Guzzlemug: Favorite Albums of the Decade
Here are our picks. We actually ended up doing two a piece, because we’re stupid like that. Here goes:
(Tom Kelly’s picks)
Califone Roomsound: One of the most underrated indie albums of all time. I experienced this album at a young age, and it proceeded to define a lot of characteristics that I identify with in creative, experimental rock ‘n roll. Tim Rutili writes some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard, and more people need to pay attention to this band. [Purchase]
Mastodon Leviathan: This band blew the fuck up, and for good reason. Although I will never be able to experience this band in an intimate setting again, I feel their work is amazingly important in the watered-down metal scene. I choose this particular album based on its aggressive songwriting, and understanding of “the riff.” Combined with the production value and selection of guest performers, it is my go-to Mastodon album. [Purchase]
(Shane Prendiville’s picks)
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum Of Natural History: This for me is the most important band to arrive in the 2000s. Some could argue that their debut album Grand Opening and Closing would be the most important, but I think Of Natural History is their best release of their three studio albums. I remember where I was when I heard the first two tracks off this beast; there aren’t that many albums we can say that about. Sleepytime is not a band you throw on at a party, it’s for really listening to like classical or any other intricate, demanding music. They create a world of their own borrowing from Henry Cow, Art Bears, Metal, and even Bowie (vocals). This album will leave you satisfied, if not overwhelmed. There is everything you need: dynamic intervals, harsh to delicate passages musically & vocally, technical tricks everywhere (that are used to better the song, not hotdogging), and amazing vocals from Nils & Carla. One of my all time favorite bands, and they bring the beast to their live show as well. You must see them! [Purchase]
Khanate Capture & Release: I witnessed Khanate live once in San Francisco, I didn’t drink or do any drugs (beforehand) and when they were finished I felt sedated and somewhat like I was on psychedelics. They take you on a journey of something terrible, but real… and make you stare at it for a very, very long time. James Plotkin and Alan Dubin are from OLD and Atom/Phantomsmasher, Stephen O’Malley from Sunn O)), and Tim Wyskida from Blind Idiot God. When I first got this album, I listened to it in a loop which can detrimental to your well-being, but so good as well. I especially like the second track, Release. This album and band in general is not something you would listen to everyday while doing the dishes, they are very, very potent. Unfortunately, they are now disbanded. [Purchase]
(Charlie Werber’s picks)
The Mars Volta Frances The Mute: Bold, massive in scope, and perfectly executed. [Purchase]
Hella The Devil Isn’t Red: The union of two twitchy mutants connected at the brain yields an incendiary barrage of awkward karate chops to your genital area. [Purchase]