The Year End List
The Best of 2010!
By: Pete Crigler
Well another year has circled the drain and the world of music has gotten worse and worse. In 2010, there just wasn’t a lot of kickass music like there’s been in previous years but it not the musicians’ fault, it’s everything else, just because there haven’t been a lot of good things to listen to. But these bands have stood out by rebelling against the bullshit and doing what they best. On the personal side, 2010 has been one of the best fuckin’ years in recent memory with the runaway success of my first book “Keeping It Tight In The Old Dominion: A History of Virginia Rock Music” and work with Redefine Online. As you read this list, go and download some shit you wouldn’t listened to earlier. With 2011 comes some excellent music so take a chance DAMMIT!
Records of The Year:
1. Stone Temple Pilots-S/T
With a long-awaited new record, Stone Temple Pilots combined the best of their past with their future and turned in a great pop alternative record that has not been seen since probably 2002. While Weiland’s vocals aren’t as good as they’ve been in the past, this record is definitely their best since Purple.
2. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones-Pin Points and Gin Joints
Another reunion, but this time on the punk end. With stronger songwriting and hooks not heard since 1997, the Bosstones are back and here to show the new ‘punks’ how it should be done.
3. Deftones-Diamond Eyes
Their most focused record since White Pony although Chi’s accident weighs heavily on the whole record, but the band with temp Sergio Vega (ex-Quicksand) made an astonishing return with some of the most heartfelt lyrics of the year. They also managed to make a melancholic rock record with the patented Deftones crunch. Get well soon Chi!
4. Weezer-Hurley
After the absolute disaster of Raditude, the band realized they made a mistake and almost went back to basics with a great pop record. But the only negative aspects are the plethora of outside songwriters and the band running the risk of exposing themselves to death with the cross promotions and constant recording. Slow it down a bit next time.
5. Toadies-Feeler
Not a real studio album to be factual, but rerecorded songs from 1998. The songs still kickass but the record could’ve been a lot stronger with more of the tracks and being able to track down the original recordings. Still better than No Deliverance.
6. Ben Folds and Nick Hornby-Lonely Avenue
Quite another risk from the ultimate risk taker, but a good one because he knows how to write music for just about any opportunity. Filled with some of the quirkiest pop songs of the year.
7. The Riot Before-Rebellion
Virginia’s own with a powerful return to the studio to show these other politico-punk bands just how it should be done without any bullshit pop sprinkles. Just another great representation of the punk that this state has to offer!
8. Killing Joke-Absolute Dissent
Wasn’t expecting much from this record but holy shit have these guys done it. After 28 years, the original lineup came back and delivered an absolutely stunning record. The title track alone is enough to make other bands weep with sorrow.
9. The Damned Things-Ironiclast
One of the strangest supergroups of recent memory comprising members of Anthrax, Fall Out Boy and Every Time I Die but they pulled off a great record and something that all metal supergroups should strive for: consistency.
10. lostprophets-The Betrayed
After the disaster of the last record, they took some time off to refocus and came back with a killer record that’s still not available in America.
By: Pete Crigler
Well another year has circled the drain and the world of music has gotten worse and worse. In 2010, there just wasn’t a lot of kickass music like there’s been in previous years but it not the musicians’ fault, it’s everything else, just because there haven’t been a lot of good things to listen to. But these bands have stood out by rebelling against the bullshit and doing what they best. On the personal side, 2010 has been one of the best fuckin’ years in recent memory with the runaway success of my first book “Keeping It Tight In The Old Dominion: A History of Virginia Rock Music” and work with Redefine Online. As you read this list, go and download some shit you wouldn’t listened to earlier. With 2011 comes some excellent music so take a chance DAMMIT!
Records of The Year:
1. Stone Temple Pilots-S/TWith a long-awaited new record, Stone Temple Pilots combined the best of their past with their future and turned in a great pop alternative record that has not been seen since probably 2002. While Weiland’s vocals aren’t as good as they’ve been in the past, this record is definitely their best since Purple.
2. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones-Pin Points and Gin JointsAnother reunion, but this time on the punk end. With stronger songwriting and hooks not heard since 1997, the Bosstones are back and here to show the new ‘punks’ how it should be done.
3. Deftones-Diamond EyesTheir most focused record since White Pony although Chi’s accident weighs heavily on the whole record, but the band with temp Sergio Vega (ex-Quicksand) made an astonishing return with some of the most heartfelt lyrics of the year. They also managed to make a melancholic rock record with the patented Deftones crunch. Get well soon Chi!
