The Muse de Musica's Top 20 Gems (songs)

Music Muse Picks Top 20 Gems (Songs) of 2010

Just in the nick of time, Music Muse sent us her favorite Top 20 songs from 2010. She’s been our inspiration all year long and she’s been reading and following since Day One! We love her and we love her picks.

Top 20 Tracks of 2010

20. Miniature Tigers – “Goldskull”

I know these are too mainstream for NBD, but these were two of my favorite tracks of 2010:
Broken Social Scene – “Ungrateful Little Father”

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Editor Gems (Albums)
Editor Gems (Songs)
Arizona Turk Gems (Albums)
Arizona Turk Gems (Songs)
Music Muse Gems (Songs)

All the Hummingbirds

From Phoenix, AZ to Brooklyn’s Park Slope, Miniature Tigers have been on the edge of major stardom for 4 years. This years Fortress could qualify as the record of the year. It’s a beautiful mesh of Supergrass and minimalistic electronic beats. At times the band vibes like it’s 2006, then at times they pluck and prod their way like Panda Bear or Toro y Moi.

Vitals:
Hometown – Brooklyn, NY
Members – Frontman-guitarist Charlie Brand, Rick Schaier on drums and vocals, Algernon Quashie on guitar, keyboard and vocals, and on bass and vocals.
Sonic Soulmates – Supergrass, Panda Bear, Toro y Moi and Vampire Weekend
Track of the Year:
“Goldskull” – I told you it would be on our list of top for 2010.

Follow:
MySpace
MiniatureTigers.com

Original Post: 10.5.10

2010 Hummingbird Awards
Hummingbird Award #20: Crocodiles –>
Hummingbird Award #19: Miniature Tigers

Brooklyn indie pop rock, dabbed with a little Supergrass are what make Miniature Tigers great. So they made the trek to the big slope from Phoenix, but it was worth it. You all are probably snickering saying, “Dude Miniature Tigers were so Band of the Day in 2006.” Possibly, and yest CMJ did award them the top crown in 2008, but it’s Fortress that will define this band. Tell it To the Volcano was a fine record for these boys, but they released it smack dab in the in The Vampire Weekend years and they got lumped into that genre. It’s this latest record that makes them special and worthy of the daily jeweled crown. Miniature Tigers have perfected that Brit Rock Supergrass sound and they’ll make it bigger than Supergrass did. Those poor guys released fantastic records every year, and the US just ignored them…

Hear:
“Goldskull” – You’ve heard this single by now and it’s fantastic. WIll make the NBD Top 10. It’s GREAT!

“Egyptian Rose” – The second best track on the album, showing their love for 90′s Brit Indie rock…piano in tow!

Band:
The band is made up of frontman-guitarist Charlie Brand, Rick Schaier on drums and vocals, Algernon Quashie on guitar, keyboard and vocals, and Alex Gerber on bass and vocals.

Follow:
MySpace
MiniatureTigers.com

For all music lovers, this means it’s a day of celebration, jubilation, and discovery. I’m sure some people will be a little disappointed I’m not talking about Best Coast‘s hazy summer-pop release today (sorry guys- really not much of a fan…), but don’t fear; there are still two notable releases that should tickle your respective fancies.

First, Brooklyn-based Miniature Tigers released Fortress today via Modern Art Records.

The album is a feel-good selection of tracks that’s perfect for this time of year, and it was co-produced by Chris Chu of The Morning Benders. If that co-production excites you, you’ll be interested to know that the single “Goldskull” was also produced by none other than Neon Indian (you can definitely hear the Chillwave influence in that track).

You can stream the entire album over at Spinner.

Next, Jaill released That’s How We Burn today via Sub Pop.

Somewhat close to the same stylistic spectrum as the aforementioned group, Milwaukee-based Jaill create pop-driven rock, but their Midwestern breed of garage rock delivers a much heavier dose of grit and drive.

Sadly I can’t find this album streaming anywhere, so you’ll have to settle for some samples at their Myspace.

Happy Tuesday!