Top Ten Albums of the Decade: 5

05. Brian Wilson, SMiLE

In 2004, the would-be Beach Boys masterpiece SMiLE easily became a modern marvel released solely by the bat-shit insane and driving creative force of said group, Brian Wilson. Despite its well documented and storied history, its 1966 origins, and it's somewhat controversial existence, the LP shines in a remarkably prevalent manner, showcasing transcendent heart, focus and infinitely bizarre creativity.

Top Ten Albums of the Decade: 6

06. M.I.A., Arular (2005)

I guess this could count as one of the first times the blogosphere proved its worth. Pretty much coming out of nowhere, Arular was genuinely exciting with all of its hybrid sampling of Baile funk and Sri Lankan dubstep. Mia's sharp political wit and sexual energy (both intimidating and inviting) gave the album a unique identity that made it not only original but completely unforgettable.

Top Ten Albums of the Decade: 7

07. Kanye West, The College Dropout (2004)

Back when it was just a "Benz and a backpack," and that was actually ironic and somewhat interesting. Clever without being snarky; charming without alienating. Plus, sometimes it seemed like he actually had something to say. Sure, the skills of his respective "flow" could easily be called into question, but there was such a brilliant aesthetic created by all the elements on the LP--an "it" factor that just couldn't be denied--that The College Dropout remains, quite simply, an instant classic.

Top Ten Albums of the Decade: 8

08. Interpol, Turn On The Bright Lights (2002)

It's still so damned hypnotic. But really that's just a laundry list of words you're supposed to use to describe Interpol's beguiling debut. Truth is, they have no subtlety. All that atmosphere was really part of the big, lavish show the band was putting on for us. Which is fine. With Turn On The Bright Lights, though, when we first met them, all that quiet and all that dark blended so gracefully with all of those wonderful riffs and nonsensical lyrics; what were we to do but fall in love?

Top Ten Albums of the Decade: 9

09. Nellie McKay, Pretty Little Head (2006)

Like a Tour De Force of vulnerability, frankness, sarcasm and massive ego, Nellie McKay's controversial Pretty Little Head never really lived up to the dropped-from-the-label hype that it garnered at first, but that's probably for the best. It has such a labored vision, it only seems right that it goes under-appreciated. A double album, full of more boast than it is bloat, McKay easily integrates her bratty/crass persona introduced on her debut with that of a less forced, slightly wiser songstress with all of the venom to boot. It was a balance matched brilliantly with the overly twee, chamber pop accompanying her. Nellie McKay is also nuts...so.

Top Ten Albums of the Decade: 10

10. Outkast, Stankonia (2000)

It seems like such a distant memory when Outkast were not only on the precipice of what music was about to become, but what it was. I guess, in a way, both were true--and false. None the less, Stankonia remains the obvious watershed moment for a duo that could not have been more ambitious, and should have probably been less gigantic. Perfect dashes of what became standard Southern Rap, Soul, Funk and some oddly delivered Pop, Stankonia was at its most curious when it wasn't paying attention to what it was doing; because then you were able to see how effortless it all was.