Scotty B's 2010 Albums of the Year

1. Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy  
Let me start by saying that I am not a huge Kanye fan and that he he is probably a jerk.  However, this disc is amazing from top to bottom.  A very complete album with rocking beats and smart yet powerful lyrics.  "Monster" may be the best song of the year, but "All of The Lights" and "Power" do not lag far behind.  This album is very worthy of my #1 ranking.
2. Mumford and Sons- Sigh No More
An absolutely incredible album.  Listening to this album is almost a religious experience.  The songs "Little Lion Man" and "The Cave" are as good as songs get these days.  If you don not have this album, you need to acquire it immediately.
3.  J Roddy Walston-self titled
A bit of a shocker here, but one listen to this album and you too will see why they stole the show at Austin City Limits.  An amazing live band, J Roddy is like Jerry Lee Lewis playing in front of the White Stripes.  To top it off, they are from Baltimore (my hometown).
4.  Bruno Mars- Doowops and Hooligans
A big-time up and comer, Bruno, had the "hooks" on several of this year's biggest hits including "Airplanes" and "Billionaire".  On his first full length studio release, this pop crooner is emotional and heartfelt.  I expect the hits to continue to roll off of this album well into the new year.
5.  B.O.B- The Adventures of Bobby Ray
This album is the favorite of my children and rightly so.  Like the Baltimore Ravens defense, this disc brings hit after hit after hit.  Nice debut B.O.B.
6.  Sleigh Bells- Treats
Sometimes I just hear a disc and go "whoa".  This is one of those discs.  This duo really packs a wallop of sound with it's high distortion.  Just try to listen to this disc without bobbing your head, it is impossible.  Standout songs are: "Ring Ring", "Crown on the Ground", "Tell 'Em" and "Kids".
7.  Eminem- Recovery
He was back at this year with steady and smart songs led by mega hits "Not Afraid" and "Love the Way You Lie".  Another fine album by Marshall Mather.
8.  Broken Bells- self titled
A serious indie album.  Well produced and very refined.  Simply a joy to listen to.  Solid songs are "The Ghost Inside" and "The High Road".  Definitely worthy of my top ten list.  Nice work guys.
9.  The Black Keys- Brothers
A stellar album.  The band is from Ohio, but this album drips of southern blues.  It all starts with "Everlasting Love" but the true highlight of this disc is "Tighten Up".
10.  Arcade Fire- The Suburbs
The "real" critics loved this one a bit more than I did, but still a very good album.  It should be a part of everyone's 2010 collection.

Honorable Mention:
Two Door Cinema Club- Tourist History TDCC opened for Phoenix this year.  Just a great, fun sound.
Vampire Weekend- Contra  The sophomore effort was far from sophomoric.  They got a late hit out of "Holiday" thanks to the Honda commercials.  A very good album, but pales in comparison to their self titled debut (but honestly what wouldn't?????).
Travie McCoy- Lazarus  Anthother kid favorite. A June release with some serious staying power.  I would not be surprised to see this album produce a couple of more hits.