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Producers are studio wizards, the men—why are they always men?—behind the scenes, laying the sonic foundation for our favorite albums. Here are the decade’s 10 most accomplished knob-twiddlers.
10. Tucker Martine, who spent the decade working with The Decemberists (The Hazards of Love and The Crane Wife), Thao (We Brave Bee Stings And All) and Bill Frisell (The Intercontinentals and The Willies). Other notable projects: The collected works of Laura Veirs.
9. Brian Deck, an indie-rock specialist who gave us Modest Mouse’s unexpected commercial splash The Moon and Antarctica, multiple Iron and Wine records and Josh Ritter’s The Animal Years. Other notable projects: Counting Crows’ attempted comeback Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings.
8. Dave Sitek, the TV On The Radio musician who moonlights by producing little bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Other notable projects: Foals’ killer Antidotes, which is a stupendous math-rock disc even if the recording process was somewhat contentious.
7. Phil Ek, the somehow-still-not-a-superstar producer who can handle pop (The Shins’ Chutes Too Narrow), shimmery rock (Band of Horses’ first two discs) and pastoral music that seems to split the difference (Fleet Foxes). Other notable projects: David Cross’ comedy record Shut Up You Fucking Baby.
6. Kanye West, whose work on Jay-Z’s timeless The Blueprint helped make that record the classic that it is. Kanye’s solo work ain’t bad either. Other notable projects: Common’s breakthrough Be.
The 50 Best Albums of the Decade…
Top 10 Best Debut Novels of the…
The 10 Best Video Game Characters of…
Catching Up With... Sam Rockwell
Josh Ritter - 11/5/07 - Western Realms
Blind Pilot - The Story I Heard
B.O.B. - Put Me On
Southeast Engine - Black Gold
Punch Brothers - Punch Brothers at CMJ
Anya Marina - Whatever You Like
Headlights - Secrets
Sorry, but no Nigel Godrich? That's unbelievable. In addition to FOUR Radiohead albums (two of which--Kid A and In Rainbows--are modern masterpieces), he produced two Beck albums (Sea Change and The Information), a Paul McCartney album (Chaos and Creation, which most consider his best solo release in years), and a bunch of other artists ranging from Air to Charlotte Gainesbourg to Travis to The Divine Comedy.
I can't understand how some of these producers are better than Godrich. Timbaland? Really?
Sorry, but no Nigel Godrich? That's unbelievable. In addition to FOUR Radiohead albums (two of which--Kid A and In Rainbows--are modern masterpieces), he produced two Beck albums (Sea Change and The Information), a Paul McCartney album (Chaos and Creation, which most consider his best solo release in years), and a bunch of other artists ranging from Air to Charlotte Gainesbourg to Travis to The Divine Comedy.
I can't understand how some of these producers are better than Godrich. Timbaland? Really?
i don't disagree with danger mouse as #1, but he only produced the second gorillaz album.
You guys should do honorable mentions, or something. I really feel like Peter Katis should be on this list. Turn on the Bright Lights by Interpol, Boxer and Alligator by The National, Midnight Organ Fight by Frightened Rabbit, Resevoir by Fanfarlo...This guy just does records that define indie rock for that year.
Apologies for the double post; the comment system doesn't seem to like me.
Love Mark Ronson, but he hasn't done quite enough yet. Danger Mouse is clearly a producer du jour. What the hell is up with no Nigel? That's crazy. I would definitely have Rick Rubin at No. 1.
you forgot Butch Walker.
Kanye West and no Nigel Godrich? that means one thing to me: I'll never come here again.