MUSINGS: And We're Back...With A Bit of Soulful Intervention

It seems as though I increasingly find myself struggling more and more with the upkeep of Mixtape Muse, especially this past week. In regards to last week, I didn't want to do anything with a computer (it's what I stare at all day after all) following work, and outside of relaxing after getting home I just wanted to ride my bike as much as possible. It was a pretty scary and, in some way, uncomfortable thing to feel a disconnect with music, something that's been my life outside of school and work for more than a decade now. More than anything, it was a lack of passion I felt for music, and so, it felt like an unusual emotional disconnect from something that has helped shape me into who I am today.

Simon P.'s Top Albums of 2010

Woohoo. What's better than ringing in the New Years with the grooviest, rocking-est, so-in-your-face-that-you-don't-even-know-it's-there records of the year. Believe you me, this has been a (lady) killer year in music, and I had some serious choices to make.

10. Spoon - Transference

Britt and the boys started off the year with a serious bang. Supposedly, Daniels commented that this album is a return to some simpler songs ("Underdog" had just a few too many). While many were put off by the at times abruptness of the record, Spoon ditched some of the fancy progressions and brought out some heavy rock winners like "The Mystery Zone", "Is Love Forever", and my personal favorite, "Written in Reverse". Toss in the subtle, yet beautiful and hidden presence of "Out Go the Lights" and you've got yourself a great record. Keep it up guys.

9. Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs - God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise

This New England folk-rock singer/songwriter is sprouting wings and headed for some really serious musical territory. With every album his vocal talents are showcased more, while still beefing up the arrangements behind him. The Pariah Dogs, new to this record, provide a professional and incomparable backdrop for LaMontagne, who's voice is soulful and strong on this record. Album opener "Repo Man" is a groove-heavy sequel to Gossip in the Grain's funk tune "You are the Best Thing", followed by a solid body of tunes that are easy on the ears.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Announce Tour

The one and only Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have announced new tour dates which you can scope below. The band's latest album, I Learned the Hard Way, is out now on Daptone Records.

SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS TOUR DATES

Jul 30 – Bridgeport, CT – Gathering of the Vibes
Aug 01 – Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival
Aug 05 – Salt Lake City, UT – Twilight Concert Series
Aug 06 – Atlanta, GA – Chastain Park Ampitheatre
Aug 07 – Brooklyn, NY – Prospect Park
Aug 13 – Cleveland, OH – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Sep 04 – Snowmass Village, CO – Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival
Sep 14 – Puyallup, WA – Puallup Fair
Sep 17 – Lexington, KY – Busters
Sep 18 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
Sep 19 – St Louis, MO – The Pageant
Sep 20 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
Sep 21 – Kansas City, MO – Midland Theater
Sep 23 – Dallas, TX – The Showroom at Palladium
Sep 24 – Austin, TX – La Zona Rosa
Sep 26 – Phoenix, AZ – Orpheum Theatre
Sep 27 – Santa Fe, NM – The Lensic Performing Arts Center
Sep 28 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

Check out the super cool, super well-done video for the title track after the jump. Ms. Jones can act, man!