The music industry calls declining CD sales a shift in the market. But what do you expect in a world in which attention spans are short, a song is better than an album, and a ringtone is better than a song? Thankfully, there are still artists who have something to say and refuse to sing in sound bites.
This year, the cadre of old-fashioned troubadours who wanted more than a hit single included icons such as B.B. King, Willie Nelson and Mavis Staples, as well as newcomers like the Black Kids and Welsh chanteuse Duffy.
They, as well as a few of rock’s strongest bands, delivered some of the most listenable, memorable and influential records of the year, albums that somehow keep finding their way to the top of the playlist.
1. “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,” Coldplay
Play it once and hate it. Play it again, and the music tugs at you. Listen to it through earbuds, and you feel the isolation that Chris Martin (right) often sings about. Then blast the disc’s 10 songs through big, badass speakers, and the music blossoms, especially in the songs in which there’s prominent drumming and ringing guitars.
2. “Day and Age,” the Killers
Through the concise, upbeat 10-song record, the Killers seek salvation in Sin City, their hometown. Lyrically, the album is anchored with vivid neon-Vegas images that give it a sense of place, and the glam Brit-pop sounds – part Bowie, part Roxy Music – give it a kinship to the band’s striking debut, “Hot Fuss.”
3. “Tha Carter III,” Lil Wayne
On this year’s 8X Grammy-nominated album, Lil Wayne, the dreadlocked, tattooed New Orleans rapper with a bass-rasp delivery, extols the art of the album. This is a record to be listened to in order and with care to hear the poetry in his freestyle rhymes. Part of this album’s goodness also comes from guest stars such as Jay-Z and T-Pain, as well as producers like Kanye West.
4. “Partie Traumatic,” the Black Kids
Living up to the hype as “the next big thing,” this Florida outfit delivers on its debut. The disc is a collection of bright pop gems featuring boy-girl harmonies and Cure-like musical riffs that support the band as they muse about their love lives. For a one-track test ride that has all of the Kids’ best qualities, check out “I’m Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You.”
5. “Chinese Democracy,” Guns N’ Roses
After more than 14 years of waiting, Axl Rose finally delivered “Chinese Democracy,” making the most delayed record in rock history a reality. With this collection, Rose, the lone gunner from the original band, truly continues the GN’R legacy. His voice is terrific whether he’s rendering a power ballad or reaching for his falsetto in a pop-metal rocker.
6. “Attack & Release,” the Black Keys
With a little help from Gnarls Barkley knob twirler Danger Mouse, this Akron, Ohio, band delivers a stylistically diverse record that owes debts to countrified blues, Southern rock and Who-like power chords. This is a raw, sparse guitar ‘n drums disc reminiscent of the best White Stripes and, in the more elaborately arranged tunes, the Raconteurs.
7. “Two Men With the Blues,” Wynton Marsalis & Willie Nelson
This live album was recorded during Nelson’s two-night stand at Marsalis’ home base, Jazz at Lincoln Center. The odd couple’s performance is a legendary musical summit, connecting the dots between country and jazz.
8. “Rockferry,” Duffy
She’s got a spectacular voice that can whisper or shout. While she wasn’t much of an entertainer at her Apollo performance earlier this year, the record is fantastic. Each song is a stepping stone to the most influential female singers of pop, from Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield (whom Duffy resembles) to modern artists such as Mary J. Blige. The record is polished to a near perfect shine.
9. “The Mande Variations,” Toumani Diabate
The kora is a 21-string cross between a lute and a harp, and nobody plays this ancient instrument as well as Diabate. While his skills have been employed by the likes of Damon Albarn and Bjork, “The Mande Variations” is a solo record that that is intricate and meditative.
10. “Sounds Eclectic: The Next One,” Various Artists
There is a bounty of great songs here, all gleaned from live performances on LA radio show “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” Even those who know music will find something new and great here. For me, that was “Heart It Races” by the band Architecture in Helsinki.
Honorable Mentions
* “Funhouse,” PINK
* “Hope at the Hideout,” Mavis Staples
* “Black Ice,” AC/DC
* “One Kind Favor,” B.B. King
* “Around the Bend,” Randy Travis