I will be commencing my rundown of my top 50 tracks of 2010 shortly. Just to whet your appetite, here are a few clues as to the identity of a few of the songs:

 

40 tracks did not make the top 75

One of the tracks made number 1

5 of the tracks are from Northern Irish acts (or acts fronted my members from NI)

One act has made the top 50 for the third year running.

 

And for those of you not familiar with my music taste, here's a look at what made my top 10 in the last 2 years.

 

2009

1. Walking On A Dream - Empire Of The Sun

2. Tabasco Sole - The Voluntary Butler Scheme

3. Dominos - The Big Pink

4. Hooting & Howling - Wild Beasts

5. Stay The Same - autoKratz

6. Rock It - Sub Focus

7. Oh My God, Charlie Darwin - The Low Anthem

8. Poppiholla - Chicane

9. Dogs Run In Packs - Rams' Pocket Radio

10. Happy Up Here Röyksopp

 

2008

1. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend

2. Something Good - Utah Saints

3. Mountains - Biffy Clyro

4. Seattle - The BPA

5. Spiralling - Keane

6. Time To Pretend - MGMT

7. This Sweet Love - James Yuill

8. This is Goodbye - Codes

9. We Are Rockstars - Does It Offend You, Yeah?

10. Trash - The Whip

Edited December 22, 201014 yr by Brett-Butler

I'm guessing the number one will be from Owl City, Scouting For Girls or Cee-Lo Green. If it turns out to be the X Factor Finalists, Cheryl Cole or that awful Americano thing, I'm not surre I'll be able to take you seriously again :lol:

#50

Go Do

Jónsi

 

 

Album: Go

Chart position: Did Not Chart

 

We start proceedings off with the debut solo single from Sigur Ros frontman Jonsi. Dispensing with much of the grandiose post-rock stylings of his main project, “Go Do” sees him take on more pastoral influences, as well as doing something that only occurred once in a Sigur Ros song – singing in English, although given his pronunciation you’d be hard pressed to notice.

 

#49

Barbra Streisand

Duck Sauce

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: #3

 

Despite being an indie/alt kid, I do have a bit of a soft spot for pure commercial house, which leads us to this collaboration between Armand van Helden and A-Trak.

The track is based heavily around a sample of ‘Gotta Go Home’ by Boney M, and the video features cameos from Kanye West and Ezra from Vampire Weekend.

 

#48

Say You Don’t Want It

One Night Only

 

 

Album: One Night Only

Chart position: #23

 

Let’s be perfectly honest, ONO would never have got their second album released if it wasn’t for their photogenic lead singer’s tabloid friendly relationship with her from Harry Potter. I hated ONO the first time around, but surprisingly I was rather taken with this song and its accompanying video staring the aforementioned mudblood (where it turns out that she’s a dog). A lot of the reviews compared the song to the style of the Lightning Seeds, to which I reply ‘it’s not THAT good.’

 

#47

Scribble

Underworld

 

 

Album: Barking

Chart position: Did not chart

 

They’ve come a long way since Freur have duo Underworld. This song takes on some drum and bass influences, with a highly addictive lead synth line. They’ll never better Born Slippy, but not many dance songs ever will.

 

#46

Hey Soul Sister

Train

 

 

Album: Save Me, San Francisco

Chart position: #18

 

Some love it, some hate. I’m just glad they can no longer be called one hit wonders.

Edited December 15, 201014 yr by Brett-Butler

#45

Rill Rill

Sleigh Bells

 

 

Album: Treats

Chart position: Did Not Chart

 

Despite “Treats” appearing on almost every end-of-year countdowns, in all honestly I found the set to be particularly disappointing, loud for the sake of loud, without many decent hooks. This one gem however stood out, not only because it seemed out of place in the context of the album, but also because it was a great song.

 

Revolving around a 70s soul sample, “Rill Rill” tells the tale of teen angst that many of us could sympathize with.

 

#44

Ambling Alp

Yeasayer

 

 

Album: Odd Blood

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Yeasayer were compared to Vampire Weekend on their first album, so for their second album they went on a different tangent, as exemplified in their lead single, “Ambling Alp.” Mixing unconventional drum rhythms, otherworldly samples and a weird yet catchy melody into one bitesize piece.

