Best Music of 2010 (6-10) + 1

So I screwed up. I was listening to Jonsi last night and realized I absolutely love his album. So I surreptitiously moved it from 17 to 11. But that doesn't do it justice in my mind and I am rectifying that right now.

6. Jonsi-Go, 82

At first I though Go was Sigur Ros, but less so. But as I became enraptured with the final four tracks, I saw much more. They have wave after wave of crashing sound, glorious strings, and bright vocals. I simply cannot stop listening to Kolnidur and Hengilas. Hengilas makes me feel as if I'm standing alone in Sainte Chappelle, surrounded only by pure beauty. Truly wonderful stuff.

7. David Ford-Let The Hard Times Roll, 78

David Ford is one of my all-time favorites. His music is brutally honest and vulnerable. He exudes joy and passion on the stage. He's creative and unbelievably talented. "Panic" is a ripping diatribe of all sorts of things. "Making Up For Lost Time" is classically lovelorn, but littered with wry humor and an aw 'shucks attitude.' "Waiting For The Storm" is a personal cry, full of despair. "To Hell With The World" is one part separation from many things in this world and many parts an anthem to his girl, who's been 'crazy to stay by his side.' A favorite lyric: 'So let's stand and let's sing, and there are beautiful things, if you know the places they hide.' "Nothing At All" is full of personal reflection and probing questions. "Call To Arms" begins soft, and builds in both volume and emotion. It's a fitting way to end another great album.

8. Josh Ritter-So Runs The World, 77

Ritter is another one of my all-time favorites. I've had the privilege of seeing him in concert twice in the last year, both times amazing. This album did not measure up to his previous efforts, and even though his music grows on me more than almost any other, I don't see it rising too much. "The Curse" and "Southern Pacifica" mess up the flow for me; I can't seem to get into either one. I also didn't love love any specific track. That said, it shows the high standard and immense respect I have for Ritter, that I can write something seemingly negative and still love his album more than every album of 2010 but 7.

9. Hold Steady-Heaven Is Whatever, 77

Hold Steady is another artist I really hadn't listened to until this year. But prompted by the recommendations of two friends, I gave them a big try. Craig Finn's voice reminds me of the sound of Sum 41, American Hi-Fi, Stroke 9, Frickin A, and those types. Hold Steady produces a fun, fun sound that's easy to listen to. "Hurricane J" is a great song: 'but they didn't name her for a saint, they named her for a storm.' I also enjoy "The Weekenders."

10. Broken Social Scene-Forgiveness Rock Record, 76

I was first introduced to Broken Social Scene in London, where I listened to a bunch of their music in preparation for a concert that I never attended. (I think the terms "60£, and "sold out" nixed that plan). They write grand music that lasts for a while. Right off the bat "World Sick" catches your attention: 'We got a minefield of crippled affection.' The album flows really well and lends itself to seamless listening rather than jumping around the tracks.

11. Arcade Fire-The Suburbs, 76

I've always been a fan of Arcade Fire, but most of their albums fell in the 60's for me. The Suburbs had an advanced and more sophisticated sound, one that I loved. "Ready To Start", "Modern Man", "City With No Children" and "Sprawl" are my go-tos.

Best Music of 2010 (11-20)

12. Gorillaz-Plastic Beach, 75

Plastic Beach was an instant favorite of mine, mixing the classic funkiness of Gorillaz with a feeling of grandeur. They delved into many many sounds and made it all sound fantastic. It was orchestral at times, soundtrack-y at times, electronic at times, but always grabbing your ear. "Stylo" and "Pirate Jet" were my favorites.

13. The Tallest Man On Earth-Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird, 75

This album is only this low because it's an EP. Whoops!, I just gave something away. Kristian Matsson will get his due from me soon enough so I'll keep this short. From "The Dreamer" likely one of my most favorite of the entire year, "oh sometimes the blues is just a passing bird and why can't that always be? Tossing aside from your birches crown just enough dark to see, how you're the light over me."

14. Local Natives-Gorilla Manor, 74

Of the the best newcomers of the year, Local Natives already boasts a developed sound, and have a great time playing their music. Talented vocally, they back it up with creativity, and imagination within their own sound. "World News" and "Cards and Quarters" were wonderful tracks.

15. Deer Tick-The Black Dirt Sessions

The Black Dirt Sessions was one of the final albums I listened to. They do have a bit of twang to them, but they have soul, depth behind the music, and a memorable sound. "Goodbye Dear Friend" is a hauntingly beautiful tune, "Some stories break your heart, and some with such applaud, buried deep inside, where it's ok to cry. Some boys won't shed a tear, oh, but I can tell it like this here. It can break down and get me where it hurst the most." It sounds as if he's singing from that place.

16. Ray LaMontagne & Pariah Dogs-God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise, 73

I agree with the NPR crew who felt that it was too soon for a LaMontagne album. However, you can't ignore a legendary voice like Ray's. It's smooth like the syrup from Cracker Barrel, gravelly like my hands after a fall on a playground, and deep like the only way to fry onion rings. "New York City's Killing Me", "Like Rock & Roll And Radio" and "This Love Is Over" were my favorites.

17. Band of Horses-Infinite Arms, 71

Band of Horses has a very full sound, with rare blank space. They have the ability to play at different levels of rock, sometimes more laid-back and other times ear-blasting. "Infinite Arms" and "NW Apt." make me smile the most.

18. Titus Andronicus-The Monitor, 70

The Monitor was another album in my final batch of listening. I really surprised myself with how much I liked this album. It's a fantastic angry album, one you throw on and yell along to. "Four Score And Seven" stuck out (in a good way).

19. Goo Goo Dolls-Something For The Rest Of Us, 69

I have always been a complete sucker for the Goo Goo Dolls. "Slide" is my favorite song of all-time. Something For The Rest Of Us was the same-old Goo Goo Dolls sound, and since they crafted it so long ago, I won't dock them for a lack of creativity like I do for newer artists. It's a feel good sound, throw it on and smile. "As I Am", "Now I Hear" and "Still Your Song" were my favorites.

20. Stars-The Five Ghosts, 68

No one sounds like Stars. They write exquisitely beautiful music paired with some of the most soul-ripping lyrics you will ever hear. Here are a few choice samples: "I could say it but you won't believe me, you say you do but you don't deceive me." "Sunrise, oh sunrise, when will you ever come?" "We didn't know we knew you 'til we lost you. You tried to leave us all alone, we wish you had failed."