Today marks the halfway point of 2010. That's the perfect excuse to make a list, and you know how I like assembling these things. Here are the caveats: I won't include a band more than one time (so that She & Him don't take up 10 spots), and preview songs are acceptable even if the album won't be out until later this year. It's always fun to compare this list with the one done at the end of the year. Last year's lists turned out to be quite different. I have posted most of these songs during the year. I can't repost them all, but here are about 10 mp3s. Now on with the countdown:30. Interpol - Lights
No, It's not 'Turn On The Bright Lights,' but at least this song is in the neighborhood. The self-titled new album will be out Sept. 7.
29. The Like - Fair Game
These gals shuffled the lineup and created an album that is worlds better than their debut.
28. Lucky Soul - A Coming Of Age
A solid followup to the even stronger 'The Great Unwanted.' What's left of the Pipettes should take note.
27. The Coral - Butterfly House
I lost track of these guys a few years ago, but this song brought me back into the fold.
26. Crowded House - Saturday Sun
'Intriguer' isn't out yet here in America, but I like what I have heard so far.
25. Surfer Blood - Swim
This single came out in 2009 to much acclaim, but the album didn't come out until January. So, this one sneaks in through the back door. Plus, I only started listening to it a couple of months ago.
24. The Futureheads - Heartbeat Song
I'm starting to think these guys are getting a bad rap just for the sake of it. 'The Chaos' won't quite take you back to their stellar debut, but it's good, people!
23. Paul Weller - No Tears Left To Cry
"The Modfather" has done it again... and he has turned up the volume again.
22. The Divine Comedy - Assume The Perpendicular
This was a tough choice. Strong album has no clear-cut single.
21. Elf Power - Stranger In The Window
Elephant 6 vets will release their 10th album in September. This song indicates it will be a mellow affair.
20. The Postelles - White Night
Debut album hits the streets July 27, but the band gave away this single earlier this year. Thank you very much.
19. Tracey Thorn - Oh, The Divorces!
Oh, that voice! The Everything But The Girl singer goes it alone with satisfying results.
18. Blur - Fool's Day
The band threw this together as a very limited-edition 7" in honor of Record Store Day.
17. Vampire Weekend - Giving Up The Gun
With last year's leaks and an early January official release date, it's difficult to even imagine this is from 2010.
16. Wild Nothing - Chinatown
'Gemini' is in the running for album of the year. See you guys again at the end of the year.
15. Modern English - It's OK
No joke. The band that did "I Melt With You" more than 25 years ago is back, and this is their best song since "Ink And Paper."
14. The Drums - Forever And Ever Amen
What can I say? The hype on these guys is unbearable, but the music is too good to ignore.
13. Freedy Johnston - The Other Side Of Life
It's so good to have him back.
12. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - I Learned The Hard Way
I love this whole old-school funk/soul revival, and these guys are the best in a crowded field.
11. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
The album will be out Aug. 3, but many seem to be disappointed with the songs that have leaked so far. It's more understated, to be sure, but I like it.
10. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Say No To Love
One of two bands (The Drums are the other) to make this list a year ago today. They just keep putting out catchy singles full of fuzz.
9. Devo - Fresh
From another album that will certainly make my best list come December... so much fun.
8. The Apples In Stereo - Dream About The Future
The album has been a bit disappointing, but this is one of a couple of keepers.
7. The Lodger - Have A Little Faith In People
Three for three, lads. You haven't put out a bad LP yet.
6. The New Pornographers - Crash Years
For some reason, 'Together' just hasn't done it for me like the band's previous albums, but their worst is better than just about anyone else.
5. Kid Canaveral - Good Morning
Their debut album comes out next week. Thankfully, a few Scottish bloggers have been touting them for several months now. Gotta love the Internets.
4. Mates of State - Laura
What? A cover? Yep. It's rare that a redo can live up to (or even surpass) the original. This is not lip service. Girls' 'Album' was my No. 2 album last year.
3. Harlem - Friendly Ghost
Austin still produces great bands, and Harlem is the best of the latest crop. I never heard of these guys until January. Now I can't get them out of my head.
2. She & Him - In The Sun
Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward produced my favorite album of 2008, and the duo are frontrunners to repeat in 2010.
1. Club 8 - Shape Up!
It took seven albums, but these Swedes have finally stolen my heart. David Byrne fans take note of 'The People's Record.' That's an order!
Related
Top 30 of 2009 (So Far)
Top 50 Tracks of 2009
Top 20 Albums of 2009
Top 100 Tracks of the Decade
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