The year in numbers!

Hi guys! As it’s the end of they year, I thought I’d just do a little recap and give you a run down of my top flavours of the year! There has been a vast amount of music released this year, and lots for us to look forward to in 2011! I found this year had a particularly strong crop of musical endowment, and had to miss out certain albums that I was a big fan of, such as Vampire Weekend’s Contra, Jamiroquai’s Rock Dust Light Star, Train Save Me San Francisco and the return of the K.O.L. and the Manic Street Preachers! Here are my top 5 albums of 2010 …

5. Example – Won’t Go Quietly. This is the UK born rappers second studio release, and is a surprise entry into my top albums of the year. I was rather sceptical when I first heard the title track ‘Won’t Go Quietly’, however after really giving it a chance this pop-rap fusion album has really won me over! The singles ‘Kick starts’ and ’Last ones Standing’ are a testament to just how good this album is. I tend to rate albums, mainly, by their longevity, or durability, and it is so often the case that after a few weeks I get bored and start searching for something new. However this is an album that I can listen to over and over and can’t get tired of! Its quirky lyrics and humorous views of society are what make this stand out as one of my fave albums of the year.

 

4. Rolling Stones – Exile On Main St. This is a re-released of the Stones classic 1972 album. The reason this has made my top 5 is for a similar reason to Example. When an album so good that it can be re-released almost 40 years later and still sound as original and ground breaking you can’t simply ignore it! This is a fantastic piece of musical quality, and with the 10 new tracks added, it was a must hear all round!

3. Darwin Deez (Self titled). This is a really different, interesting album that once again has all the makings of being able to endure the music marathon. I love this album, with all of its socio-political quips, and use of deep metaphors it really stands out as one of the most original pieces of indie of the year. Tracks such as ‘Radar Detector’ and ‘The Bomb Song’ are real frontrunners. If you haven’t heard it yet… get it now!

2. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. It was a really for me to separate this and what I have chosen as my top album. The only real difference is that I’ve seen my first choice performed live! (…not to give it away..) Other than that they are really un-separable. This is by far the best commercial Hip-Hop album of the year. Kanye’s tuning of his emotional turmoil through his attachment to music is really unique in this genre. But don’t let that fool you, he has lost non of his swagger! This is an completely integrated, rounded album which will not disappoint! Seeing ‘All of the Lights’ and ‘Devil in a New Dress’ starring as my top picks.

1. The Courteeners – Falcon. Narrowly pipping Kanye, this album is my pick of the year! I am an unrepentant Courteeners addict, and seeing them live has really made my year! This album released earlier in 2010 is a blistering follow-up to their first release ‘St. Jude’, and is a shining light to those artists who simply can’t make second albums. More emotionally grounded, this album is of slightly higher production value than the first, and focuses more on Liam Frays love than his life. ‘The Opener’, ‘Take Over The World’, ‘Scratch Your Name Upon My Lips’… this whole album oozes class, and fits plushly into an already polished live set! Stocking filler?? Yes Please!!   

Well those are my top albums of the year! If you disagree that’s great, leave me a comment and let me know what you’d have done differently!

Just to finish off, I’m very much looking forward to 2011’s new musical adventure! Here are a few to look forward to….

White Lies – Ritual. The first single off this album is already out and to be honest, I already love ‘Bigger Than Us’!

Chapel club – Palace. Once again, the first single ‘All The Eastern Girls’ from this UK based indie group is promising big things! I’m really excited to hear the album…

Beady Eye – Different Gear, Still Speeding. A new group for Liam Gallagher, (Noel-less) already sounds electrifying. Expect BIG things!

Dr. Dre – Detox. The long awaited return of Dre is drawing close… If the album is anything on his others, I’m excited. ‘Kush’ is the first single.

The Wombats – Proudly Present: This Modern Glitch. I still love the Wombats fun outlook, and amusing lyrics, lets hope the album is a cracker! (… the first single doesn’t disappoint!)

That’s it from me! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Hope you get everything you want, I know I will…. The Killers are reuniting in 2011!!

Cheers guys Tx