Twenty-ten has proven to be a pretty fantastic year for music so far, and with half of the year already behind us, I decided it was time to put together my list of the best of 2010 so far. Let me know what I missed, what I overrated, what I underrated, or what I got just right. Perhaps more importantly, download a cut or two from bands/albums you haven’t heard yet – maybe you’ll find something you like.
Best Albums of 2010 so far:
1. The National – High Violet :: The National – Afraid of Everyone
2. Beach House – Teen Dream :: Beach House – Silver Soul
3. The Morning Benders – Big Echo :: The Morning Benders – Excuses
4. Dum Dum Girls – I Will Be :: Dum Dum Girls – Yours Alone
5. Sleigh Bells – Treats :: Sleigh Bells – Tell ‘Em
6. Spoon – Transference :: Spoon – Got Nuffin
7. Yeasayer – Odd Blood :: Yeasayer – O.N.E.
8. Surfer Blood – Astro City :: Surfer Blood – Floating Vibes
9. Toro y Moi – Causers of This :: Toro y Moi – Blessa
10. Male Bonding – Nothing Hurts :: Male Bonding – Pirate Key
Best EPs of 2010 so far:
1. Memoryhouse – The Years :: Memoryhouse – Sleep Patterns
2. Washed Out – Life of Leisure :: Washed Out – Belong
3. Blackbird Blackbird – Happy High :: Blackbird Blackbird – So Sorry, Girl
4. DOM – Sun Bronzed Greek Godz :: DOM – Living In America
5. Chiddy Bang – Air Swell :: Chiddy Bang – Hey London (feat. Hot Chip)
6. Teen Daze – Four More Years :: Teen Daze – Shine On, You Crazy White Cap
7. Sex Church – 6 Songs By Sex Church :: Sex Church – Ghost
8. Twin Sister – Color Your Life :: Twin Sister – All Around and Away We Go
9. Kurt Vile – Square Shells :: Kurt Vile – Invisibility: Nonexistent
10. Jetskiis – Spraycation :: Jetskiis – Moonlight Kawasaki Ride
Best singles/7″s of 2010 so far:
1. Cults – “Go Outside” 7″ :: Cults – Go Outside
2. Best Coast – self-titled 7″ :: Best Coast – The Sun Was High (So Was I)
3. Ariel Pink – Round and Round
4. Hard Mix – Alright
5. Memoryhouse – “To The Lighthouse” 7″ :: Memoryhouse – To The Lighthouse
6. Hoodie Allen – You Are Not a Robot (feat. Marina & The Diamonds)
7. Janelle Monae – Tightrope (Wondamix)[feat. B.O.B. & Lupe Fiasco)
8. The XX – You’ve Got The Love (Florence & The Machine Cover)
9. Gil Scott-Heron – New York Is Killing Me
10. Joanna Newsom – Good Intentions Paving Company