Just as my post last year, I try to avoid non-booze topics, apart from this one. Last year I posted my top 25 records of the year but looking back, I find that I barely listen to half of them anymore.

This year I did things a little bit differently, and only picked records I actually bought. My choices were limited to some 30 records and I decided to make a top 10 to keep it from being very random.

10: Feist – Metals

Never liked Feist very much but this years record is rather great. The songs are maybe a little bit sadder, which I usually like.

9: Calexico – Selections from Road Atlas – 1998-2010

A sort of a best of, but with only b-sides and other rare stuff. A road map to their carreer, and I love it.

8: Other Lives – Tamer Animals

Live on Lowlands they were terrific, their record is good as well. Glad to have found those guys!

7: Tom Waits – Bad as me

While it’s a terrific record, there’s nothing new about it. More or less a best of with new music, in old styles. Still, quite the thrill!

6: St. Vincent – Strange Mercy

While I listened to all previous records from Annie Clark, this was the first time ‘I got’ the record. Ordered the previous ones right away!

5: O’Death – Outside

Some serious Americana going on. This might be an aquired taste…

4: Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire

I got this record because and ex-classmate (now musician) pointed me toward it on Facebook. All highschool shenanigans are forgiven because of it.

3: King Creosote & Jon Hopkins – Diamond Mine

I only found this record about 3 weeks ago and have listened to it about a million times now. The recent find is the only reason its not number one. I think. The Scottish accent helps a bit too.

2: Gillian Welch – The Harrow and the Harvest

I’m still in doubt if this should be number one or not. A fantastic record that makes me want to drive Highway 89 from Montana south again. (please pay some attention to Rawling’s guitar picking)

1: PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

That only leaves PJ Harvey for the number one spot. The record came out quite early in the year and there are no 48 hours that have gone by without me playing it once. Absolutely stunning.