My favorite albums of 2010, in no particular order:
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Go, by Jónsi: From a member of the Icelandic band Sigur Rós comes the most joyful set of songs I’ve heard in a long while. Listening to it will boost your spirits, no matter what.
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Destroyer of the Void, by Blitzen Trapper: Folk-rock rarely has sounded so good. And how could you not love a band named after one of Santa’s reindeer and a Mead pocket folder?
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Mojo, by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: The best album Petty has put out in 20 years. Favorite songs: “First Flash of Freedom” and “Good Enough.” (I previously raved about it here.)
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Come Home to Me, by The Famous: The guys in this San Francisco band should be what their name says they are. Alas, they remain one of rock’s best-kept secrets. (Also, they sent me a free t-shirt because of this.)
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Americano, by The Krayolas: They sound like the Tex-Mex Beatles. I like a couple of their earlier albums a little more, but this one has gems such as “Exit/Salida” and “Fruteria.” After a listen, I find myself humming them for days.
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Sigh No More, by Mumford & Sons: Banjos and bass drums. NROnik Shannen Coffin recommended this one a few weeks ago and I can’t stop listening.