MY TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2010, so far...

I know it's been a long time since i've gushed or ranted... so here is a nifty little list of what's been playing on handstamp's headphones over the last 6 months.

1. STARS - THE FIVE GHOSTS
I have been highly criticized for having a very short memory when it comes to making these types of lists by putting newer releases higher than they should be ranked. As such, I present to you, The Five Ghosts which was 'officially' released not more than a week ago. The Five Ghosts is Stars' first full length since the 2007 album, 'In Our Bedroom After The War' which happens to be my one of my all time favorite albums. To say that this album has a lot to live up to is a major understatement. The first five times I listened to this album, my initial reaction was that it's NOT 'In Our Bedroom..' which is OK. This album might not be Stars' best work, but it's still an incredibly beautiful album that is angelic and haunting, sad and dancy. And for now, I can't stop listening to it. So the next six months will determine whether this album has the staying power that I'm claiming it does.


2. SPOON - TRANSFERENECE
When it comes to music and Britt Daniels, there are few people that would challenge claims of his extraordinary talent. Spoon has steadily released very solid albums over the last decade-plus. I ranked their 2001 release 'Girls Can Tell' at #36 in my Top 50 albums of the decade, and this is my favorite Spoon album since. As much as the band pushes the envelope with their sound, it maintains its pop/rock accessibility.

3. FREE ENERGY - STUCK ON NOTHING
If you are going to start the first measure of the first track of your first album with a cow bell you better have the chops to back it up... and free energy does. No doubt about it, 'Free Energy' is pure rock-pop... in fact, the 3rd track on the album is titled 'Bang Pop' which is a great description for the style of music.... complete with oohs, and ahhh's, and Na Na Na's..

4. HARLEM - HIPPIES
This is what happens when you cross The Beatles with Nirvana. Pure Awesome.

5. MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS - THE FAMILY JEWELS
I'm calling this the album of the Summer. The question is will this Brit-pop singer rise and fall from the spotlight like other recent female brit pop and rock stars? The album will certainly appeal to indie crowd, and it's got massive pop power (think Regina Spektor + Lady Gaga) that could catapult her into widespread radio play before you know it.

6. BROKEN BELLS - BROKEN BELLS.

7. SURFER BLOOD - ASTRO COAST

8. TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB - TOURIST HISTORY

9. THE GOLDEN FILTER - VOLUSPA

10. MENOMENA - MINES


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