Top Albums of 2010

1. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
What else can I say except that this band is on the mountain top and I don’t see them coming down for a long time. No other rock band comes close to the energy, passion, and joy of Arcade Fire. I’ve had the privilege to see this band live in 2007 and 2010, and every time I’ve left with chills. It’s hard to explain if you haven’t experienced them in the here and now. They are products of this modern age. The Suburbs wonderfully captures the plight of young people as they are called to explore the world even if it challenges the core of their existence.


2. The Black Keys – Brothers
I have to be honest, I slept on this CD and band for awhile. It was only until a few weeks ago was I totally blown away by the Black Keys. These guys are raw and they have an edge that I haven't seen in a band for a few years (e.g. Kings of Leon). Even Hollywood has The Black Keys fever because it seems that every other commercial has a Black Key's jam playing in the background. 2010 was without question the year of The Black Keys.

3. Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History
It might be easy to peg this band from Ireland as another Vampire Weekend or Phoenix. However, they are so much more. These energetic indie rockers bring an incredible amount of enthusiasm and their CD Tourist History is catchy from start to finish. It does not let up. During the past year, I felt that there weren't as many musical discoveries unlike in 2009. This group gets award for best discovery of 2010.


4. Mark Ronson & The Business International – Record Collection
I've known of Mark Ronson for a few years and when I caught wind of his new solo project I knew that the results would be positive. A wild blend of electronica, hip-hop, and indie pop, this record was a home run. A collaborative effort, Mark Ronson brings Q-Tip, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow), Boy George, & MNDR to produce an album that is a tour-de-force.


5. Bombay Bicycle Club – I Had The Blues But Shook Them Loose
This album gets the prestigious honor for most times listened to while at work. Time and time again, I heard this album often at a high volume level. It always put me in a good mood, thus fulfilling the name of the album title.


6. Band of Horses – Infinite Arms
This year, it seems as if there were dozens of indie pop folk bands that broke through into the mainstream. Band of Horses have consistently been churning out fantastic harmonies and southern rock rhythms for the better half of the last decade. With the release of Infinite Arms, Band Of Horses have arrived and with a Grammy nomination, it is a sign that this Seattle act is finally getting the recognition they deserve.


7. Broken Bells – Broken Bells
A CD that released last winter, the Broken Bells is still high on my most memorable records of the year. Solid throughout, this self-titled release remains on heavy rotation on my iphone and itunes. This album made the Gorillaz CD very forgettable.



8. Vampire Weekend – Contra
Any record released in January and that is remembered in the month of December is a success. In the span of a year, Vampire Weekend has catapulted to the top of indie rock stardom. Now, one can't turn on the tv (thanks Honda) without hearing "Holiday" on the airwaves. I still recall posting on my twitter in January that Contra was one of the best albums of the year. 11 months later, I still believe that.


9. Yeasayer – Odd Blood

I know these guys draw instant comparisons to MGMT & Passion Pit but Yeasayer reaffirms why I am a fan of the indie experimental electronic genre. Although I did not post their video for Madder Red that features Kristen Bell, I felt it deserved an honorable mention for the weirdest video of 2010. YouTube it.

10. Keane – Night Train (EP)
I was extremely disappointed with Keane’s last full length album, Perfect Symmetry and I approached Night Train with great trepidation. I had no idea what to expect. Usually, EP’s are a band’s excuse to release a few forgetful B-Sides and to show off their creative muscle. In Night Train, the group added more guitars and a touring bass player. Although losing a little of their charm as a three piece group, their stage presence is superior today than in previous years. I feel that Keane has finally found a sound they are comfortable with. Night Train restored my faith in this band and I hope 2011 brings renewed vigor and material from these lads.

Adios 2009!

I don't like odd numbers. I prefer even ones. 2009 was very uneven.

Its New Year's Eve 2010 and I've waited until the waning moments of 2009 to put a bow on the year that would never end. Without question, 2009 was the most difficult year of my entire life. Just about anything that could have happened did. From my truck breaking down on the 55 freeway at 12:30 am, financial struggles at home, disappointment, heartache, a quarter life crisis, and even my dad falling ill the day after Thanksgiving (although, now he's healthy) the year was not boring by any stretch of the imagination.

The hits kept on coming and every month there was something new to overcome. I made my share of mistakes to be sure and I can honestly say that I have learned from them. With 100% humility, I can proclaim that I am different person than what I was exactly one year ago today. I am closer to my family and I have cast aside people who were poison to my soul and heart. 2009 never got off onto the right foot from day one. I remember this time last year like it was yesterday. I was confused, conflicted, and was not listening to God's voice clearly. I was not in a good place.

There were some high points and I would have to say that my trip to Belize was the highlight of the year. My first trip outside of the country, Belize allowed me to regather myself and to put my focus onto others instead of myself. We spent 10 days serving, forming lifelong bonds, and fellow shipping with some of the best people that I've ever met. I miss them all. That trip and the friends that I left behind will always have a special place in my heart and one day I hope to return to visit them again.

Another highlight of 2009, was my reconnection with my sister. Over the years for whatever reason, we grew distant but that is no more. She has been a tremendous blessing to me and has helped me deal with a lot.

2009 was no slouch with regards to concerts. I was finally able to see Doves in Anaheim and LA on consecutive nights. They are my favorite band and the reason why I love indie music. Other notable shows included Miike Snow, Mayer Hawthorne, JET, Switchfoot, and Jack Penate. I know I'm forgetting other bands that I've seen this year because the list is too long! This was also the year where I fell in love with House music. Thanks R.A.! It was a good year for music. Don't be surprised if you hear more of Mayer Hawthorne & Jack Penate in 2010. Look out!

The Angels...no comment. It was a great season and I am proud for all they accomplished and overcame but the season was still a failure. As it stands, 2010 looks like it will be a rough year.

In short, I grew up a lot in 2009. It wasn't easy and I don't expect that 2010 will be a bed of roses. By God's grace, I do feel that I've turned the corner and I have no intention of looking back. I hope everyone who reads this will have an unbelievable 2010!

Peace.