TOP 10 OF 2010!!

List, O List!!

Here are my top ten picks, in no particular order:

1. Active Child- "Curtis Lane EP": This record is so incredibly good. Pat Grossi has the voice of an angel, and beautiful synths at his fingertips to give his voice depth. I can't wait to hear more from this talented artist.

2. The Russian Futurists- "The Weight's On the Wheels": I thought this record looked a little Decemberists-y, from the album art, and then I listened to it. Total pop fun. I think his best work yet.

3. Belle and Sebastian- "Write About Love": Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a return to form, but Stuart Murdoch's creativity hasn't died just yet. In fact, I believe his work with his solo project has only refined his craft. Let's face it, whenever Belle and Sebastian make a record it has some mediocrity and some greatness. I love "Come On Sister" so much that it redeems the mediocre parts.

4. Small Black- "New Chain": A band that rode the chillwave and rose above it, Small Black are a cut above the rest. Super dark, super melodic, super fun.

5. Kanye West-"My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy": While I wouldn't go so far as to call Kanye the new MJ, he knows how to write mad hits. Runaway is his best song yet. Gotta give the man his due, even though he's probably as crazy as a loon.

6. Besnard Lakes- "Are the Roaring Night": This is probably the most undderated album of 2010, at least stateside. In Canada these guys have paid their dues and are getting some cred, but in Hawaii you'd be hardpressed to find anyone that's heard it. I absolutely adore this record; it indulges prog and psych rock to the fullest, while still keeping the vocal as beautiful as a choir.

7. Dum Dum Girls- "I Will Be": Stunning record from these San Francisco chicks, I couldn't help but fall in love with their Jesus-and-Mary Chain style guitars and sassitude. I also liked the idea of a concept record about jail, something that most rock groups would probably never consider.

8. Vaselines- "Sex With An Ex": Speaking of Dum Dum, how about a welcome applause for the return of these guys? I wasn't expecting this record to be good, but it is so much fun and engaging.Favorite is "Turning It On," which is honestly just as great as "Dying For It," or any of their hits of the early 90s.

9. Yeasayer- "Odd Blood:" Though this came out quite early in '10, I have to include it in my Top 10. I don't think it's particularly clever, or even that interesting, but I can't stop playing it. Great singles, especially "Ambling Alp," which is definitly high in my list of "motivational-speakers" type songs. Remind me to save this one for my CBT sessions, if I ever get to private practice in my field.

10. Sleigh Bells- "Treats": Mixing things so loud should be a crime. But what could you expect from the guy from Posion the Well? Somehow it comes together like the record Beck never made. Brilliant.
End Transmission.