The Best of What I found in 2010….

Being a part of #yegmusicclub in 2010 was a definite highlight for me. I always knew that I was lucky to be a part of this hip new #yeg group – but until I sat down to actually compose my Top 10/ Top 5 for today’s meeting, I didn’t realize how much great music I wouldn’t have heard of if it weren’t for Sandra, Deej, Nicole, Michael, Wayne and especially Trevor. Thanks so much everyone!

Now – in no particular order, here is what I listened to the most in 2010. I (as usual) didn’t really pay attention to the entire assignment. And because I thought I still had another week to compose it – I decided to put my top albums with my favorite song, or songs, from each album. I will note in advance that maybe not all of these albums were released in 2010 – but that is the year that I stumbled across the artist or album, so I’m including it.

Matt & Kim – Sidewalks

My favorite song on this album is “Good for Great”. I love this album. It came to me at the perfect time when I was in desperate need of something fun and happy. I love my dreary, hearfelt lyrics – but I love this entire happy album. I listened at work, in the car, at home. It has a very versatile sound.

Library Voices – Denim on Denim

Holy crap. This album definitely tops my plays on iTunes for 2010. My favorite song on this album is hard to determine because I really do love them all. I actually crave this album in my sleep. The layout and composition of the entire album is perfection! Getting to see them live this year is also a highlight for me in 2010.

Christian Hansen & The Autistics – Swans

The only bad thing to say about this disc is that there aren’t enough songs! I can’t wait for a new full length album from this local band in 2011. “Jessica” is a great dance-around-the-house song. It’s also a great dance-around-the-club song when heard live. I had that pleasure TWICE in 2010. Its an amazing show!!

Dan Mangan- Nice, Nice, Very Nice

I don’t even know where to begin with this guy. This album led me into his previous album “Postcards and Daydreaming” which I contemplated putting on my list – but since he had actually released this one in 2010 – I decided to add the most recent and give the 2005 release an honorable mention. Seeing Dan Mangan in November this year did something to me emotionally that I have never experienced. I wish I could put it into words, but I really just can’t. Front row, listening to this powerful voice sing (to what I imagined was just me!) was one of my best days in 2010.

The Black Keys – Brothers

I first heard the single “Tighten Up” on SONiC’s Farm Fresh show. Once I took the time to explore the band, I was blown away at their catalogue! Even more so by the fact that I had never even heard of them! Brothers is a very cool album with an old school feel. My favorite song vote would have to go with “Howlin’ For You”.

Sarah Harmer – Oh Little Fire

I’m SO glad to hear Sarah getting back to her older sound. I think that is what I mean anyway… I was a huge fan of her first album, and this one has a similar feel to it. I could listen over and over, and then just a few more times after that! I actually have been keeping this one on repeat since Christmas. I love her voice and her lyrics. I can’t wait for her show in a few weeks!

Matt Costa – Mobile Chateau

I actually came across this guy by mistake – but what a great mistake it was. He’s got a great voice, and I love the feeling of being transported back to the 60′s in “The Season”. Thanks again Sandra!

Kings of Leon – Come Around Sundown

Ok – so in comparison to everything else that I have heard this year, this would be my biggest disappointment. I have loved KOL before anyone knew who they were. They were my pocket band and I loved telling people about them. Then Sex on Fire happened, and now the hopes of ever hearing something amazing from them that doesn’t have ‘Mainstream’ seeping from the lyrics is over. That being said – I do like this album. It’s a good follow up to Only By The Night in the sense that it’s not a clone of that album, entirely.

Bruno Mars – Doo Wops and Hooligans

Now I know that every list has a selection that makes you sing “One of these things is not like the other…” in your head. Here is mine. I gave this its first spin while on a road trip. It was a great driving mix with enough variance that I wondered if it was the same artist throughout the whole thing. My favorite song is “The Lazy Song”. It fun and catchy.

Fun. – Aim & Ignite

Once I heard this album for the first time, I knew that @trevolutions and I were musical soul mates. And how right I was! This was the first of many many recommendations from Trevor that I loved instantly. My favorite song is even my ringtone! (Yes – I’m one of those people… I have ringtones.) “All The Pretty Girls” is so catchy. Call me. I love hearing it!

My other honorable mentions for Song Besties in 2010 would include – The XX- VCR, Hot Panda – Pools, Jeremy Fisher – Shine a Little Light, Florence +The Machine – Kiss with a Fist and Throw Me The Statue – Take It or Leave It.

Thanks for reading! (and Thanks to @nicolecreates for reading on my behalf!) Don’t judge my spelling or grammar. I procrastinated, therefore I was in a hurry – and most of my music is cool

@raspberrie