Best Music of 2010: My Favorite 15

I'm definitely not an expert on the subject, but I do LOVE music.  Every year, I make a list of the albums that I really enjoyed, and this year, I'm sharing with you. 

My favorite albums of 2010 (in no particular order):

1.  Yeasayer - Odd Blood .  I have to admit, it took me a little while to get into this album.  I had it for several months before I really listened to it, but once I did, I couldn't get enough.  I love putting this on when I'm working out or riding my bike.  Madder Red, I Remember, Love Me Girl, and O.N.E. are my favorites.
2. Matt and Kim - Sidewalks .  I saw Matt and Kim perform at the ACL Music Festival this year, and they were so much fun!  For only 2 people, they put out a great sound, with lots of energy.  I was looking forward to the release of Sidewalks, and I might even love it more than Grand.  Block After Block and Cameras are my favorites.
3. Broken Bells - Broken Bells.  In this album, Danger Mouse teams up with the vocalist for the Shins.  I knew that I would love this album before I heard it.  I only wish I could have caught their free show during SXSW, where they played in a parking garage...I heard the acoustics made for one sweet show.  It's really tough to pick favorite tracks on this album, because it's all really great, but I'd say Vaporize might top my list.
4. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast.  I really love this album, and can't wait to see what SB comes up with next.  I was really bummed that I wasn't able to attend any of the many shows they played during SXSW, but will be looking for opportunities to catch them live in the future.  Anchorage is definitely my favorite track on the album, but there are others like Floating Vibes and Swim that are super, as well.
5. glasser - Ring.  I've only had this album for a couple weeks, but I'm in love with it!  The sound is so creative and new.  I love Apply - it's a song that will stick in your head for hours...interesting sounds with the vocals in this one.
6. Phantogram - Eyelid Movies.  This is an album that I bought on a whim when it was Amazon listed it for $1.99 in a daily deal.  I'm so glad I purchased this one!  Every time I play a song from it, people ask "who's that?"  Favorite songs from this album: Mouthful of Diamonds, Bloody Palms, Futuristic Casket, and When I'm Small.
7. Sleigh Bells - Treats.  The first time I heard this, it really got on my nerves.  It was just so loud and in your face.  But then I listened again during a workout, and it really helped to get me going.  Since then, it's included in most of my playlists.  I've really grown to love this album.  I don't think it's something that I'll go back to year after year...but it's really great right now.  Plus, I love the album art.

8. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs.  Another brilliant album from one of my favorite bands.  I listened to this on repeat while driving through the desert in a rented convertible on my way to Albuquerque.  Every time I hear it, I think of watching the sunset over the mountains.  Favorite tracks: Rococo, City With No Children, Suburban War. 
9. Beach House - Teen Dream.  LOVE. THIS. ALBUM.  Listened to it so much over the summer while lounging by the pool.  They put on a great show at ACL Festival, too...it was one of my favorite performances this year.  It's hard to pick favorites because I really enjoy every song, but here are a few that stand out: Lover of Mine, Norway, Real Love.
10. The Morning Benders - Big Echo.  This is another album that I listened to so much this year.  Excuses is one of my favorites, as well as Promises and All Day Light.
11. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor.  This is one of those bands that I thought went from good to great after seeing them play live.  I saw them at ACL Festival, and they put on a really great show.  I love the cover art for this album, as well.  Wide Eyes is definitely one of my favorite tracks this year, along with Sun Hands, Shape Shifter, Warning Sign, Who Knows Who Cares...oh hell, the whole f*ing thing is great...if you don't have it, go now.
12. Azure Ray - Drawing Down the Moon.  It's been awhile since their self titled album, and I have to say I am so happy they are back.  Simply put, Azure Ray is beautiful music that evokes so much emotion.  Don't Leave My Mind is one of my favorite songs of the year.
13. M.I.A. - Maya [Explicit].  M.I.A. is a badass, and this album will melt your face off.  It's such a unique and interesting album, and might take a couple of listens to really appreciate.  Xxxo, It Takes a Muscle, and Born Free are among my favorites on this album.
14. Rogue Wave - Permalight. I got to see these guys perform a free show at Mellow Johnny's during SXSW last year.  It was a great show, with lots of free swag. :)  This album was on heavy rotation in my workout playlist this year.  Here's a photo I took at the show --->
15. Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager [Explicit].  This is another album that I've only had for a few weeks, but I'm addicted!  Forget about the new Kanye West album...get this one instead!  I especially love the song Maniac, where he samples from St. Vincent's song The Strangers.  Which...makes me remember the great show that St. Vincent put on at Mohawk.  We were right up front:

I also listened to the following albums a lot this year, even though they were released prior to 2010: Bat For Lashes: Two Suns [+digital booklet], Miike Snow Miike Snow, Cut Copy In Ghost Colours, and Foals Antidotes.  So, that's the year in music.  I'm looking forward to what 2011 brings.