I wanted to obsess over this a bit more before posting it, but I'm pretty short on time as it is these days, so, in no particular order...
Top 10 CDs of 2010
1. Far "At Night We Live"
I've waited 12 long years for this record, and never thought it would actually come to fruition. While I don't expect them to do this band full time ever again, I'm very happy that Far is alive in some capacity, and that they're making new music. Highlights: Deafening, Give Me A Reason, When I Could See, Dear Enemy
2. Deftones "Diamond Eyes"
Proof that pain makes great art. This album was created after Chi's accident, and they shelved the then-almost-finished album "Eros", instead releasing this one (with Sergio Vega from Quicksand on bass). Also further proof that Deftones have always been lightyears ahead of most other nu-metal bands that they are continually (and incorrectly) compared to. Highlights: 976-Evil, Sextape, You've Seen The Butcher, Cmnd/Ctrl
3. The Hold Steady "Heaven Is Whenever"
If Bruce Springsteen formed a power pop band, it would sound like this. I'm extremely jealous of the metallic-green Les Paul their singer plays -- one of the most gorgeous guitars I think I've ever seen. Highlights: Hurricane J, The Weekenders
4. Walter Shriefels "An Open Letter To The Scene"
Walter from QuickSand/Rival Schools/Gorilla Biscuits releases an acoustic solo CD! I was lucky enough to first hear some of these songs at Fun Fun Fun Fest a few years ago. It's insane how one guy can create so many different bands over the years and all of them are amazing. This solo CD is right up there with them. Highlights: Open Letter, Save The Saveables, Ballad of Lil Kim
5. Michael Franti & Spearhead "The Sound of Sunshine"
The world is a better place because of people like Michael Franti. Highlights: The Thing That Helps Me Get Through, Hey Hey Hey, Headphones
6. Dead Country - Euro Thrash EP
Dead Country was the opening band on Far's recent tour. Very reminiscent of Crumb's "Seconds Minutes Hours" (a personal favorite). I love the guitar tones on this disc! My only "complaint" is that it's not a full-length CD -- I want more songs! Highlights: Satori In Luzern, Euro Trash
7. Eels "Tomorrow Morning"
Eels released not one, not two, but THREE CDs in the last 12 months. How the heck am I supposed to pick just one for a "best of" list?! Answer: by picking one at random. Highlights: Spectacular Girl, I Like The Way This Is Going
8. Crash Test Dummies "Oooh La La"
One of several "please reunite and tour before I die" bands that I got to happily cross off that list this year. This disc sounds half like their early folk/bluegrass albums, and half like the quirkier CDs they released later on. I'm WAY too bias to give an objective opinion of it....Crash Test Dummies reunited and toured! And I saw it! Highlights: What I'm Famous For, Not Today Baby
9. Motion City Soundtrack "My Dinosaur Life"
Judging by the credits on this album, I suspect Motion City Soundtrack spent a HUGE amount of money recording this album. I don't think it sounds THAT different than their previous records, which I am totally okay with. Highlights: Worker Bee, Her Words Destroyed My Planet, Disappear
10. Devo "Something For Everybody"
It's 2010 and Devo put a new record out! And if that's not enough, now they have Josh Freese in the band too! How flipping rad can one band get?! Highlights: No Place Like Home, Cameo, Don't Shoot
Honorable Mentions (because limiting it to 10 is just TOO HARD!)...
Butch Walker "I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart"
The BoDeans "Mr Sad Clown"
Murder By Death "Good Morning, Magpie"
Superchunk "Majesty Shredding"
The Gaslight Anthem "American Slang"
Kevin Seconds "Good Luck Buttons"
Eels "End Times"