damien Rice - O (2002)

The best Irish debut this decade, Damien Rice will never make another like it. Rice's Juniper work was much more raw and aggressive, but here he paired up with Lisa Hannigan to make gorgeous slow moving songs. It's a long swoonsome listen, but every song is a classic. It's not just about the singles, but other songs such as 'Amie' and 'Cold Water' are beautiful too. Vyvienne Long's cello throughout is amazing.

18. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit (2009)

His second solo album since leaving the Drive-By Truckers, Isbell also gave his backing band lead billing. The 400 Unit are a stellar band and add a lot to his fantastic Americana. Isbell is fantastic solo, but the rest of these guys add an extra, louder dimension to his fantastic lyrics. One of the finest songwriters of our generation.

17. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins (2008)

I wrote this blurb for a forum I frequent as part of their best albums of 2008 list. It was my favourite album of the year due to its brilliant melodies and fantastic lyrics. But rather than talk about that, just enjoy this: http://swearimnotpaul.blogspot.com/2009/12/blurb-okkervil-river-stand-ins.html

16. Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog (2007)

Sam Beam's best work so far, it was the album Bon Iver fans should've been listening to instead. (I've said that a few times now.) It has some beautiful love songs, and some outrageously gorgeous ballads.

15. Bell x1 - Music in Mouth (2003)

Bell x1's second album outdid their debut in every way. The lyrics became much more outrageous. I mean who could forget a line like "No you're not Maud Gonne" or the brilliant wordplay of 'Snakes and Snakes' and 'Alphabet Soup'. It's so much more than 'Eve, the Apple of My Eye' (originally a Juniper song 'Never' anyhow, like 'Tongue').

14. Drive-By Truckers - Decoration Day (2003)

Named after Memorial Day in the US, the Drive-By Truckers' fourth album is another tribute to southern America. It was the first album with Jason Isbell on board, which brought a fantastic new dimension to the band. His songwriting here is flawless: check out the fatherly advice of 'Outfit', but his involvement allowed Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley to reach new levels also.

13. Whiskeytown - Pneumonia (2001)

The swansong of Whiskeytown, this was released after the band had broken up. Like Fleetwood Mac's Rumours without the marital strife, it's an essential band breakup album. Some people may argue that their earlier work was better (although none of it is from this decade), but for me, this is the essential Whiskeytown album. It starts off brilliantly with 'The Ballad of Carol Lynn' and 'Don't Wanna Know Why', but it reaches its highpoint midway through with the phenomenal one-two punch of 'Under Your Breath' and 'Mirror Mirror'.

12. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning (2005)

Conor Oberst's Bright Eyes released two albums simultaenously in 2005. One was an out-there electronic album, and the other was a stripped-back acoustic led record. The softer, more mellow one was the better. By a comfortable margin. Skip the random monologue at the start, that's just Oberst being pretentious. The rest of the record never exceeds itself. It's Oberst at his most reflective, where he just makes music without ego.

11. Ryan Adams - Gold (2001)

It's impossible to forget that video for 'New York, New York', filmed in front of the World Trade Center on 7th September 2001. The song became an obituary to the city as well as a gorgeous tribute (up there with Bruce Springsteen's The Rising). Aside from that, there was so much to savour. Even the shortest track, 'Gonna Make You Love Me' is a winner. But it's 'When the Stars Go Blue' that'll keep Adams' pockets lined. has he ever written a better song?

The Countdown continues tomorrow...

List: Best Albums of the Decade 30-21

Part Nine of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. You can find 110-101 here, 100-91 here, 90-81 here, 80-71 here, 70-61 here, 60-51 here, 50-41 here, and 40-31 here. But for now, here's 30-21...

30. Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat (2006)

We always knew former childstar Jenny Lewis had a certain sparkle, but it wasn't until her solo debut (away from Rilo Kiley) that she really shone. Together with the statuesque Watson Twins, she soothed us with this collection of 11 (technically 12) beautiful songs. The finest part was their cover of the Traveling Wilburys' 'Handle With Care', which actually outdid the stellar original.

