It took me until the penultimate day of 2010, but I've finally decided on my Favorite Song of 2010. I'm not going to say much other than "Better Things" by Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings is a fuckin' jam. It's the "Got To Give It Up" of the new century. Dig it.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Better Things
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My excuse for overlooking Phosphorescent's Here's To Taking It Easy sounds very similar to my reasons for overlooking Gayngs. I was never really a fan of Pride (double gasp!) and was inexplicably close-minded to listening to this one. Once again, I'm an idiot.
Phosphorescent – It's Hard To Be Humble (When You're From Alabama)
Phosphorescent – The Mermaid Parade
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Being a teacher means I get a nice, lengthy break over the holidays. I'm going to spend it listening to a bunch of music I found on best-of lists that I either missed or for various (read: stupid) reasons I just never listened to over the last year. All week I'll be posting mini-reviews of my favorites, so stay tuned! First up is Gayngs' debut album Relayted.
Gayngs – The Gaudy Side of Town
Gayngs – Crystal Rope
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I have done it. It is done. It's a holiday miracle! The Dig Power Hour is complete!
Dig Powerhour v. 1.0
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Man, I'm getting excited for this new PJ Harvey album. The video for "The Last Living Rose" off of Let England Shake (February 15!) is a beautiful series of images from a trip around England that perfectly accompanies the song. And lucky for us, director Seamus Murphy has directed a video for every one of the album's 12 songs!
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The man behind one of our favorite albums of the year and friend of the Dig, Joseph Scott a.k.a. White Pines recently rolled through Grand Rapids and stopped to do a live session with the good people at Halfway House. Head over there for three great videos and mp3 downloads.
Halfway House Sessions – White Pines
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I hate Christmas music. Like really really hate Christmas music. Well, except for that Ella Fitzgerald album. I can, however, get on board with Left Boy sampling Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" and rapping about chicks and drugs over it. See, I'm festive!
Left Boy – Wonderful Song
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Those kooky cats behind behind my 4th favorite album of the year, Vampire Weekend, are releasing an iTunes exclusive EP tomorrow. It's only 6 bucks and it includes that bitchin' cover of Springsteen's "I'm Going Down" so I'd recommend picking it up. Err…loading it down.
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I admit I have not heard a ton of 2010 releases this year. However, I did not lack for quality music that I repeatedly listened to, that I personally connected with, and that will stick with me long after this year has passed. Here are my top 5 – with a song from each to sample (generally track 1's because these albums all start strong).