b_myers's 2010 Top Ten
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1.
This or the Apocalypse - Haunt What's Left
This album…this band, needs to be more recognized for this effort. People will most likely lump this band into the category of “just another metal band," but this is my warning to you: don’t be that person. Going forward, this is the band in the metalcore genre to watch out for, as Grant McFarland and the boys from Lancaster, PA are now officially on the map.
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2.
Parkway Drive - Deep Blue
I wasn’t fully impressed with Deep Blue the first few times through, but it started to click and before I knew it I was spinning this album non-stop! It seems as though the boys from across the other pond are really starting to figure it out.
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3.
The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
The ’59 Sound got me listening and this got me hooked. Unbelievably catchy, and the musicianship is top notch. Brian Fallon’s voice is some sort of addiction, and leaves the listener feeling the hardship’s that he belts out. “We Did It When We Were Young” gives me goosebumps.
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4.
Rocky Votolato - True Devotion
Votolato, though popular in the underground indie/acoustic scene, is still a widely unknown commodity in popular circles. This needs to change. His brand of heartfelt storytelling via song is incredibly easy to swallow, while his voice, guitar, and harmonica abilities are of the highest level. If you want to familiarize yourself with his music, start with this album or his 2006 release, Makers.
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5.
Letlive - Fake History
Even though I was quite fond of their previous releases, I had no idea these guys were still a band. Not only are they still a band, they’ve totally resurrected their careers with the release of Fake History. The music itself is a brand of very catchy post-hardcore, and if you’ve likened the Daryl Palumbo vocal-stylings over the years, you’ll most likely be satisfied with lead vocalist Jason Aalon Butler.
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6.
The National - High Violet
It’s hard for me to characterize this album, or this band for that matter. I don’t really know a lot about their history, or the members that make up the five-piece from Cincinnati, but I do own all of their albums. They create an absolutely beautiful blend of indie-rock music that, at first listen, may not seem beautiful at all. The soothingly original vocal work of vocalist Matt Berninger makes this, and all of their records, a must listen.
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7.
Envy on the Coast - Lowcountry
This is quite the breakthrough record for a band that most consider to be nothing special. They showed some improvement and promise on their 2007 release Lucy Gray, but Lowcountry expands upon that promise and delivers tenfold. EOTC definitely gets my nod for most improved band.
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8.
Deftones - Diamond Eyes
I’ve totally played this album to death, as it was basically the soundtrack to my spring/summer. Anyone who has listened to this album will know why it’s here, so there’s really not much need to elaborate, but I’ll indulge. It’s by far their best release since White Pony, and if you include the iTunes bonus tracks (“Do You Believe,” “Ghosts,” and “Caress”) it may be their best release ever! Just sayin’…
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9.
Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
I’ve had a lot of time to let this album settle in, since it came out so early in the year (it actually leaked in 2009). I loved it at the beginning of the year, didn’t listen to it at all through summer and fall, and then picked it up again about a month ago. At that point I realized that this album definitely deserved a spot on this list.
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10.
Stick To Your Guns - The Hope Division
In what has seemed like a short existence, Stick To Your Guns has thoroughly impressed. 2008’s Comes From The Heart was a breakthrough and really showcased the band’s raw talent, but The Hope Division is its successor in every way possible. Expect big things from this band moving forward.
Honorable Mentions
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis
The best album of their career? That’s a big statement considering that this is the band that brought us Miss Machine, but I’m going to confidently say yes. Not an album that I can listen to regularly, and I can’t make it through the whole disc in one setting, but it truly is a masterpiece in modern progressive music.
Broken Bells - Broken Bells
The collaboration between James Mercer and Danger Mouse couldn’t have resulted in a better album. From start to finish, this album is chalked full of eclectic hits and well written and executed tunes. If this one has slipped under your radar do yourself a favor and check it out.
The Word Alive - Deceiver
After I saw these dudes at Warped Tour this summer I knew this record would have its place. Deceiver is overwhelmingly addictive and easy to listen to, while showcasing great breakdowns, great vocals, and some entry level dub-step thrown in for good measure. Is that the new formula for success in heavy music? I would have never guessed, but the kids seem to dig it.
Cloudkicker - Beacons
Ben Sharp is a musical genius. Not just because he writes some truly amazing instrumental rock, but because he has gotten his music out there by offering it up for nil. If you’re anything like me you’ll donate a few bucks just to ensure that this man keeps releasing new music! This record is a tour de force in instrumental prowess.
PMtoday - In Medias Res
There’s nothing like music with personality! Pmtoday have created an album that is just that, an album with personality. It’s a very honest record lyrically, almost like a passage way into the mind of vocalist Connor Brogan. It doesn’t end there though, as the musicianship that this album offers is very impressive. Take elements of bands like Circa Survive, Brand New, Dance Gavin Dance, and Thursday, blend them together, and enjoy.
