My favourite records of the past year…

 I always find it a bit strange when people proclaim their version of a list like this to be ‘The Best Records of 2010’ because it assumes that one person could hear all the good stuff released in a year, and their opinion actually counts for anything. Therefore I prefer to refer to this simply as my favourite records of the year, and given that I wasn’t sure of the order or whether I have forgotten some stuff I really enjoyed, this is just a list of some good records that came to mind when I thought about the subject. There are of course plenty of good releases that I’ve left out, and several which I still have yet to listen to or get hold of. Originally I did this as a top 20, but felt it meant I was leaving out too many records that were perhaps on a par with many of the records listed. Therefore i whittled it down to the very best- a top 10, but I still think I might have left out a few records which deserve to make the list. Nevermind. Additional mentions should be given to friends of mine in Baptists and Lonewolves who both released great records this year, but to include these in the list would seem insincere regardless of how much I have enjoyed them. I have also kept to hardcore/punk/etc. as although I’ve liked a few other records i don’t really listen to much else. I’ve split the records into LPs and EPs and for those which seemed to be in between (one sided 12”, 10” etc.) I’ve just put them in the list that seems most suitable.

LPS

1)      NAILS- UNSILENT DEATH

This was destined to be my favourite record of the year from the first time I listened to it. A perfect example of how to make an album of blisteringly heavy music. The first record hinted at the heights capable of being reached for this band, and this follow-up well and truly delivered on the obvious promise. Brilliant.

2)      CROWD CONTROL- MODERN BULLSHIT

I initially heard this band on their excellent side of the Mob Rules split, but I wasn’t expecting that I would end up rating their first LP highest of the two bands. I mean, they were still better than 99% of things I listen to, but this LP is just mind-blowing and on a next level. Taking influence from early grindcore and Japanese hardcore this record floors me every time I listen to it and they were one of the best bands I saw last year too. 

3)      MOB RULES- THE DONOR

What a record. Whilst it maintains the sound featured on their split with Crowd Control as well as The Donor 7” this record sees Mob Rules incorporating more fully ‘My War’ and ‘The Power of Expression’ influences, to devastating effect . The best 12” out of the UK for a long, long time.

4)       SURROUNDINGS- S/T

Earlier in the year I couldn’t get enough of this record. It seems to have gone under the radar of a few people which is a shame. It’s heavy as anything whilst also being full of ambience which makes it an immersive listen, and one that I’m yet to tire of.

5)      SUFFER- LONE

The best Australian hardcore album I’ve heard this year, picking up where Mind Eraser left off (not that they actually left off, but there’s only so many ways to say A sounds like B) and bands like Crossed Out or Infest started. But that’s just some lazy comparisons.

6)      INTEGRITY- THE BLACKEST CURSE

Pretty much universally hailed as an excellent return to the 12” format for the band, a view that I can only echo.

7)       WHITE BOSS- S/T

Apparently years in the making, this is one of the most expansive, mesmerising records I’ve heard all year. A truly overwhelming listen which combines noisy punk bands such as Sex/Vid with The Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine.

8 )      SLICES- CRUISING

Released on Iron Lung, this pretty much shows everyone else how to make a noisy hardcore album and fully delivered on the promise of the previous 7”s. simultaneously rhythmic and aggressive, with a welcome dash of atmosphere.

9)      NO CLASS- KEINE KLASS

They probably released my favourite demo of the year and followed it up with a suitably excellent full length on Deranged. Stompy hardcore which clearly takes influence from the classics without sounding too indebted to any of them.

10)    BASTARD NOISE- A CULTURE OF MONSTERS

This was a late addition to the list as I only listened to it for the first time a few weeks ago. This combines the noise elements of BN’s previous releases with some MITBesque songs, and a few other bits here and there to create something which is rooted in the past but still sounds expansive and exciting.

7”

1)      THE RIVAL MOB- HARDCORE FOR HARDCORE

Their best release so far, nothing else this year can compete. Too good.

2)      COKE BUST- DEGRADATION

A worthy follow up to ‘Lines in the Sand’ which was my favourite LP of 2009.

3)      VACCINE- HUMAN HATRED

As with the demo, this 7” features a load of distorted and raw ragers about hating people.

4)       CROWD CONTROL- S/T

As with the LP, this 7” is immense. Also features Bastard and Citizen’s Arrest covers.

5)       THE LOVE TRIANGLE- SPLENDID LIVING

The title track of this 3 song 7” is the catchiest and probably the best song I’ve heard all year.

6)      NEVER AGAIN/MIND TRAP SPLIT

7)      CONFINES- WITHDRAWN

8 )      MINDLESS- HUMAN CONDITIONING

9)      MATURE SITUATIONS- CRACKED PELVIS

10)   CLOSURE/TORN APART/MOUTH/BONESTORM SPLIT