29. PJ Harvey - Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000)

The best work of Harvey's career, Stories from the City... is a strangely dark but uplifting album. Not a description you hear everyday, it's an urbane record but filled with a vivid nightlife feel. Thom Yorke appears as a guest, but never overshines the artist herself. How could anyone improve on 'The Whores Hustle and the Hustlers Whore'? I doubt it's possible.

28. Kanye West - The College Dropout (2004)

Kanye West's debut was the best thing to happen to hip-hop since the arrival of Jay-Z on the scene. It featured a massive amount of guests (none of which were major stars at the time, but are now), but it was West's fantastic rhymes which made this record. West was injured in a car crash during pre-production, and felt this album was his second chance at life. His ego has overtaken since, but with songs like 'All Falls Down' and 'Jesus Walks', isn't he entitled to be proud?

27. Johnny Cash - American III: Solitary Man (2000)

It doesn't get the same attention as the fourth - there's no 'Hurt' on here - but overall it is a marvellous collection of songs. He reinvents the title track, originally by Neil Diamond, as well as Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down', but the highlight has to be his take on Will Oldham's 'I See a Darkness'. Cash's finest hour.

26. The Libertines - The Libertines (2004)

Pete Doherty and Carl Barat's second album (strangely the self-titled one is the second, not the first) raised the bar even higher after their splendid debut. Sadly it was their last album together, and neither have matched the dizzy heights of the Libertines since. It was the songs the pair wrote together that really shone: 'What Became of the Likely Lads', 'Can't Stand Me Now', 'Road to Ruin', and 'The Man Who Would Be King'. The Doherty penned ones were good, but Barat added an extra dimension which is much needed now.

25. The Postal Service - Give Up (2003)

Ben Gibbard's other project was much better than his main career. They've only made one album so far, but what an album it was. Created via Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello sending each other songs for the other to finish through the mail system, they came together under the obvious title of The Postal Service. But a backstory does not an album make, and it's thanks to songs like 'Such Great Heights' and the gorgeous 'Clark Gable' that this makes the list.

24. Seth Lakeman - Kitty Jay (2004)

For me, this album arrived out of nowhere. I hadn't heard Lakeman's debut Punch Bowl or his work with Equation, but when I read that a folk album had made the Mercury shortlist after its creator had paid the entry fee, I knew I had to listen. Nothing prepared me for how gorgeous it turned out to be. Filled with Dartmoor legends, here was an album that had imagery as good as any Neil Gaiman short story, and combined it with fantastic fiddle and tenor guitar playing. Fantastic.

23. Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker (2000)

The debut of the Whiskeytown frontman announced the arrival of the decade's best alt.country brat. He's been known for his tantrums ever since, but this album was a lesson in break-up albums. A bitter heartbreak record, it's filled with gorgeous tunes and some of Adams' best singing, it's a smoke-filled masterpiece.

22. Justin Timberlake - Justified (2002)

I should fell guilty ranking a former boyband member's album ahead of Ryan Adams' debut, but I don't. This album is a gorgeous danceable pop record. Immaculately produced, it features some of the finest dance-floor fillers ever. You just can't argue with 'Senorita', 'Like I Love You', or 'Rock Your Body'. Then there was the brilliant 'Cry Me A River'. The new Michael Jackson had arrived.

21. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan (2005)

The fifth White Stripes album was yet another departure from their ouevre. Acoustic guitar and piano replaced electric guitar at the centre and gave it a less aggressive, softer feel. It was also quite funny, have a listen to the hilarious 'My Doorbell' if you don't believe me. Singles 'Blue Orchid' and 'The Denial Twist' were as good as anything they've done, but 'Take, Take, Take' was the album's glorious highpoint. Fantastic

The Countdown continues tomorrow...

