Unlike 2009 which the Left Lane deemed one downer of a year for memorable music, 2010 proved a refreshing turnaround.
So much so, paring our 'best-of' list to 10 records was a legitimate challenge.
A mix of blue-eyed soul, three-chord power rock, both old and new school country and eclectic blues make up a partial list of the LL's dazzling discs for the past year.
Christine Ohlman rocked this writer time and again with her April release, "The Deep End," a masterwork merging Ohlman's terrific vocals with lights-out playing by her backing band, Rebel Montez.
Joining Ohlman on a record featuring an array of all-star supporting artists are the likes of Ian Hunter, Marshall Crenshaw, Levon Helm, Al Anderson, G.E. Smith, Eric "Roscoe" Ambel and 60's icon Dion DiMucci.
Ohlman co-produced the CD with Andy York. The 'Queen of the Beehive' obviously had a smoking time in the studio. The white-hot results speak for themselves.
Here's the Left Lane's Top 10 for 2010 with new 2011 projects coming from the original Jayhawks and legendary singer/songwriter Paul Simon among others...
1. Christine Ohlman, The Deep End - Former Saturday Night Live Band singer returned from a heartbreaking period of her life to deliver a sterling record LL readers can confirm by visiting her website...
2. Joshua Panda, Self-titled. Can this talented, transplanted North Carolina artist remain under the radar much longer? Not after one listen to a highly infectious 13-song gem of a record featuring Panda and an excellent backing band. Two words: Discover & Enjoy.
3. Janiva Magness, The Devil Is An Angel Too - From her modest beginnings on the blues festival circuit, this southern California-based singer has risen to the top of her profession. This sizzling record does nothing but confirm that notion. Magness is a three-time performer at Wheeling's summer Bluesfest. Many happy returns!
4. Freedy Johnston, Rain On The City - A young man who grew up in Kansas and bought a mail order guitar after hearing Elvis Costello, Johnston continues to make mesmerizing music as this late spring release indicates. What a crime he's never ridden on the grand prize float at the hit parade...
5. Marty Stuart, Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions - At least a half-dozen tracks on this classic throwback country disc should long ago have made their way to the heavy rotation list on contemporary radio. What's wrong with this picture?
6. Austin Collins & The Rainbirds, Wrong Control - The Left Lane did not hear a more potent rock & roll record all year. Collins is a Houston native since relocated to Austin where he and the Rainbirds continually kick out the jams. Collins' lead guitarist Dylan McDougall is a major player.
7. Moreland & Arbuckle, Flood - Here's additional proof Kansas does more things right than just tornadoes. While their records remain the equivalent of a Sunday revival, witnessing Aaron (Moreland) and Dustin (Arbuckle) in person can be a life-altering experience...
8. Anders Osborne, American Patchwork - Yet another Wheeling Bluesfest alum and superb guitarist whose Alligator Records late spring release was an unexpected revelation. A true roots-rock masterpiece with Osborne's trademark blues arrangements always in play.
9. Jamey Johnson, The Guitar Song - This guy had something to say and did so with a triumphant 25-song, double disc chock full of excellent songs. Let's hope Live Nation booking personnel make it a three-peat for Johnson at next summer's Jamboree in the Hills...
10. Kasey Anderson, Nowhere Nights - From Portland, Ore., Johnson has been compared to Steve Earle but proved on this springtime release he stands tall among today's contemporary singer/songwriters. "Real Gone," the closing track here, is a seven-plus minute stunner...
Here's a handful of 2010 records also deserving of high accolades: Elvis Costello's 'National Ransom,' Los Lobos' 'Tin Can Trust,' Dierks Bentley's 'Up On The Ridge,' Alejandro Escovedo's 'Street Songs of Love,' The Dave Rawlings Machine's 'A Friend of a Friend,' and The Infamous Stringdusters' 'Things That Fly."
Gibson may be reached at rgibson@timesleaderonline.com
