Yes! Another score for the middle spot of the countdown!

#5 - Daft Punk - Tron: Legacy

I was not gonna have another score in the top ten, but I find myself listening to this masterpiece every day. What? I called it a masterpiece and its only number five? YES! That’s how much I love my top four. Wow. 

At any rate, this score is incredible. From the powerful Overture, right into Jeff Bridges describing The Grid, to the amazing club thumper, Derezzed. There is not a wasted track here. Everything is perfect for something. Now for me, I’m a boring human being, but I love to listen to scores whilst I read, and this is terrific for that. Except for when tracks like Derezzed and the end credits come on, then I have to put down my book, pick up my glowsticks and rave mid day in the parking lot of my job. Not only do we have awesome Daft Punk type craziness, but we also have a REALLY good score woven into it. Disc Wars is a terrific track straight out of Batman Begins or The Dark Knight. Some of the tracks just sound so big, I feel like I’M going to go into battle with our light discs. So I usually get out of my car and yell nonsense at the person next to me while they stare in horror. I do some sweet light disc moves and head back in for when the song ends. All in all its a pretty great day.

When all is said and done, this is a perfect score. Daft Punk have made a masterpiece. Congratulations, fellas. Loved seeing them in the movie too. They score a fight scene and I loved it.

Key Tracks: The Son of Flynn, Derezzed, Flynn Lives

I’ve had to wrestle with 6-1. So it’s taking me longer than I would have liked, and for that I apologize. But enough about me. 

#6 - Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise

I’ve been an Anthony Green fan since I first heard Saosin years ago. I played their first EP to death. He left Saosin. I really dug The Sound of Animals Fighting. That first EP again, was incredible. He left. He starts Circa Survive. I’ve dug everything they’ve done. He hasn’t left. He’s made a few terrific albums, this one being the best in my humble opinion. This is just a complete album. I love every track and that’s hard for a Circa Survive album. Usually I dig 75% of them and the others are just there for filler, not Blue Sky Noise, my friend. We start off strong with Strange Terrain and end beautifully with my favorite track, Dyed in the Wool. Everything in between is just pure awesomeness. Now, as far as lyrics go, I can pretty much never understand what they mean. I’m dumb when it comes to Anthony Green, I’ll admit it. I don’t get him. I’m pretty sure he’s on a whole different planet usually. Did you see him on Jimmy Fallon? Crazy.

Anyways, this is a fantastic album which I hope everyone listens to. Apparently they released ANOTHER EP this year, but I had no idea, I’m the worst. 

Key Tracks: Dyed in the Wool, Fever Dreams, I Felt Free

The time machine is real and number seven is proof!

#7 - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

Sharon Jones is from the 60’s. Thats the only explanation for her fantastic records. People are concerned about the time traveler in the Charlie Chaplin film. I’m asking: why aren’t more people investigating Ms. Jones??? I first saw them on Conan a few months back when they performed “If You Call” and fell in love instantly. The album sounds STRAIGHT out of oldies 103 (thats an oldies station, duh). The vocals, the instrumentation and the whole general feel of the album feels like it was recorded about 50 years ago and I love it. Some of y’all might not even think this CAN be a top album of 2010 because of how old it sounds, but trust me…its new and its awesome. 

Apparently they were the back up group for Amy Winehouse and I can totally see that, theres a lot of soul here. But you wouldn’t catch me grooving in my car to that drunkard. I’m all about the Dap-Kings. Bring on album number 4.I Learned the Hard Way is a fantastic throwback listen that if you like old school tunes (i.e. motown) then give this a listen ASAP.

Key Tracks - The Game Gets Old, She Ain’t a Child No More, If You Call

Hello again, sorry its been awhile, but I’ve been scratching the ol’ noodle over my number 8. The best I could come up with? A three way tie.

So I bring you #8 - The Metal Showdown

Norma Jean - Meridional

Bring Me The Horizon - There is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen it. There is a Heaven Let’s Keep it a Secret.

Haste The Day - Attack of the Wolf King

Yes, this is my metal trilogy. Separate, they are great albums, some of the best of the artists, but together. OH TOGETHER. They are so much more. I wanna take out tracks, smash em together to make THE ULTIMATE METAL ALBUM OF 2010. Norma Jean produces their best work in YEARS with Meridional. It’s brutal, awesome and I can’t stop listening. Bring Me The Horizon makes me wanna punch someone in the face and its amazing. Haste The Day crafted the best work of their career here that has some awesome riffs/melodies and even a sick cover of a Black Eyed Peas track.

This music isn’t for everyone, I understand that. But for people who bleed metal like I joke I do, these albums MUST be heard. They are hard, heavy and most importantly, sexy. I just can’t help but move around when I listen. I have to punch the roof of my car whilst driving, or hit the steering wheel or tap on my desk or hit the person standing closest to me. I will pop in ANY of these three albums and then go get in a bar fight and be confident that I WILL come out victorious for they give me more strength than you could possibly imagine.

Listen to them. Love them. Fight with them as your soundtrack.

Key tracks: Norma Jean - The Anthem of the Angry Brides

                   Bring Me the Horizon - It Never Ends

                   Haste the Day - Wake Up The Sun