Cody Perrin

Music. Enter iTunes gift cards. Some say it soothes the soul others don’t understand the need for it. One thing is for certain, its influence cannot be shadowed. Lately, it has seemed as if Apple’s patented white headphones are the very means which keeps our hearts beating. I have always been a big critic of music (yes, I do understand the subjectivity of that statement). I can’t stand the radio because I hate the fact that someone else is picking the tracks for me. A little compulsive? maybe, but I do know what I want to listen to and Pandora has been the only thing that has sufficed (that is until I use up all the “skips” the company gives me). Still, my iPod will win preference any time. I have also never been a big fan of iTunes top 10 or the large mainstream bands of a lately. Sure, melodies have been what has driven the success of music in today’s culture. That, I can appreciate. While some might think that lyrics are thrown out the window it seems that a extremely thriving melody with ridiculous or controversial lyrics is the mold for success today. But who can argue? Popularity is popularity. I was looking through my iTunes stats for the albums that I have played all the way through the most this year. So here it goes: My top albums of the year: (double colon for emphasis):

1. Sigh No More -Mumford and Sons

Seriously?! Felt like I came into the M&S’s craze a little late. But caught up. Just good music. Enough said. Lyrically deep and packed with raw musicianship that compliments it perfectly.

2. The Boy With No Name - Travis

Yep, they did it. And they did it real good.

3. Cassadaga - Bright Eyes

Lyrical genius. Best tracks, “Four Winds,” “If the Brakeman Turns My Way”

4. O - Damien Rice

Take away everything and just give Damien Rice an acoustic and a mic and let his true light shine.

5. Mutations- Beck

Ya I love Beck. Tragedy he is not around anymore but his music is nothing short of amazing. Truly changed with each album he came out with and allowed his music to evolve as he did.

6. Simon Dawes- Carnivore

Best rock band that has come out in the last ten years I think.