Matt DeRose writesMatt DeRose’s Best of 2010

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members' top albums of 2010. The next list is from CHIRP Radio DJ Matt DeRose.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members' picks.)

1. Mimicking Birds – Mimicking Birds (Glacial Pace)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   The ultimate grower. Subtle. Restrained. Consistently heartbreaking. More, please. Favorite Song: "Pixels"
2. Phosphorescent – Here's to Taking It Easy (Dead Oceans)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Matthew Houck’s moody, atmospheric, perfectly executed opus. Favorite Song: "Los Angeles"
3. Suckers – Wild Smile (Frenchkiss)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   An indie rock buffet – a little bit of something for everyone. Favorite Song: "You Can Keep Me Runnin’ Around"
4. Active Child – Curtis Lane [EP] (Filter US Recordings)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   When you’re this efficient, short and sweet gets the job done just fine. Favorite Song: "I’m In Your Church At Night"
5. Sun Airway – Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier (Dead Oceans)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   It’s like Chris Martin wasn’t dying to be Bono. Favorite Song: "Oh, Naoko"
6. Small Black – New Chain (Jagjaguwar)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   I’m not sure I’ll have fully digested this one for a while yet. Favorite Song: "Hydra"
7. Beach House – Teen Dream (Sub Pop)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Teen Dream’s a slippery little gem but it sure is pretty. Favorite Song: "Real Love"
8. Frightened Rabbit – Winter of Mixed Drinks (Fat Cat)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Who knows how long I’ll love this album, or this band, but for now they’re hitting the spot perfectly. Favorite Song: "Foot Shooter"
9. The Books – The Way Out (Temporary Residence)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   A lopsided effort from a great band with a few of the year’s best songs. Favorite Song: "All You Need Is A Wall"
10. Lower Dens – Twin–Hand Movement (Gnomonsong)
    BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
    Whiskey to Beach House’s soda. Favorite Song: "I Get Nervous"

10 Singles from other Albums:
Damien Jurado, “Cloudy Shoes”
Emeralds, “Candy Shoppe”
Eskmo, “Cloudlights”
Shearwater, “Castaways”
Menomena, “Tithe”
Black Dub, “Surely”
The National, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
Breathe Owl Breathe, “Lion’s Jaw”
Bear Hands, “Belongings”
Foals, “Miami”