Beach House: Teen Dream
Label: Sub Pop
Everyone knew that Victoria LeGrand
and Alex Scally of Beach House had
established
themselves as permanent stars in the constellation of
indie rock. We did not know
they were going to deliver an actual slice of heaven
this year. The duo’s breezy yet
deeply affecting pop melodies were not only their best
yet — they topped everyone in
2010. LeGrand always has been one of indie’s most
evocative singers, but on Teen Dream
her talent and experience come together in a grand
sweep worthy of her name (she’s the
niece of the legendary French composer Michel
LeGrand). Her partner, Scally, is on record
talking about the money that went into making Teen
Dream, and it was clearly well spent. Listen to the way
LeGrand’s voice bends with and against the notes of
“Norway,” which nicely conjures a
Bloody Valentine swirl. It’s one of
the most enduring songs of the year, on a record
responsible for a good many of them. It's Sound Fix's Album of the Year.



