I gotta say, I’m really impressed with the videos that I found to accompany my Best of 2010 playlist. Things kick off with a Peter Wolf and Shelby Lynne rehearsing their duet on “Tragedy” from Wolf’s incredible release. The performance is so powerful it defies description.
Next up is Joe Pug demonstrating his captivating showmanship performing “Speak Plainly Diana” at a house concert. Stonehoney follow with their own harmony-powered performance of “Two Years Down,” recorded live at Somerville’s Q Division Studios.
Justin Currie picks up the baton with an acoustic BBC performance “As Long As You Don’t Come Back,” one of my favorite songs of the past year. The newly discovered Doc Dailey shines on a solo acoustic performance of “Let Me Down” before we’re treated to Alejandro Escovedo storms Austin’s Continental Club with his brilliant “Down in the Bowery.”
Bettye LaVette’s Kennedy Center Honors showcase of the Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” is absolutely mind-blowing. If you don’t believe me, just look at Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey’s expressions towards the end of the song.
We hit stride with three solid live performances from Eli “Paperboy” Reed & the True Loves, the Hold Steady and Against Me! They are followed by Matthew Ryan’s striking “Your Museum.”
We close with the best show that I missed this year. When Alejandro Escovedo passed through Asbury Park’s Stone Pony in July, Bruce Springsteen showed up for a mind-blowing take on the Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden.” Two master showmen clearly enjoying themselves as much as an ecstatic crowd.
Click on the small rectangle to the right of the play button to see the full roster of videos.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.