Antoine Dodson & The Gregory Brothers - Bed Intruder Song

Album: Bed Intruder Song (Single)

0000

I’m not much of a YouTube watcher, so it was just recently that I found out about Antoine Dodson, who got the most YouTube video views of the year in 2010. For those of you who haven’t heard of this guy, first watch the original newscast where he was featured.

He sounds like the Donkey from Shrek! As if this wasn’t hilarious enough, music group, The Gregory Brothers, took this clip and created auto-tune song out of it, which is actually quite catchy.

This song became so popular on iTunes that it even entered the Billboard Hot 100, and caused numerous viral covers. I particularly liked the college marching band covering the song. I enjoyed it so much that I even purchased the track on iTunes. Hey, the proceed of the song was able to get Dodson family out of the hood. The only sad thing is that the sex offender has not been caught just yet.

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Round And Round

Album: Before Today

Pitchfork - indie music magazine’s top 5 songs of 2010 went like this: #1 Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Round and Round; #2 Kanye West – Runaway; #3 LCD Soundsystem – I Can Change; #4 Robyn – Dancing On My Own; #5 Big Boi – Shutterbugg. The number 1 sounded familiar, and it turned out that I had it on my iTunes (must’ve been part of free song package from Spin magazine or itunes or Amazon MP3). On the magazine, they claim that this song sounds similar to last year’s their #1 choice, Animal Collective – My Girls. I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of either of those songs, but someone out there must think this is great.

Das Racist - hahahaha jk?

Album: Sit Down, Man

0000

I kept on seeing their names on the year end lists, and had to look them up. Apparently they are known for the 2008 song, “Combination Pizza Hut And Taco Bell” where they humorously rap about being confused about the national chain that combines both choices. This track was also voted as one of the best songs on Rolling Stone magazine. The mixtape album is available for free on their website.

Deadmau5 - Animal Rights /ft. Wolfgang Gartner

Album: 4x4=12

What a year for Canadian DJ, Joel Zimmerman known as Deadmau5 in 2010. He was the house DJ during Vancouver Winter Olympics as well as MTV VMA, and he climbed up two spots to take the #4 spot on DJ Magazine’s annual Top 100 DJ Poll. His latest album titled 4x4=12 contains bunch of songs that is sure to get your head bobbing, and dancing all night.

Deerhunter - Helicopter

Album: Halcyon Digest

Spin magazine voted Deerhunter’s fourth album, Helicopter, as the second best album of the year (followed by #1 Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy). The single, “Helicopter” placed on numerous end-of-year charts as one of the best songs of 2010. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia USA, they describe themselves as “ambient punk.” I do get sleepy listening to this song.

Diddy - Dirty Money - Coming Home /ft. Skylar Grey

Album: Last Train To Paris

With so much of the rap world focused on newer superstars such as Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, younger rap fans may not be so aware of Puff Daddy’s “Bad Boy” existence. But, Diddy has finally released much anticipated album, Last Train to Paris using the group name, Diddy-Dirty Money, which also includes, singer-songwriter, Kalenna Harper and former Danity Kane member, Dawn Richard. I didn’t expect too much from this album, but the current single is quite catchy, after you listen to it a couple of times.

Janelle Monae - Tightrope /ft. Big Boi

Album: The ArchAndroid

Kansas City native R&B singer, Janelle Monae released her debut album, The ArchAndroid in May of 2010 from Bad Boy Records label. This single, “Tightrope” had placed on top 10 tracks of the year on numerous music magazines and blogs.

LCD Soundsystem - All I Want

Album: This Is Happening

LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy was chosen as one of the artist of the year from Spin magazine. Also on its magazine’s top 5 list, it places on #4. #1 Cee-Lo Green – Fuck You; #2 Arcade Fire – Ready to Start; #3 Kanye West – Power; #4 LCD Soundsystem – All I Want; #5 Neil Young – Hitchhiker.

