My 5 Favourite Albums Of 2010

5. My Best Friend Is You - Kate Nash

Anyone who knows me well knows my love of Kate Nash! I'd say love but it's more of an obsession to be honest! The new album is a little less poppy and a little more Ryan Jarman inspired, which I will never complain about with The Cribs being one of my favourite bands. The sound has matured a bit and Kate seems to want to say something, although I don't think even she is quite sure what it is. What would a Kate Nash album be without a couple of cringe worthy moments? Made of Bricks had Dickhead and this one has a three, one of which is spoken piece 'Mansion Song'.

Songs to listen to: Kiss That Grrrl, Later On.

4. Darwin Deez (Self Titled) - Darwin Deez

What is not to love about this album? It's just really simply, quirky indie-pop. It's one of those albums that you just love/have to dance to when nobody is around! Even if you don't really like it that much, there is nothing more feel-good out there! I think my favourite song is DNA although Radar Detector is the first song I heard from it and such a great time was had playing this at John's Barbecue Party!

Songs to listen to: DNA, Radar Detector.

                                                3. The Suburbs - Arcade Fire

When Arcade Fire were announced to be headlining the stage that The Libertines were playing at Reading/Leeds this year, I was stunned. I didn't really understand what it was all about. I'd heard of them being mentioned occasionally in NME but nothing big. I got hold of a copy of their latest album last month and it has been on repeat almost ever since. I cannot fault it at all, the only downside is how over-hyped they have been, with the album being nominated for countless awards. Oh and the lyrics to 'Month of May' are a bit repetitive.

Songs to listen to: Ready To Start, We Used To Wait.

2. Flaws - Bombay Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club are easily one of the best current bands. Everything they do is flawless (not intended)! I don't think releasing an acoustic album was a bad call after such an amazing electric album. I would love to hear more electric but this is just a phenomenal album. Every track is so well performed and they all feel so raw and honest. You just feel like you can relate to every song. A great moment is a reworking of a Joanna Newsom track called Swansea.

Songs to listen to: Rinse Me Down, Flaws.

1. Brothers - The Black Keys

I think The Black Keys are probably one of the most underrated bands of the last few years. Attack & Release was released a few years back and since getting that I have been in love ever since. The best/only way to describe this album is to say that it is simply a 'fucking monster of an album'. The guitar parts are so simple yet so heavy, and the vocals are simply amazing. I think this band deserve so much more success than they have been given, they are so much more talented than any of the bands breaking through at the moment.

Songs to listen to: Ten Cent Pistol, Tighten Up.




Guilty Pleasure:

Streets of Gold - 3Oh!3

It's just a bloody good album! It's just that sort of music you hear all the time. At first you don't really like it, then you don't really notice it and then you find yourself listening to it all the time out of choice. It's just an album that really gets you in that party mood. Plus it helps that their videos are ace. Katy Perry? Yes please! Double Vision was probably the best video this year to be honest! Or at least one of them.

Songs to listen to (behind closed doors): R.I.P., Double Vision.