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You Can't Hear it on the Radio is a blog about the current golden age of music. At no time since the 1960s has there been such an output of quality music by so many varied artists. Add to that technology that makes it easier than ever for the curious to find good music today. But, like an unlimited selection at an all-you-can-eat buffet, there's no table service. You will have to seek it out. The old model is dead. Generally speaking, you can't hear it on the radio. You can learn about it here, though.

It's time to celebrate the year in music that was 2010, and to kick things off we're going to chat up our top ten albums - countdown style! Later on in the month look for our individual lists that go beyond ten entries, and playlists of some of our favorite individual songs from this year. But for right now let's get it going.

Steve: Noah, when I was going back through all the albums I've listened to this year in trying to determine a top ten order, it really reinforced for me why we started this blog in the first place. 2010 was a kickass year for music. Albums that held my interest numbered well into the 40s. That's just a ton of good music hitting the market. Before we get into our individual lists, what are your impressions of the year in general?

Noah: First and foremost, I feel like I'm still behind. It was such an epic year for music that I'm not sure "kickass" even does it justice. More than anything, I think we're seeing the fruits of the demolition of the music industry. Maybe it's just the music I listen to, but there's such variety available that it seemed like every week held another new release that piqued my interest. There are still a good 10-15 albums I just never got to spend time with in 2010. Maybe that's a function of the way I listen to music, but I'm not sure it doesn't have more to do with the year that was.

Steve: That's true for me too - I suspect I would love the new albums by Deerhunter and The Walkmen, and I've been meaning to check out Black Mountain and The Tallest Man on Earth for the better part of the year. Since we don't get this stuff for free (and you know, have full time jobs and families and stuff) it's hard to fully keep up, but I still feel like I've heard enough 2010 music - 65 albums worth for me - to be able to form a credible top ten, with the stragglers sure to provide good listening in January and February. Other albums I missed in 2010 that I want to at least name drop: The Dum Dum Girls, Wild Nothing, Blonde Redhead, Bear Hands, and The Ruby Suns.

Noah: I have a list of 48 I have an opinion on, with another 11 I still haven't cleared time and brain space for. Those include Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, The Young Evils, Menomena, Lower Dens and Throw Me The Statue. Many of those I know are on your list.

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