It’s kinda funny, but three of the songs that made the biggest impact in my year were from previous years (two from late 2009, and one from 2006). 

So, before I peep you my ten favorite songs for 2010, here are three that I’m still pressing-up, into, regularly.

“Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z | Alicia Keys

There’s a great story about how I had to go all the way to Hong Kong to grasp the sheer scope of this song, but I’ll save it for another time.  I think it’s hysterical that in the “clean” version, where the words “rock” [as in selling crack] and “shit” are dubbed-out, a line like “MDMA make you feel like a champion, the city never sleeps better give you an Ambien” remains; but hey – I’m against censorship of any sort, so whatever...  Meanwhile, I’m a bit misty that that I’m gonna be out of the country for Jay-Z’s NYE performance (no doubt rocking wearing his opera-length black diamond necklace from Shamballa Jewels…) at The Cosmopolitan – because it'is gonna be a hot Colin Cowie-produced time, in the old town, that night! 

“The Performance of My Life” – Dame Shirley Bassey

I’m not sure what the hell is the matter with the Entertainment Directors at the various concert venues in Las Vegas, but they need to collectively snap out of it; because at 72, Dame Shirley Bassey has come-out with ANOTHER new album, and (as evidenced by this video) is still turning it out, sounding clear as a bell and in a gown cut up (and down) to there!  Bassey is a frigging treasure, and the last of a rare breed of performer.  This song was written for her new album The Performance, by Pet Shop Boys, and is a sweeping symphonic example of how “The Girl from Tiger Bay” became the best-selling British female singer of all time.

“Lotion” – Greenskeepers

I only happened upon this little jewel of a ditty when Jacob had Pandora doing his Desktop DJing, and insisted that I come listen to this crazy song.  Imagine a crooner (who sounds like Richard Cheese channeling Pearl Jam and Sisters of Mercy) singing in-character as the serial-killer Buffalo Bill, from the film The Silence of the Lambs.  For reals…  (I couldn’t make this shit up.)  Wanna know what’s even crazier than the song’s absurd premise?  It’s good – and disturbingly catchy.  Give it a listen and try driving down the road, without bobbing your head and singing about putting the lotion in the basket.  I dare ya!