Some Of The Best Albums Of The Last Ten Years

It's hard to say 'the best album' without causing an argument... which can be fun! But here are a few of the best that you may have overlooked.

These are some names and albums you may not have actually heard before. Sure, U2 is probably sitting on your shelf.

'Cartographer' by E.S. Posthumous featuring Luna Sans. I had a vision when I was a kid of seamlessly blending rock and symphonic into something huge. Not only did these guys beat me to it, but they exceeded even what I could hear in my head. Five years waiting has given them plenty of time to create an absolute masterpiece with a light vocal touch provided by Luna Sans. Download it at CDBaby.com

'Mahler's Symphony #1' by Valery Gergiev. Mozart snobs usually turn their undereducated noses up at Mahler's power and bombast, but those of us in the know loved the London Symphony's crisp, atmospheric version of Gustav's melodic masterpiece. While #8 conducted and recorded with Leonard Bernstein is still my favorite for raising neck-hairs and rattling dishes, Symphony #1 still shines here and the production is superb.

'The Best of the Funk Bros.' by The Funk Bros. While they never truly released a disc as TFB by name, this stellar crew of backing players lit the fire under such Motown hits like 'Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch' and 'How Sweet it Is' just to name a few. These intrumental versions benefit from excellent remastering and give great insight into one of popular music's 'unsung' hero units.

'Third' by Portishead. Unexpectedly jolting and crazily creative, this caffeine-fed release gives you claustrophobic rushes with great hooks attached. Songs start, stutter and stop before you can quite lock on, but by the third listen, this soundtrack for uncertain times really takes hold.

'Modern Guilt' by Beck. Never failing to create post-slacker gold, this guy can make poetry from bar napkins or soup cans. This album reeks of sinister sarcasm and a cool backbeat.

'Return of the Champions' by Queen + Paul Rodgers. Now you've probably heard the names before, but if you missed this live concert on DVD, you missed an incredible--if unlikely--pairing. Rodgers was the voice of Bad Company, Free and The Firm, and while he is considered 'The Voice' in his native England, stepping in for the late Freddie Mercury seemed like the last thing he should be doing. Hear this, and he might just change (and blow) your mind.

'Rush' Different Stages. Rush can really do no wrong. They are perhaps the most accomplished rock musicians of the last 40 years, and this triple-disc release captures the trio in absolute live perfection.

Now certainly we could mention Metallica's last one (except we hate Lars) or Li'l Wayne (except we're sick of Li'l Wayne) and then there's Owl City (which we love, even if you don't). Despite the lackluster sales (can you say 'download'?) some super music came out these ten years past, and your best place to start hearing it is online. Super previews and deals from all kinds of sound-sources are everywhere, so log on quick!