Top 10 for 2010 +1

2010 was not a great year for music. I freely admit that I have slacked in listening to as much music as I should have, and admit that my daily listening shifted from music to more podcasts. But when going through other people's top 10 lists, I just do not see much that I missed out on. In fact, whereas I usually have trouble cutting my list down to 10, this year I struggled to even think of 10 records that I felt were worthy. Really this should be a top 5-15 instead of a top 10, but it's a yearly tradition so here we go:

1. The Crocodiles- Sleep Forever
2. Paul Weller- Wake Up the Nation
3. Tame Impala- Innerspeaker
4. Karen Elson- The Ghost Who Walks
5. Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster- Blood and Fire
6. Scissor Sisters- Night Work
7. Thee Oh Sees- Warm Slime
8. Delphic- Acolyte
9. Hurts- Happiness
10. Junip- Fields

And as a +1, if The Black Belles had a full release and not just a single, they probably could have taken the top spot. Just a guess, but I just love them so much that I am willing to go out on a limb on this one. Thank you, Jack White, for the Black Belles, my favorite band of 2010.

Delphic

I have a penchant for all things Mancunian, so when I read that the BBC's number one band for 2010, Delphic, I was pretty sure I would be on the bandwagon soon. And I was right. Now I read that my pals at Dangerbird Records here in the US have signed them! So expect this record out in the US sometime this year for all of us to enjoy.

The immediate thoughts that spring to mind when listening to Acolyte are: late era New Order, late 90s Primal Scream with a softer touch, a more feminine and radio friendly Klaxons, Underworld with a penchant for radio more than the dancefloor, an androgynous and cold version of Depeche Mode's artier moments, These New Puritans without the art grant focus.

Reducing Delphic to peer comparisons, though, might make you think that they are just followers, which is not true. What makes their debut such a success is that it is at once reminiscent of past faves, but also sounds fresh. As with much of the stuff I post here, what I really love is that after two listens, you will find yourself humming these songs; it is instantly compelling. This record could easily be four to five singles deep. It is radio ready and could very easily catch fire. If there is any justice in the world, you will hear this music in commercials, movies, and in the real world.

More videos

I have a couple of new items brewing, but I ]haven't finalized them. A little polishing and they'll be up soon. Promise.

In the interim, why don't you check out some videos. I have added a few videos to the AEC channel favorites that are all very different, but also have one unifying strain. That unity lies in the fact that, if you are going to make a video, make it visually compelling. Force me to watch. The Black Belles is a Jack White produced girl group, Private is perfect European pop, and Delphic is Manchester art rock, but they all have delivered something interesting, and utterly watchable. Contrary to popular belief, Lady Gaga isn't the only one making cool videos.

Check them out: The All England Club YouTube Channel

AEC video playlist

I have been coming across some new videos in a newly inspired bout of music searching that has come with the beginning of the new year. Check out what I have been checking out at The AEC YouTube Playlist.

I'll probably have more to say about the Jack Penate and the Delphic soon. But make sure you check out the trailer for the Creation Records documentary. Looks so cool.