1. LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean
James Murphy and co. crafted the most epic of opening tracks, an eight-and-a-half minute journey that forces you to strap in and wait it out. It starts out quiet, and builds, and then when the massive synths hit your feet give up the ghost and you find yourself unable to control your feelings and soon you're kicking your chair down and demanding that everyone around you respects your dance authority.
2. Surfer Blood - Swim
It's really a shame that the rest of Surfer Blood's debut album isn't as great as this ode to carefree attitudes. The shimmering echoes of John Paul Pitts' vocals hit you like the warm sun and suddenly you're somewhere with the sand under your feet as you stare down massive waves winking at you. Ahh, summer. (Note: Although this single was released in '09, it was rerelased early on this year so I'm still counting it as a '10 single)
3. Sleigh Bells - Infinity Guitars
Over-driven production, a 4-on-the-floor beat and a catchy guitar lick are no match for anyone's ears. I've argued that this duo is better in a singles format than on their first full-length (the aptly-named Treats) as their music should be digested in tiny bits and pieces in order to be fully enjoyed, and this song is exhibit A.
4. M.I.A. - XXXO
Harkening back to the best parts of her first two albums, M.I.A. brings the backbeat and ultra-catchy chorus back to the yard where the boys are so she can offer up her sonic milkshake for all to enjoy.
5. Crystal Castles - Celestica
This Canadian duo may try to look like it's all Black Sabbath's self-titled record on their new cover but the contents of said album (and lead-off single "Celestica") suggests an affinity for darker Britpop (think Pet Shop Boys) that's way beyond whatever stylistic images they're aiming for.
6. Hot Chip - I Feel Better
The haunting synth lines make it feel all Depeche Mode-y in the intro, and then the vocals kick in and it's like listening to Mae being backed by an army of digital instruments. delicious.
7. Kele - Tenderoni
It's like Bloc Party met mid-'90s Faithless at a swap meet. "Tenderoni" is an ode to nihilistic dance music that's partly an extension of Bloc Party's more techno-orientated efforts (like the excellent non-album "Flux" single that I obsessively listened to for weeks). Check it out at your own discretion.
8. Chromeo - Night By Night
This Montreal duo has once again knocked shit out of the park with their third album, the awesomely-titled Business Casual. This track, which was given a month and a half ahead of the album's release, showcased more of the same dancey throwback that they displayed on their prior efforts. This song is no reinvention of the wheel, but goddamn it feels good to move to.
9. Vampire Weekend - Giving Up The Gun
Even though I often deride this band for sounding like Lion King: The Hipster Collective, they still manage to crank out twee-ish anthems for the young at heart. This song is no different, and although it runs a bit long at almost 5 minutes, the time passes infinitely quickly as the guitar line and percussion invade the senses.
10. Caribou - Odessa
Break-ups and scornful lyrics never sounded so otherworldly. It's as if The Creature From The Black Lagoon was throwing a Friday night bong party and everyone was invited. Except Frankenstein, 'cause that motherfucker just ruins door frames.
Zip file with all of the tracks
Note: Next week's MM is going to be a bit more br00tal in nature, that much is for sure.
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