I’m a little embarrassed to admit my nerdy excitement at making year-end lists. The idea of making decade-end lists is almost too much to handle. You only get one chance to think back on the 2000’s, right?

Music:

1. Radiohead – Kid A

The album that changed everything for me and so many people. You can’t argue with that.

2. Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Lyrically brilliant, Sonically dense, ambitious…what else can I say?

3. Bonnie “Prince” Billy – The Letting Go

The record that confirmed for me Oldham’s place among the best songwriters/American folk artists…ever? With the help of composer Nico Muhly, and producer Valgeir Sigurrdson, this record channels the southern folk tradition whilst looking forward instead of backward. Sam Amidon made another great record with a similar approach executed differently (see #6).

4. Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker

It seems most people, myself included, quickly forgot about Ryan Adams in light of his recent step back from the spotlight. I personally have trouble connecting with most of his albums like I did say, four years ago. ‘Heartbreaker,’ however, remains a great record as a result of amazing songs, great collaborators, and pitch-perfect execution. Still one of the most referenced records when discussing production approach with prospective clients.

5. Panda Bear – Person Pitch

A record that reassured me that there is exciting music being made in the “indie” arena. At first listen it sounded like a Beach Boys record made with computers. With repeated listens it revealed itself as a dense collection of incredible melodies, sonic experiments, and a new approach to sample-based music. Although Animal Collective’s latest is arguably a step in front of this one, this is the record that I am constantly wanting to revisit.

6. Sam Amidon – All is Well

A prime example people working together with complete trust in each others talents. With Valgeir Siggurdson producing, Nico Muhly arranging, and Amidon singing his own interpretations of public domain mountain ballads: This record brilliantly approximates a place where folk songs (the old) and modern classical music (new) can coexist.

7. Portishead – Third

With a sound, an approach, and a sensibility all their own: Portishead come out of hiding to deliver a record that is more forward thinking, exciting, and relevant than anyone could have predicted.

8. Beck – Sea Change

A record that creates its own world somewhere between Dylan and Bjork. Another example of stellar players collaborating with incredible confidence in their craft to make something inherently doomed for banality (a sappy breakup record) into something uniquely fresh and distinctive. The vocal sound/delivery is its own, the drum sound/style is constantly mimicked, the atmospherics (orchestra, pads, guitars…) are ambitious but never over the top. I believe I’ve said enough.

9. Justin Timberlake – Future Sex/Love Sounds

The perfect pop record! It is first and foremost a danceable, catchy, disco record. With repeated listens, however, it reveals itself as inventive, minimal, and ambitious. Timberlake is smart enough to choose forward-thinking producers and collaborators in order to make records that will stand the test of time as albums while also satisfying his pop star status with oodles of singles.

10. The Strokes – Is This It

Say what you want. Derivative? Yes. Nostalgic? Sure. But at its core these are amazing songs played by a great band. Love it!

Movies:

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2. Royal Tenenbaums

3. Mulholland Drive

4. Punch-Drunk Love

5. Synechdoche, NY