Rick Ross - B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast) /ft. Styles P

Album: Teflon Don

MTV News announced their list of top 25 songs of 2010, and the top 5 ranked as: #1 Usher – OMG; #2 Kanye West – Runaway; #3 Kanye West – Power; #4 Rick Ross – BMF; #5 Cee-lo Green – Fuck You. I’ve reviewed all of those songs, except for Ross’ BMF (Blowing Money Fast). It wasn’t a huge radio hit, considering that MTV ranks it amongst the best of the year, here it is.

T.I. - That's All She Wrote /ft. Eminem

Album: No Mercy

T.I.’s follow up album after 2008 mega-hit, Paper Trail was delayed due to his jail sentence. And just when we thought he got out, he was sent back to jail again for violating his probation. The album is strong with guest stars ranging from Kanye West, The-Dream, Chris Brown, Drake to even Christina Aguilera. On the regular edition, you can’t get the previously released singles such as “Got Your Back” or “Yeah Ya Know” and “I’m Back.”

Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)

Album: The Beginning

Will.I.am, Fergie and the other two guys (yes, I do know their names) are back with a band new album, after their international phenomenon, The End from last year. For the lead off single, they sample “Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. It is catchy, but so far doesn’t have the infectious sound of “Boom Boom Pow” or “I’ve Got A Feeling.”

Broken Bells - The Ghost Inside

Album: Broken Bells

When I first heard this song on the radio, I thought it was The Gorillaz. But it turned out to be Broken Bells, who is one half Gnarls Barkley (producer Danger Mouse) and other half, The Shins (lead singer James Mercer). It’s a catchy fun track that stays in your head.

Daft Punk - Derezzed

Album: Tron: Legacy Soundtrack

I’ve never watched the original movie, Tron, but seeing the trailer, and hearing Daft Punk’s name makes me want to go to the theater, just to hear Daft Punk’s soundtrack in surround sound. And the movie looks amazing, visually. I do have to say that a lot of the songs on the soundtrack doesn’t sound much like Daft Punk from the past. But this single makes you want to break out the glow stick.

Dr. Dre - Kush /ft. Snoop Dogg & Akon

Album: Kush (Single)

Finally! The most anticipated album of the decade – Dr. Dre’s final album of his career, Detox, may be coming close to finishing. This album has been in work since 2003. There has been several leaked songs, but this one seems like an official song, as it was released as a single on iTunes. The beat is still the Dre’s hardcore Westcoast sound. And how can you hate on the collaboration between Snoop and Dre.

Duffy - Well, Well, Well

Album: Endlessly

Welsh singer, Duffy had a huge success with her debut album, Rockferry, which contained hit singles such as “Mercy” and “Warwick Avenue”. She had the Amy Winehouse style of throwback voice, and all of us expected more of that for her sophomore album, but she decided to go for more upbeat sound. Duffy still maintains her unique soulful voice, but this lead off single may turn off some initial fans.

Michael Jackson - Hold My Hand /ft. Akon

Album: Michael

There has been controversy surrounding this song, as some have said that the voice doesn’t sound like Michael Jackson’s. I think it does, though maybe not as strong as he used to sound. I’ve only heard snippets of Michael’s latest album, but there are a few songs that could turn into next single and do well on the radio.

My Chemical Romance - Sing

Album: Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys

I was worried that I may not like My Chemical Romance’s latest album, since I recalled reading a magazine interview where Gerard Way said that the new album is going to be more ‘punk’ as opposed to theatrical rock that made The Black Parade so good. But the new album still has that sound, particularly this latest single.

