Best of 2010 – Kerry Crawford’s Top Ten Albums

In no particular order:

Sufjan Stevens – Age of Adz
I wasn’t sure I liked Age of Adz at first – it’s not the typical Sufjan-sings-about-states record – but after a few listens, I was completely hooked. From its whisper-quiet opening to its 25 minute, slightly autotuned electro-classical closer, Age of Adz is possibly Sufjan Stevens’ most interesting record.

Best Coast – Crazy for You
Crazy for you is 27 minutes of sunny, danceable girl-meets-boy pop gems. The slightly fuzzy guitars and cute girl singer make it a perfect modern garage pop record.

Harlan T. Bobo – Sucker
Sucker could easily be written off as Harlan T. Bobo’s “happy record”, solid, but without the gut-wrenching brilliance of “Too Much Love”. Don’t write it off, though – the 12 song record is full of love, songs about fatherhood, bad errand girls and enjoying the moment.

Frightened Rabbit – Winter of Mixed Drinks
It’s wrong to hope for some one’s continued heartbreak, but I’m not sure what will happen to Frightened Rabbit if lead singer Scott Hutchison ever falls in love. Standout track “Living in Color” has been a staple in my car this year.

Allo Darlin’ – Allo Darlin’
Allo Darlin’s first record is packed with ukuleles, duets, pop culture references (to Weezer and Woody Allen) and songs about the possibility and magic of the beginning of love.

Dum Dum Girls – I Will Be
I really hope the guys at Goner can bring the Dum Dum Girls to Gonerfest next year. Their loud, distorted fast garage rock would be perfect for the festival. Plus, I really want to dance to “Bhang Bhang, I’m a Burnout” live.

New Pornographers – Together
I can’t pretend to always understand what New Pornographers’ songwriter Dan Bejar is talking about (what’s a silver Jenny dollar?), but I know that it makes me happy. “Together” is a great pop record, perfect for parties, the car or the bar.

Luv Clowns – Love Clowns
Love Clowns may be a kids’ record, but there’s nothing childish about their amazingly perfect cover of the Mr. Rogers classic “Good People Sometimes Do Bad Things”. The band (which is made of local legends Tim Prudhomme, Harlan T. Bobo, Doug Easley and Alex Greene) is more than a little weird and the record may not be appropriate for the youngest listeners, but it’s the only kids’ record I’ve loved as an adult.

Carolina Chocolate Drops – Genuine Negro Jig
The Chocolate Drops are a revival black string band that plays old-school, front porch jug band music. They’ve also got a cover of Blue Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style” that’s even more spiteful and joyfully indignant than the original.

The Mynabirds – What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood
It took approximately one listen to the super catchy “Let the Record Go” for me to decide that I loved the Mynabirds. They’re part indie-pop and part Dusty Springfield with just a pinch of Blondie. I dare you not to dance.

Kerry Crawford runs I Love Memphis, a blog about Memphis music, food, sports, art and culture. When she’s not working, she skates with Memphis Roller Derby and DJ’s beer bust at the Hi-Tone from about 10 p.m. until she gets tired (usually around 1:30). They’ve got $5 all you can drink PBR, $3 shots and $1 cheese pizza slices, no cover.