'Tis the Season... for Top Ten Lists, featuring the Top 10 Ads of 2010

It's that time of the year again, when we all get together with our loved ones to share the spirit of the season and reflect on the year that was, and then make a top ten list about it. As you can see from my previous post, I'm already sharing the joy of top ten lists. Campaign Magazine is getting into the spirit with their Top 10 TV and Cinema Ads list. Not spoiling the surprise, as it was a given, I have to mention that the Nike - Write the Future commercial for the World Cup slots in at #2. Surprised they didn't take gold. You'll just have to check out the link to see who did. While you contemplate whether you will or won't, watch Nike's silver medal entry again in glorious HD.

The Top 10 Albums of 2010, Says Me

Damn, it's been a good year for music. Loads of new bands with unique sounds and some great new albums from old favourites. While I could easily have made a top twenty or thirty list, 10 is just such a nice round number. (And I don't really have time to make a top 30 list.) So here are my ten favourite albums from the past 12 months, along with a stand-out track from each. Agree or disagree? Let me know.

10. Glasser - Ring
Featured track: Home



9. Twin Sister - Colour Your Life
Featured track: Phenomenons



8. Here We Go Magic - Pigeons
Featured track: Casual



7. Toro Y Moi - Causers of This
Featured track: Talamak



6. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
Featured track: Dance yrself clean



5. Caribou - Swim
Featured track: Leave house



4. Delorean - Subiza
Featured track: Grow



3. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
Featured track: He Would Have Laughed



2. Beach House - Teen Dream
Featured track: Better Times




1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Featured track: Rococo



Featured track: Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

Le Loup "We Are Gods! We Are Wolves" Live At the Black Cat

Le Loup was another great recommendation from iTunes' search algorithm. This is from their first album. Their latest album, Family, sounds like a collaboration between Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear. What more do I need to say?

Ahead of the Curve

I finally got around to downloading the Monsters of Folk album. Aside from being a pretty lame name for a band, it's hard to fault much about these guys. They've all got different styles, the common thread being they're all good at what they do. While Dear God, the main single off their first and only album so far, is definitely the stand out track, there's something about Ahead of the Curve. At first it's the guitar hook. That unique twang of the notes. It's pleading but satisfying nonetheless. One of those riffs that could be a small part of a solo or the foundation of an entire song. I'm glad they chose the latter this time around.