#1. JOE PUG, Messenger (Lightning Rod)
Pug may only be in his mid 20’s, but his songs reflect a timeless musical wisdom. A folk troubadour in the truest sense, he is equally skilled tackling social and political topics as he is at exploring the politics of romance. A powerful new musical voice has emerged. (Twangville reviews here and here.)
#2. STONEHONEY, The Cedar Creek Sessions (Music Road)
Freewheelin’ and fun is the best way to describe Stonehoney’s long awaited debut full-length release. Who knew songs of heartbreak could be so enjoyable? (Twangville review here.)
#3. ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, Street Songs of Love (Fantasy)
It would be easy to suggest that Escovedo is aging gracefully if this wasn’t a knock-out rock and roll record that would shame an artist half his age. He just gets better and better. (Twangville review here and live reviews here and here.)
#4. JUSTIN CURRIE, The Great War (Rykodisc)
Is it mature pop for intelligent people or intelligent pop for mature people. Doesn’t matter, it’s just good. Either way, it is just damn good. (Twangville review here and interview here.)
#5. PETER WOLF, Midnight Souvenirs (Verve)
The story goes that Shelby Lynne insisted on recording “Tragedy,” her impressive duet with Wolf, live with him in the studio. She clearly recognized what this album fully demonstrates – Wolf is a master performer who moves gracefully from classic country to rousing R&B. (Twangville review here.)
#6. DOC DAILEY & MAGNOLIA DEVIL, Victims, Enemies & Old Friends (self-released)
A distinctive Southern voice, both musically and lyrically, this Muscle Shouls band was easily my biggest surprise find this year. (Twangville review here.)
#7. BETTYE LAVETTE, Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook (Anti)
This album could have made the list with only a single track: LaVette’s staggering cover of the Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me.” The fact that LaVette takes on 12 additional tracks and nails them all simply makes this one for the ages. (Twangville review here.)
#8. THE HOLD STEADY, Heaven Is Whenever (Vagrant)
While I don’t consider this my favorite Hold Steady release, it is a testament to the band’s tremendous talents that they still easily find their place on my tops of 2010 list. (Twangville review here.)
#9. ELI “PAPERBOY” REED & THE TRUE LOVES, Come and Get It (Capitol)
It’d be easy to talk about a return to the heyday of Stax and Motown, but simply put, Reed and company are an R&B tour de force. (Twangville review here.)
#10. AGAINST ME!, White Crosses (Sire)
Angst-filled punk and rock anthems filled with intelligent lyrics and sparkling harmonies. What’s not to like? (Twangville review here.)
And the Honorable Mention (“This List Goes to 11”) Award goes to…
MATTHEW RYAN, Dear Lover (The Acoustic Version) (Dear Future Collective)
I had a long debate with myself as to whether this should be “eligible” for the list given that nearly all of the songs were released in full band arrangements last year. These acoustic versions, however, are simply too exquisite to ignore. (Twangville review here and a review of the original full band version here.)
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.