Richard Paul - The Quest writesRichard Paul’s Best of 2010

Chirp Radio's Best of 2010 continues with selections from CHIRP DJ Richard Paul.

1. The Books – The Way Out (Temporary Residence)
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   We've all always known these guys were geniuses.  This is their absolute masterpiece.
2. Four Tet – There Is Love In You (Domino)
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   Everything this man touches turns to gold.  That is 100% accurate for his remixes.  After Everything Ecstatic, I was a little worried about his full-length work though. There is Love in You proves Kieren Hebden still has some Rounds left in him yet.
3. Pantha du Prince – Black Noise (Rough Trade)
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   Track after track of sheer brilliance.
4. Hot Chip – One Life Stand (Astralwerks)
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   Enjoyable, feel-good album.  Noteworthy tracks are "Brothers" and "Alley Cats."
5. Faux Pas – Noiseworks (Sensory Projects/Heroics)
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   A full-length can't be full enough from Australia's Tim Shiel.  After several EPs and sporadic demos this was a very welcome treat in 2010. Highly recommend you frequent his personal blog.
6. Foals – Total Life Forever (Sub Pop)
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   Solid tracks from UK's Foals.  One of the most chill-giving songs of the year, "Spanish Sahara."
7. Twin Sister – Color Your Life (Infinite Best)
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   Seems this is the most underrated album of the year.  Flew low under the radar with songs that should be getting much more time in the spotlight.
8. The Chap – Well Done Europe (Lo Recordings)
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   I thought these guys were done for with their past two releases being bombs, but they pulled out some nice songs true to their old style in this album.
9. Caribou – Swim (Merge)
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   Every song is good on this album. But I felt they were all rather similar; the album played it kinda on the safe side, not very exploring.  This knocked it back a few spots on my list.
10. Balmorhea – Constellations (Western Vinyl)
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    I love me some instrumental post-rock.

Close Call

• Belle & Sebastian – Write About Love (Matador)
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  Still havent gotten around to listening to this album all the way through, but sounds to me like one of the years best albums.