Well, another year is drawing to a close. People are gearing up for the holidays and it’s almost time to start creating our New Year’s resolution lists. But before we begin looking to the future, let’s employ a different kind of list to help us appreciate the past. You know what I’m talking about. Yep, a Top Ten list! Each day I’m going to publish a different editor’s Top 10 albums of 2010 list for you to praise, completely disagree with, or just outright ignore.
Today’s list comes from Dying Scene news writer, Dan McDavid, and you can check out his picks for the 10 Best Albums of 2010 right here.
Lately, I’ve been really picky about what I listen to. It needs to have a good beat and good lyrics in order for it to stay on my iTunes list. Seriously, I am brutal about what I listen to…however, I will listen to pretty much anything when it comes to style. But since Dying Scene only covers a select few genres in the music universe, I will share with you guys my favorite punk/rock/hardcore releases of the past year.
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#10. Virtues by Amber Pacific
After their 2nd full-length Truth In Sincerity came out in ’07, I admit I was really turned off by Amber Pacific. But they axed their original singer and got this new guy who fits the pop punk style a lot better. The music has tightened up a bit more, and the songs are just more fun…AND have more variety (believe it or not).
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#9. The Dissent Of Man by Bad Religion
Yes, you punk fans are going to hate me for placing this so low in my list. The truth is, I was disappointed by this album. The songs were going along at a great pace, but the final act of the album just dragged. I felt the last 3 songs should have been B-sides or something, they felt so out of place. Still a good album, but I’m not going to listen to it all the way through.
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#8. What Separates Me From You by A Day To Remember
My friend from college got me into these guys, kinda. That, and they have a song called “You Be Tails, I’ll Be Sonic”. Not gonna lie, that was the only reason why I listened to this album. Well, that and the fact that I like the juxtaposition of pop punk and hardcore that I feel only ADTR can achieve.
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#7. This Addiction by Alkaline Trio
Alkaline Trio has never let me down. Seriously. I think they’re fun and almost a guilty pleasure of mine whenever I feel depressed. This Addiction is addictive (pun TOTALLY intended) to me because of its personal, albeit clichéd lyrics about real stuff spurred by the dark BS of life. Everyone goes through it. It’s good to know other people relate.
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#6. New World Disorder by Friends With The Enemy
Never heard of these guys (and gal) before, but I’m glad I stumbled upon them. They remind me of No Use For A Name a little bit (Seriously. Listen to “One Chance” by Friends, and then listen to “Biggest Lie” by NUFAN). This EP stayed on repeat for a few days. Yes, it’s only 5 songs long. It takes a lot to get an EP on my Top 10, however it being only 5 songs places it below my Top 3. Make sense? Didn’t think so.
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#5. Pedestals by Such Gold
Pedestals is the same thing: An EP that stayed on repeat for some time. The fury heard in each scream (especially in “Sycamore”) makes me want to go to a Such Gold show and mosh until I’m a bloody pulp. Good to listen to when you need energy, or if you’re just mad and want to punch somebody.
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#4. Don’t Give Up by Old School Politics
Old School Politics really sounds old school (I need to stop with the puns), and I guess that’s why I like them. Nothing about this album sounds slick or polished or anything. Just music the way they wanted it to be released. Give me the harmonies of “Montreal, Punk Rock City”, the urgency in the chorus of “Survive”, or the relaxed acoustic number “Coming Home”–which is a gigantic middle finger to anyone opposed to them–anytime. I love this album.
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#3. Anybody Out There by Rufio
Reviews of Rufio’s return was mixed by most. Yes, they are less technical and more pop-oriented, but their charm is still there. Anybody Out There takes the best parts of their two previous releases and delivers a more mature Rufio. You want more on this, then check out my review on the album.
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#2. Heroes And Ghosts by Counterpunch
This puppy has been released everywhere BUT the States. It is SO GOOD. I’ve been listening to it (well, a crappy rip of it) at least once every two weeks. Go listen to the songs they have on their MySpace and then realize an entire album of 13 angsty, angry, poppy, punky songs. That, my friends, is a solid album. I want the US release for Christmas. Will I get it? Probably not.
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#1. The Big Picture by Chaser
Read my review. That’s all.
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