 

 

#43

Hello

Martin Solveig ft Dragonette

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: Has not charted

 

I have Unknown Pleasures to thank for this song featuring. Stuttery synth lines mixed with Canadian Dragonette’s silky smooth vocal delivery make this tune a treat. It gets an official UK release in the next few weeks, so we could see this being a big hit come 2011.

 

#42

One Night, One Kiss

The Russian Futurists

 

 

Album: The Weights On the Wheels

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Canadian one-man-band Matthew Adam Hart gives us this track, which mixes oldschool piano samples with modern production, and also features Ruth Minniken of the Heavy Blinkers in a duet that tells a tale of love that dares not exist.

 

#41

Superfast Jellyfish

Gorillaz ft De La Soul and Gruff Rhys

 

 

Album: Plastic Beach

Chart position: Did not chart

 

2010 was a mixed bag for the Gorillaz. Live they’ve played some of the biggest gigs of their career, including a headlining slot at Glastonbury. On record though they haven’t matched up the potential of their first two records, with their album in general feeling slightly flat and singles that struggled to make the chart. “Superfast Jellyfish” was an exception however, featuring regular collaborators De La Soul and Furry Animal Gruff Rhys on the microphone, as they advertise a foodstuff that you’d be hard pressed to find outside of Spain.

 

#40

Bang Bang Bang

Mark Ronson ft MNDR & Q-Tip

 

 

Album: Record Collection

Chart position: #6

 

After Mr Ronson massacred a bunch of Britpop hits on his massive selling 2nd album ‘Version,’ he returned in 2010 minus his horns and adding a whole load of synths. He still kept his reliance on guest stars though, with “BBB” featuring a collaboration with former ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ member Q-Tip and New York synth-pop duo MNDR. Surprisingly, this synth-pop ditty, based around a French nursery rhyme, wasn’t all that bad.

 

#39

Angel Dance

Robert Plant

 

 

Album: Band of Joy

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Coming off his critically acclaimed, massive selling ‘Raising Sand’ collaborative album, Robert Plant started a new Band of Joy and released another album of covers, with lead single “Angel Dance” originating from an 80s album cut from Los Lobos (yes, the band behind ‘La Bamba).

 

The song itself is a joy to behold. Its chugging bass, Americana styled delivery and what seems to by an Indian music influenced riff show that the ex-Zeppelin singer can still hit the high notes now that he’s 62/

 

 

#38

Marken Lag Stilla

Dungen

 

 

Album: Skit i allt

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Psychedelic rock from the Swedish stalwarts. I have no idea what they’re singing about, and to be honest I don’t want to know.

 

#37

I’d Rather be With You

Joshua Radin

 

 

Album: Simple Times

Chart position: #11

 

This is the sort of song just designed to simultaneously soundtrack every indie movie under the sun and Radio 2. A video with her from Heroes doesn’t hurt either.

 

#36

Dead American Writers

Tired Pony

 

 

Album: The Place We Ran From

Chart position: Did not chart

 

When I heard that Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol and Peter Buck from REM were collaborating, I feared that the world was on the verge of discovering the most dull album of all time. What surprised me is that none of the influences from their respective bands seeped into the recording, with ‘Dead American Writers’ being one of the truest longings for Americana since, well, The Joshua Tree.

 

#35

Waterfall

The Fresh and Onlys

 

 

Album: Play it Strange

Chart position: Did not chart

 

American jangle-garage. Rather nice, and a rather innovative video too.

 

#34

Holiday

Vampire Weekend

 

 

Album: Contra

Chart position: Did not chart

 

And Vampire Weekend make my top 50 for the third year in a row (topping the 2008 list with ‘A-Punk’ and cracking the top 40 with ‘Horchata’ last year). Their 4th single from their critically acclaimed ‘Contra’ sees them doing what the do best: brief yet catchy tunes, weird lyrics and preppy sensibilities. The video isn’t bad either.

 

 

#33

Drunk Girls

LCD Soundsystem

 

 

Album: This is Happening

Chart position: Did not chart

 

If this really is the last album that James Murphy makes under LCD Soundsystem, at least he’ll go out on a high. This brash piece of electro-punk reminds us of why we fell in love with him in the first place. The video is my favourite of the year, both hysterically funny and downright scary at the same time.

 

#32

The Chemical Song

Citadels

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: Did not chart

 

They’ve been described as “Suede meets the Flaming Lips.” What’s not to like?