4. Weezer-HurleyAfter the absolute disaster of Raditude, the band realized they made a mistake and almost went back to basics with a great pop record. But the only negative aspects are the plethora of outside songwriters and the band running the risk of exposing themselves to death with the cross promotions and constant recording. Slow it down a bit next time.
5. Toadies-FeelerNot a real studio album to be factual, but rerecorded songs from 1998. The songs still kickass but the record could’ve been a lot stronger with more of the tracks and being able to track down the original recordings. Still better than No Deliverance.
6. Ben Folds and Nick Hornby-Lonely AvenueQuite another risk from the ultimate risk taker, but a good one because he knows how to write music for just about any opportunity. Filled with some of the quirkiest pop songs of the year.
7. The Riot Before-RebellionVirginia’s own with a powerful return to the studio to show these other politico-punk bands just how it should be done without any bullshit pop sprinkles. Just another great representation of the punk that this state has to offer!
8. Killing Joke-Absolute DissentWasn’t expecting much from this record but holy shit have these guys done it. After 28 years, the original lineup came back and delivered an absolutely stunning record. The title track alone is enough to make other bands weep with sorrow.
9. The Damned Things-IroniclastOne of the strangest supergroups of recent memory comprising members of Anthrax, Fall Out Boy and Every Time I Die but they pulled off a great record and something that all metal supergroups should strive for: consistency.
10. lostprophets-The BetrayedAfter the disaster of the last record, they took some time off to refocus and came back with a killer record that’s still not available in America.
Honorable Mention:
OFF!-The First Four EP’s
Chuck Mosley and VUA-Will Rap Over Hard Rock for Food
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark-History of Modern
Barenaked Ladies-All in Good Time
Worst Records:
American Idiot Cast Recording
I don’t know what the hell they were thinking but using songs from other records including 21st Century Breakdown, which is a completely different storyline, just makes this sound shitty. Next thing housewives are going to start liking Green Day; oh wait that’s already happened. With their next record announced as a concept record, it’s time we all ask Green Day to stop for a while and sit in a corner until they’ve realized their mistake.
Ke$ha-Both records
Pop shit at its worst and for the record her name is pronounced Keesha not Kessha; pretentious asshole.
Justin Bieber-My World 2.0 and My World Acoustic
Kid, you remember J.C. Chasez and Nick Carter, right? Well guess what, when puberty hits, no one else is going to give a shit about you either!
Katy Perry-Teenage Dream
If you have to rely on bras that shoot sparks, then you don’t deserve to have a music career.
“Glee” Records
Please make it stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disappointments of the Year:
The Posies-Blood/Candy
This record slipped beneath everyone’s radar and for good reason, the songs are shit and these guys aren’t getting any younger no matter what they try.
Runner Runner-S/T
Another homegrown band, this time from the ashes of Over It, but this time, it’s just pure pop without the punk overtones and it sounds absolutely horrible with nothing memorable about it at all.
Bad Religion-30 Years Live
This download only record didn’t contain enough good songs and the scattershot performances suggest that the band should’ve released the “Live at the Palladium” DVD as their anniversary live CD instead.
Brad-Best Friends?
The fact this record was originally recorded in 2003 but unreleased until now says a lot about the quality of the project and the songs in general.
Monster Magnet-Mastermind
I was hoping for so much better from this record but I walked away completely disappointed and let down by a band I could usually rely on.
Music film of the Year:
TIE: “Who is Harry Nilsson? (And Why is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?)” and “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone”
Revelations:
OFF!
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Singles of the Year:
Cee-Lo Green-“Fuck You!” and “What Part of Forever”
The first song took the world by storm and rightfully so; the “Twilight” soundtracks actually gave us a good song with the latter and more people need to listen to that track instead of this Muse shit.
10 Years-“Shoot It Out”
One of the most powerfully addictive metal songs of the year.
The Roots & Yim Yames-“Dear God (2.0)
Yes I listen to the Roots and while their albums aren’t as strong as in the past, this song with the MMJ mastermind shows why they’re one of the most important rap groups in history.
Cake-“Sick of You”
Can you believe it’s almost been ten years since “Short Skirt/Long Jacket?” It’s been a while but welcome back guys.
Rush-“Caravan”
A teaser for their forthcoming record, it’s one of their best songs in years and the older they get, the more powerful they are.
Soundgarden-“Black Rain”
An outtake from 1992 but almost as powerful as anything new that was released this year! Best reunion of the year.
Social Distortion-“Machine Gun Blues”
One of the catchiest SD songs in over a decade and a good kick in the ass to the punk bands out now.
Most Anticipated for 2011:
Red Hot Chili Peppers-Come on guys, we can’t keep waiting; give us something good ASAP.
