Top 10 Electropop Albums since 2000

Top 10 Electropop Albums since 2000

Electropop, or synthpop, music is based around the use of synthesizers as the predominant instrument.  In several ways, electropop is an experimental meshing of electronic, punk, and 80’s style glam rock.  Many groups, that are associated with this subgenre, have only a few members since most the recordings are created through the means of drums machines and other electronic replacements of instruments.  A common theme is the use of samples of other popular songs within an original piece.  The following compilation is the top 10 bands and albums that I believe to be at the apex of the listening experience for the modern electropop subgenre.

1.     Purity Ring – “Shrines”

Canadians Megan James and Corin Roddick formed Purity Ring in 2010, and “Shrines” was released in 2012 following the release of multiple singles in the previous year.  Purity Ring’s sound is focused intensely on synthesized sounds and riveting vocals.

2.     Crystal Castles – “II”

Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass formed Crystal Castles in 2004 and released several EPs before the debut of their first album in 2008.  They are well known for frenzied live shows and the purposely low-fi sound of their recordings.

3.     Washed Out – “Within and Without"

Ernest Greene, stage named Washed Out, released his first EPs in 2009 and his debut album was released in 2011.  Much of his music not only has typical electropop influences but also hip-hop rooted inspirations.

4.     Grimes – “Visions”

Canadian Claire Boucher, stage named Grimes, released her first album in 2010.  Her music is geared more towards the dance music inspiration of the electropop subgenre.

5.     Toro Y Moi – “Causers of This”

Chazwick Bradley Bundick, better known as Toro Y Moi, released his first demo album in 2007 and then in 2009 released his first full-length album.  Aside from the experimental electronic sounds of Toro Y Moi, Bundick has released several other “stream of consciousness” styled recordings under a side project named Sides of Chaz.

6.     Phoenix – “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix”

The Versailles, France based band Phoenix released their first album in 2000.  After the release of their forth studio album, Phoenix made it on to the American alternative rock/pop radar.

7.     Passion Pit – “Manners”

Passion Pit formed in 2007 with members Michael Angelakos, Ian Hultquist, Ayad Al Adhamy, Thom Plasse, and Adam Lavinsky.  Xander Singh, Jeff Apruzzese, and Nate Donmoyer replaced the later three members respectively.

8.     M83 – “Hurry Up We’re Dreaming”

M83 was formed by Frenchmen Anthony Gonzalez and Nicolas Fromageau in 2001 and released its first album in the same year.  In 2011 the two members parted ways and after a time of having Gonzalez and his younger brother produce together, Jordan Lawlor replaced Fromageau.

9.     Chairlift – “Does You Inspire You”

Caroline Polachek and Aaron Pfenning formed Chairlift in 2005 and released their first album in 2007.  Patrick Wimberly joined the group in 2007 and in late 2010 Pfenning left to pursue a solo career.

10.  MGMT – “Oracular Spectacular”

Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser formed MGMT in 2004 and recruited the remainder of the band, Will Berman, Matt Asti, and James Richardson, after the release of their first album in 2007.