List: Best Albums of the Decade 40-31

I don't know if you're as excited as I am! Part Eight of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. You can find 110-101 here, 100-91 here, 90-81 here, 80-71 here, 70-61 here, 60-51 here, and 50-41 here. But for now, here's 40-31...

40. Sigur Rós - Takk... (2005)

I said it before - Sigur Rós won't match Agaetis Bryjun, well they didn't in the 00s anyway. But they did craft a magnificent selection of songs with Takk.... 'Hoppipolla' (translated: "hopping into puddles") is the best, a glorious uprising of a tune, that has been used to soundtrack hope in a lot of tv shows. No wonder tis album is called 'Thanks'.

39. Neil Diamond - 12 Songs (2005)

Not to be confused with the Randy Newman album of the same name, this return to form for Neil Diamond was as fun as Newman's best work. And with the helming of Rick Rubin, it was dark and gorgeous like Johnny Cash's American Recordings series. All the songs were penned by Diamond, there was no covers, and it showed how great a songwriter he is, and always was. The special edition duet with Brian Wilson, 'Delirious Love' was gorgeous too.

38. The Decemberists - Picaresque (2005)

The best work of Colin Meloy's super-twee outfit the Decemberists, Picaresque is a fascinating and enchanting record. From the opener, 'The Infanta' through 'Sixteen Military Wives' to the clever 'Of Angels and Angles', it's a bright shining album filled with fantastic melodies.

37. Alcest - Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde (2007)

Originally a black metal band, this was a huge departure from Alcest's previous work. They took all they learned from their aggressive EPs and toned it down into this gorgeous album. It's like the dirtiest soundtrack you've ever heard, but is irresistable in every way.

36. Gillian Welch - Time (The Revelator) (2001)

Gillian Welch's third album is one of the best alt.country albums ever. It gets better and better with every listen. It's nigh on impossible to turn away from the charm of Welch's voice and the intricate guitar work of David Rawlings. Imagine if Ryan Adams had been female. This is what he'd be writing. Wonderful.

35. The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002)

This decade, was there a better nonsense lyric than "Her name is Yoshimi..."? If so, I can't recall it. This was Wayne Coyne's breakout album, and is also his best work. Forget about the aural nonsense of Zaireeka, this was what the Flaming Lips were destined to do. The most pyschadelic experience of the 00s, and a damn good album too.

34. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006)

What a debut. An overnight success, the Arctic Monkeys arrived with fantastically rocking singles. The riffs were addictive and the lyrics witty. All together, it was brilliant. Who hasn't bounded and jumped around to 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor'? Go on, admit it. You have, and you will again too.

33. Yeah Yeah Yeas - Fever to Tell (2003)

"They don't love you like I love you." It's true, Karen O. Not enough people love you. Well not on this side of the Atlantic anyway. It's a shame that Kate Nash and the like get airplay, but you'll never hear the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. A major injustice. I mean, you just can't argue with songs like 'Y Control' and 'Maps'.

32. Fight Like Apes - And the Mystery of the Golden Medallion (2008)

The best Irish debut of the decade, it heralded in a new age in Irish pop-rock. The music is glamourous and sexy, but packs a fierce punch. Clever and wry, it's the most fun anyone had in 2008. And when they quit the swearing, they got on the radio. 'Jake Summers' is one of the best singles this decade, and it's not even the best thing on here.

31. Kate Bush - Aerial (2005)

Double albums are tricky things. There's always one side that gets favoured over the other. But sometimes, like on here, that can be a good thing. The two discs are hugely different, allowing you to choose which ever one suits your particular mood. The first is a random collection of Bush oddities, and the second is a concept album centred around a birdsong suite. They are both amazing, and who else could get away with a song about a washing machine, or one which recited the numbers of Pi?

The Countdown continues tomorrow...

List: Best Albums of the Decade 60-51

Part Six of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. You can find 110-101 here, 100-91 here, 90-81 here, 80-71 here, and 70-61 here. But for now, here's 60-51...

