(Thanks to @drunken_hopfrog and @sagestella for inspiring me to write this piece and for originally publishing the same on Pop Bunker (http://www.popbunker.net/2011/01/music-darksidelawyer-presents-counterpoint-top-songs-2010/). I am reposting here with the actual songs.)
“Crystalised” by Xx. This has to be the most laid back, chill groove of 2010. If I could, I would medley the first three songs of the album (“Intro” and “VCR” are great lead-ins to “Crystalised”). But I am already bending the rules a bit here (this was released in the UK in 2009, but the US release was 2010). The interplay of the male and female vocals--first taking turns and then overlapping--is quite ethereal. Also, you have to love that the backing music does not start in earnest until about 1:20 into the song. And when in the proper...mindset...the haunting noises lurking in the background become much more intense.
“Rhinestone Eyes” by Gorillaz. Okay, not everyone (especially those who self-identify as “rock” fans) dig Gorillaz. I get that. But I do, and this was a great summer/fall jam for 2010. The synth beats start in from the get go, and they ultimately layer and build to drive the song as effectively as lead, rhythm and bass guitars.
“Half Light II (No Celebration)” by The Arcade Fire. I believe the critics would have gone with “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” or “Ready to Start”, and both are excellent songs. I could drone on for hours about the brilliance of this concept album, but we are talking songs here. Having seen the past two financial collapses from afar and how vastly the game was changed for many folks as a result, this song resonates for me. And at times I, too, feel that concrete is encroaching on everything, so I make a point to to get out in the world so “I won’t live to see the death of everything that’s wild.”
"River of Blood” by The Black Angels. The Black Angels are the best band you are not listening to right now. Period. If you have not done so, go buy “Phosphene Dream” now. Get “Passover” as well. I have not heard a psychedelic-tending rock band this good since the Dandy Warhols in 1997. The fullness of their sound amazes me every time I listen to this song. On top of that, the droning lulls quickly snapped by thrashing guitars will make your skin prickle.
“Alice Mayhew Jackson” by Michael Perry and the Long Beds. I’ll leave it to you to do some research on this down-homey author/farmer/singer-songwriter (maybe check Sneezing Cow). However, this is a charming, heartwarming tale of perseverance and persistence, possibly with a touch of gun play. All I know is that I have to keep telling myself that this is folk music as I do not care for “country.” Or “western.”
“Little Lion Man” by Mumford & Sons. I had no qualms with Stella’s list other than omitting this song. Probably the best song on one of the two or three best albums of the year. The tale is universal (by today’s angst-riddled standards). The sound is unlike anything else out there right now. And this song starts upbeat and grows to a frenzy before completely dropping off a cliff with the a capella of the final stanza.
“Yeah Yeah Yeah” by New Politics. Now, this is more of my usual fare. Hard, driving guitars. Cynical lyrics. F-bombs. You might get the impression that these guys are trying to incite a riot. Whether the riot is limited to a relationship or can be applied to larger concepts is more a determination for the individual listener.
“Drunk Girls” by LCD Soundsystem. The quintessential, nonsensical, bounce-in-your-carseat-as-you-sing summer standard. Even if you don’t learn the words, you can hit all the “drunk girls” lines. It is the “Mony, Mony” of 2010. And it is a damn fine tune to boot.
“Felicia” by The Constellations. This song is just plain dirty. Even the title is dirty when you think about it for a minute. A perfect way to kick off Summer 2010. Nitty, gritty, southern rock with a tinge of the psychedelic, driven by bass guitar and synth. One you can listen to about once every hour from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
“Kill Me Carolyne” by The Whigs. We’ve all been there. In so deep that we think only another hand can provide the swift end that is necessitated by our own (perceived) lack of worth. Normally, it’s done in Morrissey-style whiny emo blech, but The Whigs find a way to drive the point home in a guitar-driven rock song.
“Out Of The Blue (Live From Electric Lady Studios For WRXP, New York)” by Julian Casablancas. Technically compliant with the rules as this live EP was released in 2010 (even though the album whence it came was 2009). I actually prefer this stripped down live version to the slicker album vision. And I think anyone--fan of The Strokes or not--can be hypnotized by Casablancas’ voice. And how about the guitar harmonies at about 2:20 in?!?!?!? Y’all better recognize.
Honorable mention: “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” by The Arcade Fire.
“How You Like Me Now” by The Heavy.