 

#31

New Rules

Shine 2009

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Balleric dance from Finland duo Shine 2009. Built around a sunkissed drum loop and an otherworldly flute riff, this song is the soundtrack to a drunken midnight revelation.

 

Interesting varied list so far. Train, Joshua Radin and Duck Sauce stick right out but nothing I dislike so far, of what I've heard!

#30

This Momentary

Delphic

 

 

Album: Acolyte

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Ah the one that got away. Delphic were in a prime position to break through to the mainstream this year. The obligatory debut single on a ‘cool’ indie label, a UK wide tour and a placing on the annual ‘Sound of…’ poll. So how did they not make the most of their chance? Could it be bad marketing, the rise of illegal downloading, or the fact that 90% of their debut album was boring and unengaging? I’m not sure we’ll ever find out.

 

At any rate, they gave us ‘This Momentary’, which despite the fact it steals its song structure wholesale from ‘Born Slippy,’ is a rather good song.

 

#29

We No Speak Americano

Yolanda B Cool & DCup

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: #1

 

And now I’ve lost your respect. This song makes the chart based on its constant play in the gym.

 

#28

Who Do You Love

Museum of Bellas Artes

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: Did not chart

 

And another UP track makes the list. One of the odder tracks on the list, it features a ‘film projector’ rhythm track and a simplistic synth line over a female singer sings a song of lust and betrayal.

 

#27

Goodmorning

Paul Shevlin

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: Did not chart

 

18 year old Belfast singer-songwriter has been described as either “the Irish Ben Folds” or “the Belfast music scene’s best kept secret.” Both these descriptions are apt when discussing his 2nd single release, “Goodmorning.” Be sure to check out the studio version of the song, which features a lot of electronic noodling from the wunderkid.

 

#26

I Wanna Be Adored

Lana Mir

 

 

Album: Lana Mir

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Born in Ukraine, living in New York, and covering a Manchester band. Lana Mir has transformed the baggy rock of the original Stone Roses hit into a lounge-piano based version, which wouldn’t sound out of place in a John Lewis advert. It is interesting how she changes the song from the male bravado of the original into an almost existential yearning in this cover.

Edited December 16, 201014 yr by Brett-Butler

There's some really excellent stuff in here. Museum, Delphic, Gorillaz, Martin, Yeasayer, Sleigh Bells, Gorillaz, One Night Only and Jonsi are all great. There's quite a few I don't know, I will probably check out some, although I imagine they will be ones higher up.

 

I hope your top 10 is better than last year and as good as 2008, not much I like from the 2009 one.

#25

The Island (Part 1)

Pendulum

 

 

Album: Immersion

Chart position: #41

 

A lot of people (read – old people) are put off by Pendulum due to claiming that all of their songs sound the same. Whilst it’s true that most of their songs follow the ‘Amen Break’ style of drumming, I think it’s an unfair summarization of their sound.

 

This could go some way to explaining the sound of their single ‘The Island (Part 1).’ Unlike most of their other songs, they employ a ‘4 to the floor’ rhythmic technique that is found more prominently in mainstream dance in comparison to drum and bass. It’s nice to see a band try out new things.

 

#24

Put in a Little Gas

Colourmusic

 

 

Album: Yes (EP)

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Oklahoma band Colourmusic claim that they get more inspiration for their music from Issac Newton’s colour theories than other musicians. Whether that’s true or not remains to be seen, but this song, with its driving guitars, rock keyboards, grunge-esque structure and gang vocals can almost make for forgive Monsignor Newton for inventing gravity.

 

#23

Berkeley Girl

Harper Simon

 

 

Album: Harper Simon

Chart position: Did not chart

 

It took the son of Paul Simon 37 years to release his debut solo album, but it was worth it in the end. Some critics have noted that Harper sounds more like his dad’s sparring partner than Paul, but it’s a great, timeless record about the love of someone from long ago.

 

#22

Splash

Sub Focus ft Coco

 

 

Album: Sub Focus

Chart position: #41

 

Whilst arguable Nicholas Douwna breakthrough this year was producing Example’s top 10 single ‘Kickstarts,’ my highlight of the year from him was this re-recording of last year’s album track ‘Splash’ with new vocals recording by Sting’s daughter Coco Sumner. When I went to see him live (with Pendulum), this was arguable the highlight of the set, along with ‘Rock It.’