60. The Libertines - Up the Bracket (2002)

Up the Bracket was the record that launched Pete Doherty on the world, and especially on the Great British tabloids. It's a deep down and dirty rock album. The perfect antithesis to Britpop, heralding in a new direction for British music. Without this there would be no Franz Ferdinand, no Sun headlines, but no self-titled album. But what a dress rehearsal for the big event.

59. Paul Simon - Surprise (2006)

Next year sees the return of Peter Gabriel, but he'd be hard pressed to match this: the phenomenal return to form of Paul Simon. Forget about that closing track from the kids' film, this album was filled with surprises. (See what I did there?) Super-producer Brian Eno brought a whole new dimension to Paul Simon's music, infusing the ballads with a fantastic electro backing. One of the three songs the two penned together, 'Outrageous' is one of the best things Simon has ever done, and that includes his S&G years.

58. The Silver Jews - Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea (2008)

With an album cover featuring legendary French elephant Babar (at least it looks like him), this was Silver Jews most fun album. Absolutely fantastic lyrically as well as musically, Berman has never written (and sadly never will write in the future) better songs than 'San Francisco BC', 'Party Barge', and 'What Is Not But Could be If'. Stunning.

57. The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave (2008)

Kristian Matsson should be better known around the world than Bon Iver. He makes similar downtempo folk, but sadly he forgot the backstory. If he had a log cabin in the woods of Sweden then he may have got the attention he deserves. Each song on this is wonderful, with not a note wasted. He did get to tour with Bon Iver, so if you saw an opening act who outdid the headliner, the Tallest Man on Earth was probably that opener.

56. Neil Young - Greendale (2003)

One of the best concept albums of the decade, this album probably would have garnered more praise if it wasn't for the fact it's about a fictional family in a fictional town. There was also a tie-in movie which worked in conjunction but the lyrics, but forget all about that. The music itself was the selling point. Reunited with Crazy Horse, this is a fantastic Young album, filled with gorgeous stories and interesting characters.

55. Bell x1 - Neither Am I (2000)

The breakup of Juniper could well be the best thing to happen to Irish music this decade. Instead of one great artist, we got two. Damien Rice, and these boys from Celbridge. Bell x1's debut featured two of those Juniper songs: 'Volcano' and 'Face' ('Volcano' also appeared on Rice's own debut), but it was the rest of the album that was truly glorious. Not as radio-friendly as any of their other albums, this was a sombre break-up record of a different kind.

54. Jon Brion - Meaningless (2001)

Jon Brion is better known for his work on movie soundtracks and his production work, but this is solo debut is as good as any pop album released in the noughties. More in-depth and instrumental than most pop albums, Brion performed, arranged, and produced everything on here. A fantastic one-man work. His masterpiece.

53. Common - Be (2005)

Produced by Kanye West, this was Common's finest effort of the decade. More radio-friendly than Like Water for Chocolate and a million times better than the misunderstood Electric Circus, this was Common's breakout record. It featured excellent guests, such as John Mayer on 'Go' and John Legend on 'Faithful', but the choices of samples were even far more inspired: Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Sam Cooke. Amazing.

52. Kings of Leon - Youth and Young Manhood (2003)

Forget about those radio hits and those terrible second and third albums, there once was a time when Caleb Followill and family were so radio-unfriendly that they sported long grizzly beards and sang lyrics that required interpretation via the Rosetta Stone. It was filled with short bursts of hard rock such as the glowing 'Red Morning Light' and the brilliant 'Molly's Chambers'. It's still their best ever song.

51. Badly Drawn Boy - About a Boy (2002)

An album based on a film based on a book, well kinda. This is the soundtrack to the 2002 film adaptation of Nick Hornby's About a Boy. The entire soundtrack was written and performed by Damon Gough himself, including the short instrumental interludes and the longer songs with their enchanting lyrics. Regardless of its soundtrack status, this is a beautiful album in its own right.

The Countdown continues tomorrow...