2010 Lists Begin.....NOW!

I want to begin with a list of music that has shaped me, or opened my eyes, or even shocked me this year. Keep in mind that the following list is simply music that I have discovered in 2010 that is pretty much unlike anything I had listened to in the past. The music, artist, or album may be from years past. The only qualification for this 2010 list is that I came across it this year.

In no particular order, we begin:

LISTENER- WOODEN HEART



Please don't call it rap music. This is spoken word at its best and most unique. I had to give this a few listens before I understood. Now I do. Dan Smith is from Arkansas. His poetic lyrics come from the heart. Though earlier albums were much more raw, and purists may disagree with me, I love the orchestrated background music clashing with his fervent prose.

The lyrics are dark yet there is always a message of hope intertwined. I never knew this art form existed and was quite pleased to discover it. To understand, you must just listen...

SUFJAN STEVENS- THE AGE OF ADZ



I have been aware of Sufjan for some time now and have some songs of his in my library. I became more and more curious as I listened more and more to his latest on "Adz". To listen to this artist, one must have patience. You cannot get the song in the 30 second previews on iTunes. I have learned to appreciate this music in those rare moments when I find myself with a bit of time and patience.

Like the epic "All Delighted People" that was released shortly before this, you must sit back and allow your ears to absorb Sufjan's music. This album is on my list here because in a year of much business, songs like "Too Much" & "I Walked" have taken me away for a moment or two and allowed me to escape.

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH- SOMETIMES THE BLUES IS JUST A PASSING BIRD



I cannot say enough how much this music is growing on me. The Wild Hunt introduced me to the "tallest man", Kristian Matsson, yet it wasn't until this little EP was released that I realized that I had a new favorite folk artist.

His reworked version of his own "Like the Wheel" sent shivers down my spine and I streamed this song into my consciousness this past fall. "The Dreamer" could be one of the best songs of the year in my opinion. It was a treat to have this EP drop unexpectedly, and cemented this gentleman's music permanently on my radar screen.

More to come......