While reviewing the music I played air guitar to the most in 2010, i discovered that most of the music I fell in love with was not released during 2010. I have a tendency to do that, but this year was different. This year I re-discovered heavy music.
I have plans in January to throw together my best artists of the as of now closed decade, but for now, lets get to it. The list below is my list of top 10 songs I added to my iTunes library in 2010, limit one (most listened to) per album, ordered by most plays.
“Good Neighbor” The Dillinger Escape Plan
I start off with a song released in 2010 – “Option Paralysis” found me via a random nostalgic visit to BuddyHead.com and honestly kicked off a re-discovery of heavy music for me that is apparent in the rest of this list.
“Castratikron” Â Â Dethklok
This record came out in 2007. I discovered “The Dethalbum II” in late 2009 via my friend Chris Commons, and picked up the original “Dethalbum” this year. Simply amazing tongue in cheek death metal from Cartoon Network‘s Adult Swim.
“Reap What You Sow” Â Â Converge
Another late purchase for me, I caught up with one of my favorite bands of all time, Converge and their 2009 release “Axe To Fall.”
“Horse Hunter” Â Â The Dillinger Escape Plan
After I picked up “Option Paralysis” I realized I missed out on “Ire Works“. My mistake. This track features Brent Hinds of Mastadon on background vocals.
“Meat Market” Â Â Spitfire
In 1999 I could not wait for Spitfire’s “The Dead Next Door.” I loved the record, but eventually forgot the band. Another random conversation left me beyond excited to find out that not only did they release “Self-Help” in 2002, but “Cult Fiction” in 2004 (see next song). Brutal, amazing stuff.
Chemotherapist   Spitfire   Cult Fiction
“Isak” Baroness
A band I was told I would love, I wrote these guys off. But you know what? Chandler was right. “The Red Album” has some gems. I have yet to pick up any subsequent releases, though.
“Kolnidur”  Jónsi
Jónsi – Kolnidur – Terminal 5 (5/9/10) from Andrew Cornett on Vimeo.
One of the two songs to actually be released in 2010, this song is also one of only two songs on the list that aren’t metal. Jonsi is amazing. The album “Go” is amazing as well. I was fortunate enough to see him live in Columbus, OH, and it was also amazing.
“One Cross Apiece” Â Obits
I finally got around to listening to this band. Having been a huge fan of Hot Snakes it was time. This track was the first and so far is still the best Obits song I have heard. From their first 7 inch release.
“And Then the C.H.U.D.S. Came” Â Â Daughters
Yet another blast from the past. Daughters was heading into orbit with “Canada Songs” as Mara’Akate burned up during re-entry and I lost my taste for the sound. This band is amazing and does some great stuff on all of their records, this year found me again catching up on stuff I shouldn’t have missed.