 

#21

Hay Loft

Mother Mother

 

 

Album: Oh My Heart

Chart position: Did not chart

 

This is pure, unrefined indie energy from Canadian group Mother Mother.

There's some really excellent stuff in here. Museum, Delphic, Gorillaz, Martin, Yeasayer, Sleigh Bells, Gorillaz, One Night Only and Jonsi are all great. There's quite a few I don't know, I will probably check out some, although I imagine they will be ones higher up.

 

I hope your top 10 is better than last year and as good as 2008, not much I like from the 2009 one.

 

2008 was indeed a great year, to be honest this year hasn't really been as great as that, but there have been a few potential classics this year.

 

I hope you do find some new stuff on this list. There's always a few songs that slip through the cracks each year.

#29

We No Speak Americano

Yolanda B Cool & DCup

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: #1

 

And now I’ve lost your respect. This song makes the chart based on its constant play in the gym.

Oh dear, it's all gone horribly wrong :puke2:

 

I need to listen to some of your other choices and I'm sure I'll accept that this was just an aberration. Or you were paid to include it.

#20

Islands

The xx

 

 

Album: xx

Chart position: #34

 

Like all good indie kids, I first heard about The xx back at the start of 2009. I was quick to dismiss them however, as I found their sound to be too sparse and dull to my liking. However, 2010 saw me gain an appreciation for them, and a Mercury Prize nomination firmly cemented them into the minds of the British consciousness. “Islands” went on to become perhaps the most leftfield top 40 hit of the year, both sensual and haunting at the same time.

 

#19

Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)

The Vaccines

 

 

Album: N/A

Chart position: Did not chart

 

The Vaccines are the most noticeable rock bands on the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll. Whilst featuring on the poll is no longer a guarantee of mainstream success (The Drums anyone?), The Vaccines have a real energy that could see them do well. To label them a male version of Elastica could be justified, as “Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)” is over in just under 90 seconds, and still able to fit in 2 verses, 3 choruses and a guitar solo for good measure.

 

#18

Bright Red Chords

Loomis & the Lust

 

 

Album: Space Camp

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Some American indie-funk rock from California band Loomis & the Lust. Despite being unsigned, they have received a lot of love from MTV and radio stations Stateside. Having moved to America to study this year, I thought my end-of year list would reflect my new musical environment, but to be honest this is really the only song on the list I’ve discovered as a result of being in America.

 

#17

Girl Number 1

Tim Ten Yen

 

 

Album: Everything Beautiful Reminds Me Of You

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Originally released in 2007, the single was re-released this year after TTY was signed to a larger label following his support slot of Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine. The song fits synth pop, piano rock and even a bit of ska into its 3:30 minutes, and is joyous to listen to on a hot October morning.

 

#16

Yeah Yeah Yeah

New Politics

 

 

Album: New Politics

Chart position: Did not chart

 

And another Unknown Pleasures entry in the top 50, is there any more to come? Danish band New Politics tread the same indie garage sound as their fellow Scandinavians The Hives (as opposed to their fellow countrymen Aqua thankfully enough), with a lively expletive ridden chorus. Oh, to be young again.

Edited December 19, 201014 yr by Brett-Butler

Oh dear, it's all gone horribly wrong :puke2:

 

I need to listen to some of your other choices and I'm sure I'll accept that this was just an aberration. Or you were paid to include it.

 

I lay all blame on the American dining culture for making food that forces me to use the gym, and for the band for making a song that is perfect for running on a treadmill to.

#15

Los Angeloser

Meat Loaf

 

 

Album: Hang Cool Teddy Bear

Chart position: Did not chart

 

And people were worried about me including “Americano” on this list. The song sees Marvin Lee Aday experimenting with nu-metal, and despite its cheesy video and how awful it sounds of paper, this is actually a pretty enjoyable song.

 

#14

Young Blood

The Naked and Famous

 

 

Album: Passive Me, Aggressive You

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Channelling the sound of Passion Pit and M83 with a slightly more commercial sound, NZ band the Naked and Famous are deservedly amongst the tips for stardom next year, especially if they have more hits up their sleeve in the vain of ‘Young Blood.’

