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My 100 Favourite Albums of 2010

#3 Wavves - King of the Beach

This is probably mu biggest surprise of the year. I’m generally skeptical of the whole ‘lo-fi’ thing, and Wavves always seemed like one of the more egregious examples - excessive (crazy excessive!), ugly digital distortion hiding a complete lack of memorable songs.

As it turns out, however, he can write songs. Dumb songs, I’ll grant, but sometimes in the mood for really dumb shit (hence why I like the Ramones so much). Getting Jay Reatard’s backing band was also a really good idea. This is insanely catchy surf-rock, played through a smoky haze. It’s not deep, but it’s honest. And yes, the guy still seems like a complete douchebag, but in a strange way that actually makes the music more enjoyable - his personality comes through in all of these songs. Am I praising him for doing the same thing I criticised Kanye for? Perhaps, but I think the aims of the two records are fundamentally different. Anyway, they’re both great.

Wow, I only just found out that Jay Reatard died! This is what happens when you’re away from the internet for a month. Quite a sad loss, although, at least he left us with a pretty large catalogue of recordings for someone so young.

Wow, I only just found out that Jay Reatard died! This is what happens when you’re away from the internet for a month.

Quite a sad loss, although, at least he left us with a pretty large catalogue of recordings for someone so young.