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Mailo’s Top 10 Albums of 2010

by Mailo

Below are my top albums of 2010. Please note that this does not include live albums or eps, that would be too overwhelming!

10. We Are Born- Sia (released June 18th, 2010) – Although I didn’t give this album a great review, it has grown on me considerably. It also helps that Sia is one of the most amazing singers. Sia had a great year: she wrote a couple of tracks for Christina Aguilera and “We Are Born” was nominated for Album of the Year for the ARIA Awards. The album was produced by The Bird & The Bee’s Greg Kurstin and includes the hit song “Co-Dependant.”  The album also includes a Madonna cover of “Oh, Father” as well as the dance track “Clap Your Hands.”  Look for Sia to be coming to the US in 2011! Click here to buy it on Amazon!

9. Teen Dream – Beach House (released January 26th, 2010) – This was one of the first albums released in 2010, this album should appeal to most people.  I heard it for the first time and was blown away.  Thanks to my buddy Coby for turning me on to this album.  Teen Dream has a little of everything for everyone. Beach House has come along way since their debut album in 2006, which was a very impressive debut album that you should add to your collection. This album was received well by the “critics” and the bloggers of the world.  The album was produced by Chris Coady and featured the track “Used To Be.”  Currently, you can by an exclusive 2 disc set (CD + DVD) for $9.25 on Amazon,  you can purchase it by clicking here.

8. Under Control – Cary Brothers (released April 6th, 2010) – Cary is most famous for his work with the Hotel CafĂ© and “Garden State” soundtrack. This year he showed what a powerhouse he was in the Indie scene here in Los Angeles by releasing his sophomore album. The album features a beautifully stripped down cover of Level 42’s “Something About You,” which features vocals from Laura Jansen.  Upon its release, it was the #1 on the iTunes Indie Charts, all this with little to no radio airplay.  “Ghost Town” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” are stand out songs on the album.  Cary is getting ready to launch another tour with Joshua Radin, so look for them on the road in 2011! Click here to buy it on Amazon!

7. I Learned The Hard Way – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (released April 6th, 2010) – Sharon Jones has come a long way from her days as a back-up singer. Sharon Jones has made a name for herself by producing records with that 60’s/70’s nitty gritty sound. This album may not have the same sound as her previous three albums, yet it is still real R&B music, made by a group of people with funk! The album was produced by their bassist Gabriel “Bosco Mann” Roth and features the song “The Game Gets Old.”  This album will make many of the larger named lists, because of its authenticity and creativity!  Look for Sharon Jones and the gang to be touring in 2011, so look for them in a town near you! Click here to buy it on Amazon!

6. When the Madhouses Appear – The Fling (released August 31st, 2010) – The Fling is a band from Long Beach who made a major leap forward in 2010. By far one of the most anticipated interviews on the ETS Show. After the show, KY played the album in the office over and over again, so needless to say I heard this album enough that I actually had nightmares about it!  Their sound is very retro and reminds us all of a very popular UK band from the 60’s. Aside from their sound, their live shows are what makes this band stand out and why they have toured the world with their music!  The Fling will be doing a residency at Spaceland every Monday in January, so if you’re in the LA area, check them out! Click here to buy it on Amazon!

5. Nearer The Earth – Honey Child (released 2010) – This album was a late addition to my list, just having heard it within the past few weeks.  When I first heard this album, I was immediately blown away. The band members are from all over the world, but they mostly produce here in Los Angeles. This album may have been higher on the list if it weren’t for the flowing albums. Honey Child is currently in the studio, so that makes them a band to watch for in 2011. The band tours a lot, so check them out on their website.  Did I mention that you can download this entire album on their site for FREE? Click here to get this stellar album!  So check the band out on their website to get caught up on the latest Honey Child news!

4. Life in Letters – Lucy Schwartz (released September 28th, 2010) – Fresh off winning the first ever Shelly Award for Artist of the Year, Lucy did have an amazing 2010, which was topped off by opening for Brandi Carlile on New Year’s Eve. Lucy’s great year was due in large part to the release of this album.  She is also in the running for receiving an Oscar Nomination for her songs “Darling I Do” from Shrek Forever After and “Little One” for the movie Mother & Child.  Life in Letter was produced by Mitchell Froom, the album includes the hit songs: “Rain City,” “My Darling” and “Life In Letters.” There is no doubt that Lucy is destined for greatness! Click here to re-live Lucy in studio with the ETS Crew.  Click here to buy it on Amazon!

3. Plastic Beach – The Gorrillaz (released March 3rd, 2010) –

This album will be appearing in most lists, why? Because it is that good, that’s why! This album was one of the most anticipated albums of 2010 and it lived up to the hype. The production on the album was top notch and featured some of today’s hottest acts, like: Snoop Dogg, Little Boots, Lou Reed, De La Soul, Mos Def, Bobby Womack and Mick Jones to name a few.  The album was produced by the Gorillaz and features the tracks: “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach” and “Empire Ants.” Click here to buy it on Amazon!

2. Interpreting the Masters Vol. 1 – The Bird and The Bee (released March 23rd, 2010) – Another album that Sara and I agreed on was the Bird & the Bee’s third album. When I first heard that they were in studio recording a Hall & Oates cover album, I thought to myself that it would be a mistake. Boy was I wrong! With Inara’s beautiful voice and Greg’s groovy production, they took elements of the original songs and made them their own, while keeping the integrity of the originals.   Everyone who reads my blogs on a regular knows that Inara is my favorite singer, so it might shock you that this didn’t receive the top album honors.  While I gave them the edge for Song of the Year, there was one clear cut favorite for 2010.

1. To My Beloved Enemies – The Shimmies (released July 27th, 2010) – This is the best band that you’ve never heard of, unless of course you read my blogs! The Shimmies are a Chico based band who released their sophomore album in 2010. The album starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up. When listening to the album, it is clear that the band puts a lot of their emotions into their lyrics and it helps connect them with the listener. Buy There Album on Amazon

There it is, the best albums of 2010! Disagree? Give me your Top 10!  Special Thanks to Sara for EVERYTHING!  I wish her luck, but now that she’s gone, the WORLD IS MINE!!!!!!!!!

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