Classic Rock’s Top 50 Albums Of 2010 So Far – Part One

It’s the halfway stage of 2010 – roll on Xmas. Seriously, though, there have been some damn fine albums released already this year. So, here’s the Classic Rock guide to best 50 so far. This is in alphabetical order, 10 a day.

Airbourne – No Guts No Glory (Roadrunner)

“Airbourne’s second album confirms that, as Joel O’Keefe screams with utmost conviction on Raise The Flag, ‘rock’n’roll will never die’. And if it remains as thrilling as this, who in their right mind would want it to?” 8/10 – Dom Lawson

Go here  to watch the video of No Way But The Hard Way, or here to watch Joel almost kill himself at Download.

Alkaline Trio – This Addiction (Hassle)

“While this is all familiar ground for the band, the none-more-punchy pace of the flinty melodies and the relentless, barrelling percussion that comes with it flies by, dragging you along in its wake.” 8/10 – Emma Johnston

Watch them here.

American Dog – Mean (Bad Reputation)

“Mean is a throwback, but timeless – even if you’re stone cold sober. Frighteningly good.” 8/10 – Neil Jeffries

Hear it here.

Asia – Omega (Frontiers)

“The overall impression is of a band who’ve finally got reasons to stay together. And there are enough strong, mature songs to suggest Asia are about to become a lot more than another nostalgia act.” 7/10 – Malcolm Dome

Visit their website here.

Audrey Horne – Self titled (Indie)

“Audrey Horne’s third album is simultaneously epic and concise, deep yet candy-coated, commercial but billowing artistic self-possession.” 8/10 – Alexander Milas

Watch Audrey Horne here.

Awesome Color – Massa Hypnos (Ecstatic Peace)

“For those who feel that everything recorded between the first Stooges album and today has been something of a waste of time, the third Awesome Color album offers nothing but time-defying reassurance and insanely loud guitars.” 8/10 – Dom Lawson

Listen here.

The Black Keys – Brothers (V2)

“Certain albums tend to get overhyped these days, but Brothers is the real deal.” 9/10 – Johnny Dee

Watch Black Keys videos here.

Brant Bjork – Gods & Goddesses (Low Desert Punk)

“His ninth outing runs its organic, grooving course in just half an hour, but Bjork has perfected a songwriting presence to fill such short timeframes twice over.” 7/10 – Catherine Yates

Get a free download here.

Brijitte West & the Desperate Hopefuls – Self-titled (Devil’s Jukebox)

“A love letter to West’s old life, town, and record collection, this is pure pop perfection. All in all, a welcome and very convincing comeback.” 8/10 – Sleazegrinder

Listen to it here.

Bruce Kulick – BK3 (Frontiers)

“(BK3) has cohesion and consistency, and is surely guaranteed to give this veteran sideman major attention.” 7/10 – Malcolm Dome

Listen here.