Top Ten Songs of 2010

Since it’s top 10 list season, I figure I might as well list off my top 10 songs of the year.

Now, these aren’t necessary the top 10 critically best songs of 2010 (though I would say that the majority would be on any music critic’s top 20 list, unless that critic specialised in say, jazz or hip-hop). Instead, they are 10 songs that I happen to really love, respect and think deserve some praise.

So here they are in no particular order…

A true most-own

Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

The Suburbs was, without a question, my favourite album of the year as well as one of 2010’s best albums overall. Picking one song off it was hard but in the end I went with this one because how can you not love a song with this line: “They heard me singing and they told me to stop, Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock".

Japandroids – Younger Us

You know how every now and then you hear a song and it just fits you so perfectly you think its lyrics could have been pulled from your mind? Yeah, this is one of those songs for me. Plus it’s stupidly catchy.

Titus Andronicus – A More Perfect Union

This song is the result of the above two songs having a baby and the baby being raised in New Jersey.

Broken Social Scene – World Sick
Sometimes you just want to listen to some grandiose and indie-pop music doesn’t get much more grandiose then this track.

Buy it!

Robyn – Dancing On My Own
Everyone loves this song and with good reason. It’s the perfect blend of pop and dance and very, very fun. Plus I love the lyrics. Maybe the next time people see me dancing by myself, they’ll think I’m stalking an ex-lover and not just someone who couldn’t find a friend to bring to the show.

Sleigh Bells - Tell 'Em
Many top 10/20/50 lists are including Sleigh Bells’ “Rill, Rill” track on them instead of this one. I have no idea why. This song is way more fun and much, much louder. Plus I have a sentimental attachment to it since it was our “grand entrance” song at my wedding.

Crystal Castles needs your
money. Have you seen how they
dress?

Crystal Castles - Not In Love (ft. Robert Smith)

This is one of those songs that, a mere five seconds in, I knew I was going to love. Yeah, I know it’s a Crystal Castles but I don’t care because it’s also one of the year’s best songs. I have no doubt that five years from now, I’ll still be loving it.

Diamond Rings – Show Me Your Stuff
I almost gave this slot to an LCD Soundsystem track but then I decided to give it to a very talented, local up-and-comer who I have no doubt will be appearing on future versions of this list.

The Limousines - Internet Killed The Video Star
You know how earlier I said that most of these songs would be on any music critic’s top 10 list? Well, this isn’t one of those tracks. But I don’t care. This song is the sonic version of I don’t know, Fun Dip, though the lyrics actually are pretty clever. Plus the video has zombies!

Really? You don't own this yet?

The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio

The National put out some great music this year but ultimately, when I think about everything they released in 2010, it’s this track that pops into my head. While definitely not a traditionally “catchy” song, it’s one that gets in your head and stays there (and that’s a good thing).