 

#13

Paradise Circus

Massive Attack ft Hope Sandoval

 

 

Album: Heligoland

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Despite the fact that Massive Attack have crafted many critically acclaimed albums over the years stretching back to ‘Blue Lines,’ I’ve always thought of them more of a singles band than an albums band. This brings me onto #13, which is a collaboration with Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star. Massive Attack contribute a minimal yet melancholic instrumental track (which samples Bat for Lashes), with Sandoval’s silky, sensual vocals telling of a yearning for something bigger than herself.

 

#12

Windstorm

School of Seven Bells

 

 

Album: Disconnect From Desire

Chart position: Did not chart

 

S7B’s first record saw them being labelled as a ‘new-gaze’ band, so for their sophomore record, they seemed to regress a bit and become for engrossed in the original ‘shoe-gaze’ sound, as seen from the opening track from ‘Disconnect from Desire.’ A heavily processed vocal hook, heavily compressed drums and barely decipherable lyrics? Check.

 

#11

AM/FM

!!!

 

 

Album: Strange Weather, Isn’t It?

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Whenever I first heard this song on 6music’s Roundtable program, I contributed the following remark to the proceedings:

“Breaking news. There has been a break in at Jesus Jones’ recording studio. The thieves made of with several low quality demos. The perpetrators are believed to be members of !!!.

 

Obviously my opinions of ‘AM/FM’ by !!! (Pronounced Chk Chk Chk) havw gone up since then, it’s a great slice of indie dance that hypnotises you from the first kick to the last snare.

 

I lay all blame on the American dining culture for making food that forces me to use the gym, and for the band for making a song that is perfect for running on a treadmill to.

A treadmill and Americano? :o A double dose of torture :lol:

#10

Sound of Sunshine

Michael Franti & Spearhead

 

 

Album: Sound of Sunshine

Chart position: Did not chart

 

A cheery piece of reggae-pop from San Francisco native Michael Franti and his band, Spearhead. This song has came so soundtrack my time in America.

 

#9

Tenderoni

Kele

 

 

Album: The Boxer

Chart position: #31

 

Bloc Party singer went solo this year with his album The Boxer. As had been evidenced from his parent band’s post-Flux material, dance music had become increasingly influential on his output, and with his first solo single he dispensed with guitars altogether and produced a stomping electro-house track, which was not a million miles away from Bodyrox’s “Yeah Yeah” in sound.

 

#8

Hustle

Tunng

 

 

Album: …and Then We Saw Land

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Folktronica act Tunng reach the number 8 position with their shimmery track “Hustle,” combining traditional folk elements with electronic noodling and summery boy-girl vocal harmonies.

 

#7

Release the Bees

Not Squares

 

 

Album: Yeah OK

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Northern Ireland electro-rock trio Not Squares gained recognition on the local scene this year, releasing their debut album and playing to the biggest crowds yet. “Release the Bees” was to 2010 what “Stay the Same” was to 2009 and what “We Are Rockstars” was to 2008 for me, juxtaposing a processed vocal line with a dirty, infectious electronic riff.

 

#6

Can’t Shake this Feeling

Grum

 

 

Album: Heartbeats

Chart position: Did not chart

 

When he’s not busy churning out 2010’s best remixes for acts such as Marina & the Diamonds, Goldfrapp and the Pet Shop Boys, producer Graeme Shepherd is busy making 80s inspired disco-house music under the unsensual name of Grum. “Can’t Shake this Feeling” is the greatest example of this in practice, with a chorus that just screams joy in your eye. However, the less said about the video the better.

 

#5

Baby Lee

Teenage Fanclub

 

 

Album: Shadows

Chart position: Did not chart

 

Teenage Fanclub returned this year after a 5 year absence, and what a song they returned to. I first heard “Baby Lee” when they played live in Belfast in 2009, and I immediately thought to myself that it would become a classic. Skip forward 12 months and they released it as the debut single from “Shadows.”

 

The song itself is written by Norman Blake, and given that I’m more partial to the songs written by Gerard Love, it was a surprise how fond of it I was. Whilst Teenage Fanclub aren’t going to surprise us any more by collaborating with American hip-hop acts (Fallin’, ft De La Soul), experimenting with dance music (Kickabout), or shock us with profanity (Verisimilitude), what the do, they do well. Gorgeous three part harmonies, well crafted pop songs and folksy elements. Oh Bellshill beach boys, how I’ve missed you.