Half-Way House

Evening folks! Being we're officially past the half way mark of 2010, I thought I'd have a look back at some of my favourite tracks from this year so far. So without further ado, here are my personal Top 5 songs of 2010; and no Justin Bieber in sight. (I'm still not entirely sure who he is)


5. Ghost: Slash feat. Ian Astbury



The opening track on Slash's debut solo effort. Slash decided that rather than take the mic himself he would collaborate with a revolving door of vocalists for the album ranging from Motorhead God Lemmy to Black Eyed Pea Fergie. After much thought however I picked this collaboration with Cult singer Ian Astbury and fellow GN'R alumni Izzy Stradlin. The song was originally intended for Velvet Revolver before the group's ugly split with Scott Weiland but still sounds vital and current performed by both Astbury and Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy who is performing it during Slash's current world tour.

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4. Los Angeloser- Meat Loaf



'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' has been called Meat Loaf's best album in 20 years and in some ways it's hard to disagree. What is certain is that it's arguably the first time since the 1986 pop rock of 'Blind Before I Stop' that he hasn't tried to follow the Jim Steinman formula. 'Los Angeloser' is a prime example. The closest you'll get to hearing Meat Loaf rapping... hopefully.

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3. Spark- Amy Macdonald



Let's face facts. Amy Macdonald was THE best thing about 2007. Her debut album 'This Is The Life' tore it's way to the top of the charts and I took great joy in playing tracks from it when I briefly presented on Durham FM. Her new album 'A Curious Thing' is more polished and grand with the maturity and great songwriting that we've come to expect. If 'Spark' is any indication, Amy will be around for years to come. (Look out for my gig review of Amy at the iTunes Festival in a couple of weeks)

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2. Do-Wah-Doo- Kate Nash



I understand this is likely an unpopular choice as Kate Nash is the UK music scene's equivalent of Marmite. Her new album 'My Best Friend Is You' demonstrates a struggle between the piano driven pop of her first album and the emergence of a courageous and daring artist. 'Do-Wah-Doo' has some serious 60s vibes going on with one of the catchiest choruses you'll hear in the charts this year but still quintessentially Nash.

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1. Stylo- Gorillaz



'Plastic Beach' is the undisputed album of the year so far. Who would have thought in the days of 'Park Life' and 'Country House' that Damon Albarn would be producing such beautiful and thought provoking music years later? To be honest this was a toss up between 'Stylo' and their current single 'On Melancholy Hill' but it's the AMAZING cameo from Bobby Womack that takes this song to the next level. Plus any song with Bruce Willis in the video needs at least a mention.


Thoughts? I'm off to watch 'Uncle Buck'!

Mike :-)