Best Local (New Haven) Music of 2010

It's already Jan. 5th and I have yet to find the time to write my "Best of" list in regards to local music. Maybe that's because I've basically been writing that list all year long. How so you say? Well, throughout the year I have 100's of CDs cross my desk, not all local mind you, but a fair share of them are. From those, once a month or sometimes twice, even thrice - I pick what turns me on the most (a "Best of" at that moment, I suppose), and review it. So the best place for me to start would be from the CDs that "made the cut" each month throughout the year. However, before doing so I must lament that after reading some of the other Local CT "Best of" lists, I feel as though my exposure has been lacking. Right now I regard the state of CT to have 4 thriving and representable scenes, my hometown of New Haven, New London, Hartford, and recently Fairfield/Bridgeport. Except for a few crossovers, I am relatively unfamiliar with the New London, Hartford & Fairfield/Bridgeport scenes (Resolution #1, try to get more connected to the other scenes throughout the state of CT). One of my favorite New London acts, Low-Beam, released a CD this year that has made several "Best of" lists, even included in a Hartford one, yet I not only haven't heard it, I didn't even know it was released. As far as Hartford, if it wasn't for Jennifer Hill & Co. and their incredible release "Fifteen Minute Long Sentence" I would know nothing of that scene. The same goes for Saint Bernadette from Bridgeport, their "Cover Thy Neighbor" release (technically released in Dec of '09) is an amazing testament to the quality of music that can be found in the Fairfield/Bridgeport scene. Their 11 covers of obscure local songs by obscure local artists is an unbelievable primer that should be required listening for anyone who questions the importance of this local scene.

As for myself, and this Blog, it's still New Haven (& Beyond) that gets the nod, so while I have sung the praises throughout the year for such great local releases as The Frank Critelli Band (The FCB EP), James Velvet's latest endeavor, The Lonesome Sparrows (Black Velvet Royalty), The Mold Monkies (Stoats Afire!), Titles (Dirt Bell), Shark (Shark), and Age Of Reason (Acoustic and Live at Studio 23) - there is one release that found it's way into my players on an almost daily basis since it's release back in April. That alone tells me how good it is, how much it turns me on and how much I'd love to turn you and everybody else onto it as well. It's True, Pure, Rock-n-Roll with a little bit of everything that you can identify Rock-n-Roll with thrown in. It's a Good time, party, smile inducing platter that defines why we write these lists in the first place.

It's Rock-n-Roll.

It's the 2010 "IndepenDisc of the Year"

Chicks Dig It
The Big Fat Combo

Honorable Mention: All those mentioned above ;-)

A few quick 2010 notes:

Best live performance by a (semi)-local band (that I witnessed): Shark at Artspace Underground.

Disappointment #1: Meriden Daffodil Fest's Sunday schedule washed out due to rain.

Disappointment #2: The quiet loss of Frank Critelli's long running "Songs From the Sofa" series at Books & Co. in Hamden CT.

Encouraging signs #1: The continued support and recognition of the local scene involved with the National "Gathering of the Vibes" Festival at Seaside Park in Bridgeport

Encouraging signs #2: The BOMB (Bring Our Music Back) Festival in the state, didn't actually BOMB.

and a lot more stuff I really should have written about in this here Blog, but couldn't find the time (Resolution #2 - write and post more about the Local scene (& Beyond) here on this Blog in 2011).

With that I will wrap this up by stating that I have 5 "IndepenDisc 2010 Sampler" CDs to give away. I will randomly draw 5 names from those who share what you feel is your #1 Local Music release for 2010.

So, What say ye?

Wishing You all a Healthy, Safe, Happy & Musical 2011.