The Best CDs of 2010

Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté
Two world music giants collaborating on a stellar set of tunes.

Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave
Need I say more.

Robert Plant - Band of Joy
Former Zepp frontman avoiding a tour with his old bandmates and doing a great job of it.

Blue Giant - Blue Giant
Portland Country-Pop-Rockers gracing us with a solid effort.

Bob Dylan - The Bootleg Series, Vol. 9: The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964
Early recordings from the man who changed popular music

The Black Crowes - Croweology
The Brothers Robinson with a two disc live, acoustic performance

School of Seven Bells - Disconnect From Desire
Reminiscent of Early B-52s with a bit of thechno influence

Angus & Julia Stone - Down the Way
Aussie Folk-Rockers

The Budos Band - The Budos Band III
Brooklyn World-Jazz combo reinventing the Fela Kuti sound.

Turtle Island Quartet - Have You Ever Been...?
Hendrix channeled through a chamber music ensemble.

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
Think CSN&Y, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers combined in a CD. I love this band.

Francis & the Lights - It'll Be Better
Soulful R&B. One of my faves from 2010.

Bedouin Soundclash - Light the Horizon
Canadian trio with their 4th CD of tasty Reggae.

Peter Wolf - Midnight Souvenirs
Amazing disc from one of the most underrated performers of our time. BUY THIS CD NOW!

The New Pornographers – Together
Neko Case back with her old band making great tunes.

John Legend & the Roots - Wake Up!
Classic R&B tracks with a more contemporary sound.

Women + Country - Jakob Dylan
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Galactic - Ya-Ka-May
Soul/R&B/Hip-Hop/Funk/Rap and whatever else they can fit into the songs.

The Moondoggies – Tidelands
Seattle’s answer to The Band with their second release.

Chuck Berry - Have Mercy: His Complete Chess Recordings (1969-1974)
Truly shows Chuck’s range. It extends beyond Johnny B. Goode.

Patty Griffin - Downtown Church
Soulful singer/songwriter has hit her stride with this set of Country-Rock and Gospel.

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
Rock and Roll for the new millennium.

more to follow...