I only discovered non-classical music in November 2010, so this list represents the music I've found since then which means the most to me. I'm amazed how much I love, but the albums on this list (which weren't necessarily released in 2010) have very special qualities.
1)
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros: Up from Below
This is where it all started for me on a train from the Arctic. A very dear friend introduced me to Edward Sharpe and changed my life. It's all about love, joy, and happiness and never fails to work its magic on me. My favourite track is Home, followed by Janglin, 40 Day Dream, Up from Below and Om Nashi Me. The recent iTunes session is more relaxed in free in style than the album, and is essential listening too.
2)
Radiohead: The Bends
The weekend when I started to understand Radiohead was a revelation on a par with that initial discovery of Edward Sharpe. Their music is simply on a different, more profound, sensitive, and cathartic emotional plane to everyone else's. The pain in Thom Yorke's voice can be heartbreaking, and he can take you to new places. I could have filled up the rest of this list with Radiohead albums, but the Bends and OK Computer were the breakthrough ones for me. I'm still getting to grips with others- Kid A's amazing originality for example- but like great classical music, new depths are revealed on each listen, and it's difficult to imagine ever exhausting its imaginative possibilities.
3)
Imogen Heap: Ellipse
Imogen Heap is a simply astonishing talent, and Speak for Yourself is as compelling to me as the more recent Ellipse. I find her music a very intense, moving experience and I get completely drawn into her amazing sound world. I remarked on Twitter that if Beethoven was alive today he'd be using techniques like this.
4)
Broken Bells
Definitely my favourite album released in 2010, I find it difficult to understand why this hasn't received more attention. It's musically interesting, melodic, and grows on me with each hearing. Whilst it's undeniably well crafted it has an indefinable special quality which makes me satisfied and happy.
5)
Terra Naomi: You for Me
Terra Naomi speaks extremely directly to me. She has a voice to die for (the benefits of her classical training are evident) but also a gift for melody. Some of her songs have an almost hymn like quality, or in the case of the extraordinarily moving Suffer for Her Sins I detect a Klezmer influence and she is one of handful of artists on this list who have made me cry. I would have liked to have chosen her album Virtually, but since this is unavailable, I've gone for the You for Me EP available on iTunes.
6)
Fleet Foxes
This is heart-warming, folk and nature inspired music which is mellow and timeless. A review in the UK Times said that 'Pecknold has perfected the art of writing songs that appear not so much written as retrieved from your own subconsciousness'. I've chosen the album but the Sun Giant EP is essential too. I already have happy memories of driving through sun covered countryside which the Fleet Foxes as an exquisite accompaniment.
7)
Mumford and Sons: Sigh No More
This is infectiously foot tapping music, again folk inspired, but passionate as well. They work up to some stirring climaxes with dramatic contrasts and harmony. Pure pleasure and delight.
8)
Portugal. The Man: The Satanic Satanist
Despite the album title, this music is just so joyous, and a relatively recent discovery thanks to a tip off from a generous friend with an extraordinary musical instinct. I fell in love with it before I knew that the band had connections with Alaska, but I think I can hear the influence of the unspoilt landscapes there. The melodies are catchy, People Say being a stand-out, but the album passes all too quickly and it's tempting just to hit repeat and soak up the positive energy once more.
9)
Fanfarlo: Reservoir
This clearly has some similarities with Arcade Fire, with rich instrumentation, poignant melodies which is polished but engages me emotionally. Uplifting and has staying power.
10)
Two Door Cinema Club: Tourist History
I could easily have chosen Steel Train or one of the others on the list below for tenth place, but this is tuneful, positive, and deserve success and greater recognition. It may not be hugely original- they are hardly a new Radiohead- but I see them as representative of benefits or exploration of some lesser know corners of music to come in future. I have no interest (or even in some cases knowledge) of popularity, I'm simply interested in musicality.
The last two choices were difficult, as I had to overlook these albums, which have given me much pleasure:
- Arcade Fire: Neon Bible (or Suburbs): Deservedly popular, extremely well-crafted.
- Band of Horses: Infinite Arms
- Beach House: Teen Dream
- British Sea Power: The Decline of British Sea Power: Original, odd, unusual, nostalgic and thought provoking.
- Elvis Perkins: In Dearland Evocative and one of my favourites.
- Florence + Machine: Lungs: Dynamic, inspiring music, this has given me much joy and I love Florence Welch's voice.
- Fiction Plane: The Sparks
- Gaslight Anthem: American Slang
- Laura Marling: I Speak Because I Can
- Local Natives: Gorilla Manor- this could easily have been in the top ten.
- The Low Anthem: Oh My God Charlie Darwin
- Monsters Of Folk
- The National: High Violet. Some critics' album of 2010.
- Noah and the Whale: The First Days of Spring. Very moving and emotionally painful- a journey.
- Razorlight: One of the first albums to attract my attention, and when I'm in a certain mood Razorlight's self titled album gives me energy. I love 'America'. and Los Angeles Waltz.
- Steel Train- engaging and enjoyable.
- Vampire Weekend: Contra. This hasn't worn as well as some other music- at first I was enthralled, but I've tired of it somewhat. Perhaps I was influenced by that album cover.
- Villagers: Becoming a Jackal- tuneful, melodic, uplifting.
