So, as 2010 approaches its conclusion, I am wrapping-up my multi-part piece on my favorite music of said year.

Below are the videos to the remaining five that really made 2010 the year it was (as heard through my diamond and titanium DEOS Diamond i-Pod earbuds, anyhow).  In some cases the videos can only be seen via YouTube, in which case a direct link is provided.

“Check It Out” – will.i.am and Nicki Minaj

Weezy protégé, Nicki Minaj, was ubiquitous in 2010, but nowhere was she more fun than in the ode to Japanimation she sings with musical action-figure will.i.am.  With its effervescent sampling from the Pop Tarts’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” and super color-saturated video, “Check It Out” is clever, catchy, and pure entertainment.

“Rolling in the Deep” – ADELE

Under the watchful gaze of über-producer Rick Rubin, British songbird Adele has recorded a follow-up to her widely acclaimed album, 19.  The new album, 21, is being released in February 2011, but the first single, “Rolling in the Deep” has been released; and you need to make it a part of your life, now.  The song is best described in the artist’s own words as a “dark, bluesy, gospel disco tune.”  To try and improve on that would just be gilding the lily.

“Giving Up the Gun” – Vampire Weekend

I’ve been a VW fan since I first bounced-around to their erudite party music a few years back.  Attending their recent concert at the Palms, I realized that sometimes college bands are best heard live by kids in college (lest one is made to straddle the line between elder statesman and dirty old man).  Regardless, they make some damn fine music, their production values are always tops, and nobody in contemporary music blends the melodic forms of three different continents into a more beautiful sonic tapestry.

“Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine

Sure it was technically released toward the end of last year, but with all the brouhaha over Jay-Z, who had time to press into much else?  It took me a couple of months to really get my teeth into it, but once I did I was regaled with that voice, both hauntingly bleak and seeringly emotive – rather like a Celtic Siouxsie Sioux if seen in glorious Technicolor.  Welcome Florence.  No more Dog Days for you!

“F**k You” – CEE LO GREEN

Putting his own twist on the classic Motown hits of the sixties, while never forgetting his Goodie Mob roots, Cee Lo Green has given us the feel-good song of the year, with lyrics that are decidedly R-rated.  As for “Fuck You” I guess I’m not the only one who loves it, seeing as the little ditty received more than 2,000,000 hits in its first week on YouTube; was named “#1 Song of 2010” by Time; and received five Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. 

Music of 2010

Get into it!