Josh Hofer's 2010 Top Ten
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1.
Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise
I love this album. There was a period of honestly, 3-4 months that I listened to it at LEAST once a day.
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2.
Cee Lo Green - The Lady Killer
Honestly, if I could have TWO number ones than this would be tied with Blue Sky Noise. Cee Lo Green is one hell of an unstoppable force. Any single one of these songs could be a huge huge hit. I really feel like no one does this kind of music anymore; so much soul, sexiness, and such wild and old school styles in every track.
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3.
Deftones - Diamond Eyes
It’s the Deftones, how do you go wrong? This is their first album without Chi Cheng being on bass. Thankfully Quicksand bassist, Sergio Vega is substituting for the ailing Chi. This could be my favorite Deftones record since White Pony. I really love it; Rocket Skates blows the roof off this place. It’s old school Deftones heavy and then awesome Deftones ambient.
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4.
Nas and Damian Marley - Distant Relatives
Pretty much my favorite Hiphop record of all time now. This combo is unbelievably excellent. The music is stellar, the lyrics are powerful and the message is great.
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5.
Underoath - Ø Disambiguation
The first record without Aaron on the drums/clean vocals. For me, this album feels like a VERY natural progression to where they were always headed. I don’t find myself missing Aaron at all. The former Norma Jean drummer, Daniel Davison, has a similar playing style to Aaron, but Daniel feels heaver and darker than his predecessor.
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6.
Conditions - Fluorescent Youth
I really enjoy this band, I hope since they’re only from VA one of these days I’ll be able to work with them. I mean this as a complete compliment, but for me it feels like Conditions is picking up where the great Acceptance left off. Great album!
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7.
Rufio - Anybody Out There
When Pop Punk is bad, it’s BAD. But, when Pop Punk is great, it’s perfect. Personally, I think this album is an example of that; proves that Pop Punk is still relevant. I think it was worth the wait, great stuff.
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8.
Bad Religion - The Dissent of Man
It’s what you expect from Bad Religion, so naturally you’ll ether love it or it’ll blend in with everything else. I love it.
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9.
Just Surrender - Phoenix
I have know these guys for years and years, just right at their beginning. I have always loved every thing they have ever released. But this record might be my favorite; it's really hard to say. There is a whole new level of maturity on this versus their older stuff in nearly every way. They'll always be the best dual vocal rock band out there, no doubt.
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10.
The Damned Things - Ironiclast
This band straight up has too much POWER behind it to be bad and fail. Seriously, Anthrax, Every Time I Die, and Fall Out Boy? Might sound a little crazy on paper tossing in FOB to the list… but these dudes have roots in heavy music too! Check this out, for fans of: He is Legend, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, or any of the bands that make up this super group.
Honorable Mentions
Mae - (e)vening
Everything about this EP is just perfect to me. But my favorite part of the experience this EP brings is when one of the most gorgeously written piano pieces I have ever heard begins. When listening, you can tell the story of the music even though there isn’t a single word in those fourteen minutes. Such beauty.
Circa Survive - Appendage
Look. I love everything these guys do. It’s a B-Side album that feels more like an honest and new EP. I love it.
John Legend and The Roots - Wake Up!
A combination that surprised me a little bit, but now looking back at it, it makes good sense. This record is really really good. I have always loved The Roots and John Legend was good, but I wasn’t an experienced listener. Together they make a great Hiphop/Soul sound that isn’t familiar to anything I have heard before.
The Shape for Memory - Palms and Hands
One of the best new and upcoming NC singer/song writers, Jeremy Scott, brings us his first release with the maturity of a venerated artist. Do yourself a favor and check this man out. For fans of: The Appleseed Cast, Dave Bazan, Owen, Brand New, Minus the Bear, Northstar, and Radiohead.
The Devil Wears Prada - Zombie
Yes. Metal. Zombies. What the hell else do you want? Clips of zombie themed stuff between songs? Okay, you got it. It’s intense and awesome, just how I like it.
