Top 10 Favorite Songs Of 2010
Bad Religion – “The Devil In Stitches,” from The Dissent Of Man (Epitaph)
Someone should tell Brett Gurewitz that his best songwriting days should be behind him. After 30 years, to come up with an anthem like this isn’t fair. But it is really great. Alright, don’t tell him.
Danzig – “Hammer Of The Gods,” from Deth Red Sabaoth (Evilive/The End)
Speaking of guys who should be past his prime, I give you Glenn Danzig. He actually is past his prime but that didn’t stop him from writing one more classic in the vein of his early solo career.
Titus Andronicus – “A More Perfect Union,” from The Monitor (XL)
I don’t know if there is a more sing-along-y Abraham Lincoln-related tune but I can’t imagine there is. This kicked off a relentless album that I have hard time listening to sitting down.
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – “To Hell & Back Again,” from Hawk (Vanguard)
While I am a ridiculously huge Lanegan fan, for me, the highlight on the album is this heart-wrenching tale performed without the whiskey-soaked baritone. After three albums of being the primary songwriter, Campbell finally scripted herself an amazing moment at center stage.
The New Pornographers – “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk,” from Together (Matador)
If A.C. Newman and company release something, chances are there’s a song in my top 10. This is classic, fun New Pornos.
LCD Soundsystem – “I Can Change,” from This Is Happening (DFA)
I am really not a fan of James Murphy’s in general or much of the dance rock. But every so often, a song will really connect with me. This is definitely one of those.
Les Savy Fav – “Let’s Get Out Of Here,” from Root For Ruin (Frenchkiss)
Not one of my usual suspects when it comes to top songs of the year, but this is my favorite thing they’ve ever written. For years, I felt like they plateaued and have waited for them to reach a new level and this is it.
Follow That Bird! – “The Ghosts That Wake You,” from Casual Victim Pile (Matador)
The lead track from Matador’s Austin scene compilation came on like a really focused Sleater-Kinney and made it difficult to move on and give the other bands on the comp a chance. Really looking forward to their debut full-length.
The Besnard Lakes – “Chicago Train,” from Are The Roaring Night (Jagjaguwar)
The prettiest moment on an album full of them. The album itself is the closing of a trilogy and this song is the first real acknowledgment that the protagonists are aware that this is their last pillaging hurrah.
Crocodiles – “Mirrors,” from Sleep Forever (Fat Possum)
I didn’t want the year to go by and not recognize Crocodiles’ excellent sophomore effort. Really good album’s standout track.
