Best of 2010

My Personal Best albums of 2010:

10. Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
Although this doesn't pack as much punch as their last release, Only By the Night, which made it to my #2 last year (only surpassed by Mark Lanegan and Soulsavers), it still deserves a spot in my top 10. I love this band, love watching them play, and the way their music makes me feel.

9. Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - Hawk
Although this needs no explanation since the Mighty Mark Lanegan lends his voice to it, a song like Won't let Me Down Again (great video at the link) give this album an Americana vibe I didn't know I liked so much! Plus, have I mentioned it's Mark Lanegan?

8. Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses - Junky Star
itunes places this in the country genre. I don't like that label, but I do enjoy this album. I love the grit in Ryan's voice, the guitar playing, the harmonica placement, the humble stage presence -one of the best shows I've seen this year. There's also this...sigh...

7.The National - High Violet
I'm kinda fibbing here. I discovered The National this year and completely fixated on Boxer, which was released in 2007, but also picked up 2010's release High Violet. The new one hasn't seen as many spins as Boxer, because I just couldn't let go. My one Lollapalooza regret was missing The National - poor placement, their set was right before Soundgarden.

6. Broken Bells
Fun, fun, album. Great driving while dancing music, which apparently I still need to master. This one had massive air time. Broken Bells put on a great live show too! I'd almost consider this a guilty pleasure, but it convinced me to check out Sparklehorse, Dark Night of the Soul, which really deserves it's own spot on this list.

5.Fistful of Mercy
For a great album, an amazing live show, for Alain Johannes' Spark, for running across Broad St. in the middle of the night into Joseph Arthur's arms.....for making me smile :)

4.Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More
I'm starting to see a trend of deep, rough voices, acoustic guitar and that Americana vibe again. Although, to be fair these guys aren't American. Unfortunately, I caught on too late and missed their sold out show, which precludes their placement higher on my list.

3.Robert Francis - Before Nightfall
THE find of the year for me. I get goosebumps thinking about it. Young dude,with an old voice and soul. I 'felt' shades of Jeff Buckley just listening and even more so when I caught a show this summer, in the Hamptons of all places. The dichotomy of his age and sound blew me away as well. Check out this vid for Mescaline and see if you don't agree.

2.The Black Keys - Brothers
This band have begun to define rock 'n roll for me. I know this album made many best of lists this year, but spinning Brothers on my USB turntable IS the epitome of rock 'n roll. It takes me back and keeps me present.

1.Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart
In keeping with my retro, yet current leanings (this worked out nicely but completely unintentionally), Wilderness Heart is my #1. On the band's myspace, they list their genre as "Healing and Easy Listening/Psychedelic". I love that description, but I feel there's so much more: alternating and combining female/male leads, early heavy metal influences as well that awesome hallucinogenic leaning, plus a rocking live show (it's ALL about the live show) - I feel pretty passionate about this pick. Bonus: listen to Rollercoaster at the 4:24 mark - completely reminiscent of one of my all time favorite bands (mentioned in #7).

Now that I'm done, I'm literally exhausted. This was a long, thought out process. I listed all the albums I felt influenced me this year. Then I started assigning numbers, and re-assigning. There are several bands that deserve honorable mentions, but I think I'll save that for another time. I listened to tracks over and over again. Its an emotional undertaking for me, and I know I do it ONLY for me. It serves to remind me why I love music in the first place, and love is not a word that can begin to do it justice. Now I'm not feeling so guilty about investing in that new ipod the other day ;)