My top five list for this decade was a hard one. A couple were no brainers, but to sit and think about what made the most impact on me in the last 10 years was quite the task. For one, this had to have been my least favorite decade for music listening. Some may agree, many will disagree with my picks. In no order:

Boredoms Vision Creation Newsun
I’ve enjoyed the Boredoms since Pop Tatari era. At that time, their silly, spastic and quirky songs were fun, but nothing compared to what they were about to embark on. This album showed that even when you lose members, you still march forward with a new and refreshing sound. This release stands the test of time, even when many performers/groups have bit their sound from this period. A must have for any music nerd/fanatic.

Boards Of Canada Geogaddi
This record was perfect for me when I was experiencing jet lag from the second European tour I did. I would find myself waking up at 4:00 A.M. browsing the internet while listening to this release. It was perfect. Surreal, creepy and very psychedelic. I would love to see the movie that would have this album as its soundtrack.

Slayer God Hates Us All
If there’s one thing you should know about me it’s my love for metal. When I say metal, I mean true metal. Not metal core, nu metal, rap/yo metal. REAL METAL. During Jr. High, I would listen to the likes of the “mighty four” as if it were my religion. Of course I’m referring to Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth. After the grunge era ruined my favorite metal bands sound, Slayer still seemed to do its best. Granted, they had a few releases that were mediocre, but all that was made up for on this record. It was the perfect release to purchase on 9/11. The ultimate middle finger to those who thought that metal was done for. Not fucking likely.

Super Furry Animals Rings Around The World
I haven’t stopped listening to this record since I first heard it in 2001. Gruffs Rhys vocals are just mind blowing and the musicianship is equal to it. So many times I find myself with a track from this album in my head and it puts me in a great mood. Also, how many groups can you think of releases a DVD with a video for every track on the LP plus loads of remixes? If I recall, they were the first group to do just that. The best release by far from this Welsh group.

Einstürzende Neubauten Supporter Album #1/Perpetuum Mobile
In 2002, Neubauten started working on their next release without the support of a label. Rather opting for the “supporter” or patronage system. Fans who donated to the cause were able to watch Neubauten streamed online during rehearsal. The fans were then encouraged to give feedback to the band and in return, would use their ideas/opinions in helping shape the songs. The live shows of this tour were recorded by the band’s sound engineers, then burned on CD-Rs with individual pictures of each show and sold directly after the concerts to the visitors; numerous “official” live albums were created during this tour as a result. Still one of the most ambitious and important musical groups of our time. This release further cemented my love for the band and gave me respect and hope for new music.

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Also: More from Culture Bully’s Best of the Decade