Best of 2010

Chris's picks (2010)

Chris Moran

Chris is the video editor at Punknews.org - ed.

This is my top 10 list. I'm not lazy; I'm just obsessed with David Letterman…

Top 10 Albums

10
Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon: Wu-Massacre
Def Jam
The best Wu-Tang Clan-related release since Supreme Clientele, and the best hip-hop record of the year.

9
Fake Problems: Real Ghosts Caught on Tape
SideOneDummy
Another chapter in Fake Problems' continuously growing sound, this record has more groove than harmony than their prior efforts.

8
None More Black: Icons
Fat Wreck
This album would have ranked much higher if it weren't for the inconsistency in the album's track sequence. Or maybe This Is Satire was just waaaaay too good.

7
The Dopamines: Expect the Worst
Paper + Plastick
One of the best pop-punk records of 2010. We streamed it, yet none of our lazy asses actually reviewed it…go figure.

6
Young Livers: Of Misery and Toil
No Idea
Energetic, raucous and a little dark; this album left me wait anxiously for their next.

5
Against Me!: White Crosses
Sire
I'll confess, 25% of this record I could live without, but the other remaining 75% is some of the band's best work to date.

4
The Flatliners: Cavalcade
Fat Wreck Chords
Before this album, the Flatiners were just another band on Fat I didn't listen to, but this record displayed an almost entirely new band band: fast, loud and very
catchy.

3
Smoke or Fire: The Speakeasy
Fat Wreck Chords
A long time coming, but definitely worth the wait, the band's third record on Fat brings their sound full circle.

2
The Gaslight Anthem: American Slang
SideOneDummy
Releasing a followup to The '59 Sound is a challenge in itself, and this record delivered with improved vocals, harmonies and further experimentation of their sound.

1
The Menzingers: Chamberlain Waits
Red Scare
It's scary how young this band is, and how they keep getting better and better. Fun, energetic, unique and ambitious are just a few words to describe this record. 2010 introduced the band to many new fans, and hopefully they'll continue to receive the acclaim and recognition they truly have earned and deserve.

EP of the Year

1
Banquets: This Is Our Concern, Dude
Black Numbers
Great EP for another New Jersey band; poppy with just the right amount of rock and/or roll.