It’s July 1st and we’re officially half way through a year full of some solid new music. A lot of great bands have put out some real winners and 2010 is gearing up to be one for the record books. However since all albums are not created equal, the Merchants of Rock staff are taking a look back to showcase some of our faves. These are the albums we can’t stop playing, the songs we can’t stop humming and the concerts we can’t stop talking about.

FAVORITE ALBUMS

Dr. Dog – Shame, Shame
I had huge expectations for this album, and it exceeded all of them. There is not a single song on the record that I am not all about. My favorite release to date from a band that I really love. – Curt

Band of Horses – Infinite Arms & The Black Keys – Brothers
What can I say it’s impossible for me to pick between the two as they both are stellar albums from two great bands with very different takes on the current state of rock n roll. They are a yin and yang representing both the light/wispy alt-country/folk-pop genre as well as the heavier/grittier bluesy funk rock. Both of these albums are packed full of great tunes and both bands are at the top of their game. It’s no coincidence both are “taking off” and touring alongside larger acts such as Pearl Jam (Band of Horses) and The Kings of Leon (Black Keys). – Matt

Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
No forgiveness needed for my favorite album of 2010 so far, which I’ve had on repeat since it was first released in May. With slow jams, chick leads, indie rock anthems, groovy instrumentals, fun uptempo songs and 7 minute epic tunes this album has it all and then some. – Heather

LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
I’ve liked a lot of albums so far this year, and obsessively immersed myself in several, but James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem’s third and final album This Is Happening was an impeccably superb effort, seeing them off into the sunset with a real bang. I can’t get the songs out of my head or off my iPod. Murphy and crew didn’t exactly break new sonic ground here, they brought their same electro-rock magic formula that has helped them churn out hit after hit. But this time around they seemed to apply an extra special David-Byrne-like emphasis towards percussion (a la “I Zimbra”), and the results were fantastical. No one makes apathy, self-loathing, and drug use mesh so perfectly with danceable synths and pop hooks, but since his early days as a disco-rock MC in New York, Murphy has always done it with such ease and undeniable coolness; This Is Happening was no different. – Brooks

FAVORITE LIVE SHOWS

Drive By Truckers @ The Norva
There is nothing like seeing a great band at a great venue. The Drive By Truckers reputation as a stellar live act is right on point. The energy, passion, and musicianship from the band was off the charts. My first time seeing the Truckers, but it certainly won’t be my last. – Curt

Dr. Dog with Deer Tick @ 9:30 Club
The crowd was right, the sound was tight and the mood was out of sight my man. Seriously though it was a chance to discover a new band (Deer Tick) and a new side of a band (Dr. Dog). It’s a rare experience when you get to experience a band’s music in a different style thru their live show. Some songs might be faster and some might be slower giving you a completely new way to experience their catalog. Dr. Dog made me a believer that night and while I still think they have a terrible band name it’s one I hope to see lit up on a marquis again soon. – Matt

Josh Ritter @ Asbury Park
Without a doubt this was the easiest decision I’ve made in a long time. With only 100 some people in attendance this live show was more like hanging out with Josh Ritter and his Royal City Band than attending a concert. Josh completely killed it and his band absolutely rocks, with so many amazing songs under his belt to bring to the table and a feeling of real joy in his performance there is no way to top this one. – Heather

Spoon featuring The Strange Boys and Deerhunter @ The National
While the headliner Spoon was certainly great, it was odd to see a band performing like they were the Rolling Stones doing their greatest hits tour. It seemed like they played fan favorite after hit after fan favorite; it was good, but tiresome. However, Brandon Cox and his newly reassembled Deerhunter were amazing: jamming out so nonchalantly that at times they were almost visibly yawning to each other. Cox and his bandmates were both hilariously entertaining, and outstanding musicians, well-rehearsed with great chemistry; I was blown away. Furthermore, The Strange Boys clearly showed they are a band bound to make serious press in the next couple years. I thoroughly enjoyed their Nashville meets *Exile On Main Street* honky-tonk style. – Brooks

FAVORITE SONGS
Alright enough of the chit-chat, let’s get to the music. Here is a collection of our 25 favorite songs released so far this year.