Tool-Ditto!
Foo Fighters-From what I’ve heard, this is going to be the heaviest FF record ever and it better be worth the damn wait.
Primus-Hopefully we’ll get something along the lines of Pork Soda and not Tales from the Punchbowl.
Coldplay-Reuniting with Brian Eno might not be a good thing after listening to X&Y but if the single “Christmas Lights” is a sign, then it should be at least decent.
Lamb of God-I don’t know how these guys could get any heavier but we’ll see if it’s possible.
Killswitch Engage-After all the drama of the past year, it’s time to refocus and get back to what made them great.
Blink 182-It’s going to be interesting to see how they do as age creeps up on them.
OFF!-The First Four EP’s
Chuck Mosley and VUA-Will Rap Over Hard Rock for Food
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark-History of Modern
Barenaked Ladies-All in Good Time
Worst Records:
American Idiot Cast Recording
I don’t know what the hell they were thinking but using songs from other records including 21st Century Breakdown, which is a completely different storyline, just makes this sound shitty. Next thing housewives are going to start liking Green Day; oh wait that’s already happened. With their next record announced as a concept record, it’s time we all ask Green Day to stop for a while and sit in a corner until they’ve realized their mistake.
Ke$ha-Both records
Pop shit at its worst and for the record her name is pronounced Keesha not Kessha; pretentious asshole.
Justin Bieber-My World 2.0 and My World Acoustic
Kid, you remember J.C. Chasez and Nick Carter, right? Well guess what, when puberty hits, no one else is going to give a shit about you either!
Katy Perry-Teenage Dream
If you have to rely on bras that shoot sparks, then you don’t deserve to have a music career.
“Glee” Records
Please make it stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disappointments of the Year:
The Posies-Blood/Candy
This record slipped beneath everyone’s radar and for good reason, the songs are shit and these guys aren’t getting any younger no matter what they try.
Runner Runner-S/T
Another homegrown band, this time from the ashes of Over It, but this time, it’s just pure pop without the punk overtones and it sounds absolutely horrible with nothing memorable about it at all.
Bad Religion-30 Years Live
This download only record didn’t contain enough good songs and the scattershot performances suggest that the band should’ve released the “Live at the Palladium” DVD as their anniversary live CD instead.
Brad-Best Friends?
The fact this record was originally recorded in 2003 but unreleased until now says a lot about the quality of the project and the songs in general.
Monster Magnet-Mastermind
I was hoping for so much better from this record but I walked away completely disappointed and let down by a band I could usually rely on.
Music film of the Year:
TIE: “Who is Harry Nilsson? (And Why is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?)” and “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone”
Revelations:
OFF!
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Singles of the Year:
Cee-Lo Green-“Fuck You!” and “What Part of Forever”
The first song took the world by storm and rightfully so; the “Twilight” soundtracks actually gave us a good song with the latter and more people need to listen to that track instead of this Muse shit.
10 Years-“Shoot It Out”
One of the most powerfully addictive metal songs of the year.
The Roots & Yim Yames-“Dear God (2.0)
Yes I listen to the Roots and while their albums aren’t as strong as in the past, this song with the MMJ mastermind shows why they’re one of the most important rap groups in history.
Cake-“Sick of You”
Can you believe it’s almost been ten years since “Short Skirt/Long Jacket?” It’s been a while but welcome back guys.
Rush-“Caravan”
A teaser for their forthcoming record, it’s one of their best songs in years and the older they get, the more powerful they are.
Soundgarden-“Black Rain”
An outtake from 1992 but almost as powerful as anything new that was released this year! Best reunion of the year.
Social Distortion-“Machine Gun Blues”
One of the catchiest SD songs in over a decade and a good kick in the ass to the punk bands out now.
Most Anticipated for 2011:
Red Hot Chili Peppers-Come on guys, we can’t keep waiting; give us something good ASAP.
Tool-Ditto!
Foo Fighters-From what I’ve heard, this is going to be the heaviest FF record ever and it better be worth the damn wait.
Primus-Hopefully we’ll get something along the lines of Pork Soda and not Tales from the Punchbowl.
Coldplay-Reuniting with Brian Eno might not be a good thing after listening to X&Y but if the single “Christmas Lights” is a sign, then it should be at least decent.
Lamb of God-I don’t know how these guys could get any heavier but we’ll see if it’s possible.
Killswitch Engage-After all the drama of the past year, it’s time to refocus and get back to what made them great.
Blink 182-It’s going to be interesting to see how they do as age creeps up on them.
Good recommendations. gonna check some of 'em out. Especially the political stuff from Riot and Killing Joke.
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