Favourite Albums of 2010

Admittedly, many of these albums are ones that I only discovered in the final months (and some only in the final days!) of 2010 but nonetheless, they have been on constant rotation at work, home, at the gym and in my car.

I hope you'll check out some of these amazing artists.

Black Keys- Brothers  I have loved this Ohio duo since 2003 and each album that they release is brilliant. To me, the Black Keys are like a great pair of jeans. Each time you put them on you're comfortable, pleasantly surprised they still fit and never go out of style. Dan Auerbach has also released a solo album.

The Tallest Man on Earth- The Wild Hunt  Indisputably awesome. The Bob Dylan comparisons abound, but they're spot on people. Spot on.

Angus & Julia Stone- Down the Way  Australian brother and sister duo, this is one of the albums that I only just discovered in the days leading up to 2011. It has been the perfect mood music for the dark days of January while staying home with a glass of red.

The Head and the Heart- Self Titled  Seattle-based band that I can't get enough of! Their sound is very similar to Dan Mangan (next on the list) and I had two of my friends ask me when its been playing if it was Dan! Brilliant.

Dan Mangan- Nice, Nice, Very Nice  A friend lent this album to a friend who lent it to me and I'm so grateful to her! I literally was given the album two weeks before his concert in my hometown went on sale (for only $20) and so we snatched up a handful and in November we were not disappointed. Dan's live show was poignant and raw- exactly what I wanted. I was glad to see him just as he was making it big-time. His brother was still his merch seller and the opening band was made up of fellows from his own back-up band (they're called The Crackling and you should check them out too).

Bahamas- Pink Strat  Super, super slow. Sometimes a person needs that.

Gin Wigmore- Holy Smoke   This New Zealand gal broke onto the scene with fellow NZ musicians Smashproof in their hit song 'Brother' and when I lived on the South Island for a short time this is all I heard. Holy Smoke is her follow up to her 2008 EP Extended Play. Spin it- you won't be disappointed with her raspy vocal style and insightful song-writing.

The Dead Weather- Sea of Cowards  I loved (and I mean really loved!) their 2008 album, Horehound. This time around Jack White takes on more lead vocals alongside Kills singer Alison Mosshart. If you want  serious locked-in rock-dude shit, look no further.