Nicki Minaj - Roman's Revenge /ft. Eminem

Album: Pink Friday

I read an interesting interview of Nicki Minaj. She started out in the mixtape by being a bit of Lil Kim/Foxy Brown, using P-words and C-words. But lately, Nicki has realized that she has a lot of younger fans, like 8 year olds, and she no longer feels comfortable shouting, “where my bitches at!” at concerts, and lately calls them her “barbies.” I think she is by far the hottest female MC today, and even in the company of men, I would list her as one of the best. How she can go from one bar to the next, completely changing her character reminds me of Eminem, and this track proves that she can spit next to the best rapper and still make her sound good.

Robyn - Indestructible

Album: Body Talk

Robyn has been nailing her singles, and gaining a lot of new fans (and winning back a lot of older fans who’s known her since the 90s). Her “Body Talk” EPs have been very successful, and she compiled the three EPs for this album. This is one brilliant electronic-pop album.

Weezer - Unbreak My Heart

Album: Death To False Metal

Weezer has been talking about releasing an album called ‘Odds and Ends’ comprised of band’s leftover materials for the past couple of years. And here it is, now titled Death to False Metal. One of the highlights from the album is the cover of Toni Braxton’s song, “Unbreak My Heart.” When Rivers sings it, there is poignancy and you just want to cheer up the guy.

Bon Jovi - What Do You Got?

Album: Greatest Hits - The Ultimate Collection

Bon Jovi released their greatest hits (second time, since 1994’s Cross Road), with a couple of new songs, including “What Do You Got?” Although the song or the album was not a major success in the US, it is doing extremely well in Japan. Both the album and single reached #1 there. No wonder Bon Jovi likes to tour in Japan so frequently.

Bruno Mars - Grenade

Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

When Bruno Mars came out, he had clean cut pop singer image, but recently he was arrested for possession of cocaine. Despite his recent arrest, this guy can write and sing great pop songs. He has already proven himself with Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” and Cee-lo’s “F**k You”. His latest single is also addicting and climbing up the chart.

Charlie Hunter - More Than This /ft. Norah Jones

Album: Featuring Norah Jones

Norah Jones recently released an album with songs where she was featured on other artists’ albums. In the past decade, she has worked with numerous musicians from the legendary ones like Ray Charles, Willie Nelson as well as rockers like Foo Fighters, and even hip-hop artists such as Outkast, Q-Tip and Talib Kweli. One of the tracks from the album is Roxy’s cover song, “More Than This” with Charlie Hunter. This song was recorded right before Norah Jones signed with Blue Note, after Hunter heard the demo (the same demo that got her to sign to the label). This track has become top 10 song in Japan recently.

Chris Brown - Deuces [Remix] /ft. Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross & Andre 3000

Album: Deuces Remix

Chris Brown has been trying to regain his fans after the incident with his then-girlfriend Rihanna. He was able to get a lot of famous rapper friends to spit verses on his recent single, “Deuces.” That’s an impressive lineup if you got Drake, T.I., and Kanye West, but that’s just the first half. Fabolous, Rick Ross and Andre 3000 of Outkast also appear on this remix.

Hugo - 99 Problems

Album: 99 Problems (Single)

Hugo has a very interesting background. He was born in theUK, but grew up in Thailand. One of the songs he wrote, “Disappear” was picked up Beyonce on her I Am Sasha Fierce album, and since then he was signed onto Jay-Z’s label. His debut album is currently in works, but he is gaining attention with the cover of his boss’ song, “99 Problems.” When I originally heard it on the radio, I thought it was Jack White.

JYJ - Ayyy Girl /ft. Kanye West & M. Yusuf

Album: The Beginning

In the past couple of years, several Korean singers and groups have tried to break through in the US market. This month, it is JYJ’s turn. Korean and Japanese audience will know them as the three guys from their former group TVXQ or Tohoshinki or Dong Bang Shin Ki. As much as I want to cheer these guys on for trying, their singing makes me nervous. It’s not that they are a bad singer, but combined with cheesy lyrics and not-so-sexy accent, it will be hard to sell this to US audience who have no previous contact with Tohoshinki. I do want to give them a credit for being able to drag Kanye West into this.