Jerry Curl names Top 5 albums of 2010

[Editor's note] 2010 was a musically transitional year for me. Not so much in my taste in music, as that remains impeccable. But rather, I've sorta changed the way I listen to music.

While I like to think of myself as part of a dying breed of music fans that still visit record stores, I must admit that the majority of my business went to the iTunes store this year. For varying reasons-- lack of supply at real stores, unwillingness to invest in a new artist's whole album, laziness-- I have fallen prey to the instant gratification of digital downloads.

However, this new found inlet has not stopped my album-purchasing ways. I can proudly say that I own hard copies of everything on the following list. Perhaps listening to the albums as they were intended had something to do with why they're on the list. Either way, I hope you give these albums a listen. In a world where throw-away music seems to be the norm, these are rare gems that should be treasured.

#5 Aphrodite by Kylie Minogue

Kylie makes the list this year because Madonna didn't release anything. (That was mean. Apologies to Kylie aficionados). The truth is, I'm just not that big of fan. But I have to admit that her latest album was quite the popgasm. Songs like "All the Lovers" and "Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)" were virtually on non-stop repeat. Fun and frivolous, this was basically the soundtrack to my summer. Song to DL: "Get Outta My Way"

#4 All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu by Rufus Wainwright

This was the brooding and comfort album of the year. Recorded shortly before Wainwright's mother died, it’s an understandably somber affair that captures the melancholy of loss. Lacking the pomp of his previous ones, this album was just Wainwright alone and his piano, singing about overcoming lonesomeness. Song to DL: "The Dream"

#3 New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh by Erykah Badu

I've never really followed Miss Badu's music until this album. Actually, it wasn't until controversy erupted over the video for "Window Seat" that I sat up and started to pay attention. I'm glad I did because this album is a sultry, sophisticated declaration her musical prowess. She does R&B, soul, hip hop, and Billie Holiday. My favorite song is "Out My Mind, Just In Time" where she sings: "I'm a recovering, undercover over lover/ recovering from a love I can't get over/ And now my common." Songs to DL: "Window Seat" and "Out My Mind, Just In Time"

#2 Night Work by the Scissor Sister

This is arguably the best Sisters album ever. That's saying a lot considering they've all been pretty spectacular! From its anthemic "Fire With Fire" to "Whole New Way", this collection features some of the best pop music being made today. I love Jake Shears. I love Ana Matronic. And I love the seedy, raunchy vibe they put out on "Night Work". Indeed, I found a whole new way to love them! Songs to DL: "Sex and Violence" and "Invisible Light"

#1 I Learned the Hard Way by Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings

Much as I love my Scissor Sisters, the top price indisputably belongs to Sharon Jones. In what can only be described as a marvelous and modern take on 60s soul music, this album captures the vitality of a genre long thought dead. Sharon has an impeccable sense of delivery that balances power with nuance. The craftsmanship of the arrangements both compliment her and are remarkable in their own right. Listening to songs like "Better Things" and "Money" all but guarantee that they'll be in your head all day. Simply put, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings are ushering in an era of retro-soul music that cannot and should not be ignored. Songs to DL: "If You Call" and "I'll Still Be True"