Kent Rocks' Top 15 Albums of 2010

So it’s that time of year again, the end of it. I posted a ‘best of’ last year and decided to do so again this year. I could make the list that Rolling Stone or Spin would make as those lists ‘look’ correct but rather I am again going to give you MY best of list for this year. Some of the artists I will mention you may be quite familiar with, while others maybe not so much.

2010 had many a great live show put on by local artists here in Regina. The Hot Blood Bombers, Rah Rah, Library Voices, JJ Voss, Chad Kichula, The Bystanders, The Dustin Ritter Band and Rye n' The Vats are all acts that all blew audiences away. My favourite however was country/roots singer/songwriter Cam Wensel and his band Black Drink Crier.

I, like my co-blogger here at SPUN JJ Ramone also feel that live records, reissues and EP’s while had a great many spins in the cd player feel should be left off the main list. It would be incomplete not to mention them however. Here are some of the highlights of the year..

Best Live Record: The White Stripes – Under Great White Northern Lights

Best Music Film or Biopic: The Runaways.
Now I know it was completely based around Cherie Currie’s book ‘Neon Angel’ and thus the film focuses largely on the relationship between Cherie and Joan Jett. This is okay with me as though my eyes I see the Runaways as the Cherie and Joan band. Lita hit her stride as a solo artist later in her career.

Best EP: Vancouver Alt Rock band Red Vienna’s self titled release was perfect and addicting. Honorable mention goes to Regina’s own Bystanders with a brilliant EP as well.

Best Show: Grady. A Canadian self proclaimed cow metal outfit based out of Austin TX. Honorable mention goes to Motley Crue, Airbourne, Arkells & Huron, Lustkillers and Nashville Super Pussy & Civet.

As with any other year, there are rotten eggs or disappointments. Albums I looked forward to but was incredibly disappointed with are:

The Goo Goo Dolls – ‘Rest Of Us’
Hole – ‘Nobody’s Daughter’
The Hold Steady ‘Heaven Is Whenever’

And without any further ado here is my Top 15 of 2010

15. American Hi-Fi – Fight the Frequency
14. Airbourne – No Guts, No Glory
13. Gin Blossoms – No Chocolate Cake
12. Dustin Ritter Band – Dead Airwaves
11. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Beat the Devils Tattoo


10. John Mellencamp – No Better Than This

After years of being a rock star Mellencamp says he has made the most American folk record he ever has. It was recorded with a 1955 Ampex portable recording machine while musicians gathered around the mic as a nod to the old school. It was recorded in mono to boot. Highlights include "Thinking About You," "No One Cares About Me" and "No Better Than This."


09. Black Keys – Brothers

A great psychedelic blues rock record done by the guitar-and-drum duo Black Keys. Brothers is a chill out listen kind of record that still really rocks. Highlights include "Next Girl," "Tighten Up" and "Everlasting Light."


08. American Bang – American Bang

Strutting hard out of Nashville TN these rockers put out a classic rock record that sounds like Buckcherry and Black Crowes spawned a love child. Highlights include "Whiskey Walk," "Wild and Young" and "Hurts Like Hell."


07. Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues

Justin Townes Earle has a voice that sort of resembles his fathers slightly but other than that, if you are looking for another Steve Earle record… keep looking. Justin Townes offers a more traditionalist style country crooner rather than his father’s singer/songwriter alt-country. Harlem River Blues stands on its own and flows better than his last record. JTE is really maturing. Highlights include "Ain't Waitin'," "Rogers Park" and "Slippin' and Slidin'."


06. Against Me! – White Crosses

White Crosses is a high energy pop-rock record that has a huge sound. I refuse to call this a punk rock record but you can definitely hear the punk rock influence. I am willing to say I like ‘White Crosses’ better than ‘New Wave’… there, I said it! Highlights include "Rapid Decompression," "Spanish Moss" and "High Pressure Low."


05. Jesse Malin and the St. Marks Social – Love it to Life

Jesse Malin decided to switch from Adeline Records (Green Day) to Side One Dummy Records (Gaslight Anthem and Flogging Molly) and make a raw, loose fast record. He did that, and did it well. I still like ‘07’s ‘Glitter In The Gutter’ better but ‘Love it to Life’ is still worthy of its spot on this years list. Highlights include "Burning The Bridge," “All the Way from Moscow" and "Black Boombox."


04. Gaslight Anthem – American Slang

American Slang was a hit for me from the moment heard the opening to the title track on the radio… yes radio. Weird hey? It’s more of a Gaslight Anthem record than ‘The ’59 Sound’ was, which was more a tribute to influences and even more than ‘Sink or Swim’ which was a “Let’s throw it all against the wall and see what sticks”. The Gaslight Anthem finally seem comfortable being the Gaslight Anthem. I don’t know they will ever shake the Springsteen comparison… but it could be far worse like Fall Out Bore or some shit. Highlights include "Stay Lucky," "Boxer" and "Orphans."


03. Huron – Huron

Some days this quartet from Hamilton ON could take the number one spot. I was pleasantly surprised when I witnessed this band open for the Arkells this year. A riff rock band that sounds like you melded the Odd’s, Blue Rodeo and some really good pot. Did I mention the Gretsch, SG and Telecaster guitars blended with pedal steel and distortion... interested yet? Highlights include "Chicken Wing," "Living and Dead" and "Could Not Understand."


02. Butch Walker - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart

To me every Butch Walker record is brilliant. He never disappoints and seems to get better and better the more he ages. The man writes great songs period. ‘I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart’ has a healthy mix of songs and is quite exquisite. Highlights include “Don’t You Think Someone Should Take You Home," “Trash Day" and” She Likes Hair Bands."


01. The Biters EP’s – Self Titled & “It’s Ok to Like Biters”

This is an exception to the no EP rule for my list. Instead of putting out one full length record for their debut, the Biters have put out two stunning 5 song EP’s. The end of March the band released the first self titled EP and followed it up with another called “It’s Ok to Like Biters”. This quartet are good-time rock’n’roll revivalists that touch heavily on bubble gum pop and 70’s glam. This is my kind of music. Highlights include "Hang Around," "Melody For Lovers" and "Beat Me Baby."


I really hope Amanda Marshall and the Ripperz put out the records I expected to hear this year. Also I am really excited for Civet’s ‘Love and War’ and Social Distortion’s ‘Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes’ both due out January 18 as well as Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols upcoming release.

I'm saying my prayers at night that bands I wish to see in the new year come through such as Vancouver’s ‘Red Vienna’ and Toronto’s ‘Darlings of Chelsea’ as well as ‘Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols’.

Cheers Rockers