2010 The Year In Music

Despite being a father of two toddlers, I managed to stay current on contemporary pop/rock music this year. I'm generally not a big fan of hip hop, so you will not see anything included from that genre (though I do feel that Erika Badu is an exception to my hip hop aversion, and her Amerika albums were featured in my best of lists over the past two years). My top album for this year was sinfully omitted from many major lists (like Rolling Stone's laughable top 50), but Laura Veirs' "July Flame" will forever remain one of my favorite all time albums. One of the best ever reissues came out this year as well - the Stones Exile on Main Street which would be in my list but let's face it, the songs are not new and Mick's revision of vocals on previously unreleased tracks was not an improvement. Still, fabulous remixing and DVD on the making of Exile (and Keith's book to boot!!!). I saw many great shows this year, highlighted by Teenage Fanclub, Roky Erickson and Crowded House. So without further ado, here is my list of the top ten best records of 2010:

1. Laura Veirs, July Flame
Incredible storytelling, heart-bending lyrics and simple yet elegant production, this album puts Laura right up there with Joni Mitchell.

2. Teenage Fanclub, Shadows
Incredible band, still cranking out effortless harmonies and brilliant pop songs after over two decades in the shitty music business. Certainly underappreciated, TFC has SO many good songs. Great to see them do it again on Shadows. A gorgeous record.

3. Spoon, Transference
Wow. Spoon is so good. Live and on record, they are what rock n roll is all about. Gritty, spontaneous, edgy, beautiful.

4. Beach House, Teen Dream
Really well produced, tremendous vocals and songs that will stick to your guts.

5. Arcade Fire, the Suburbs
Up to this album, I always felt this band was overrated (and still do to a certain degree). But this really is a great record, clever songs, great production, big ideas.

6. Mumford & Sons, Sigh no More
Watch out, here come the Brits again! Clever tunes, though slightly annoying element of being a trendy band, followed by people who really dig themselves.

7. Crowded House, Intriguer
Another band ignored by too many people, Intriguer isn't their best album, but it's definitely a solid outing with several stellar numbers.

8. Freedy Johnston, Rain on the City
Freedy used to be indie folk rock and even punk, and he lost his touch for a few years, but he came back with a great album of folk pop songs.

9. Band of Horses, Infinite Arms
I don't love this album, but because of the song "Older" it's on my list. Also, it's a really intriguing story. I want this guy to do well...

10. The New Pornographers, Together
Neko Case amazes every time, and this is a phenomenal band with a songwriting team led by AC Newman. Crushing...