December 21, 2010 2010: The best and worst in music

As we enter the final days of 2010, a number of people are gathering year-end lists. So I asked a handful of local taste-makers to help narrow down the best music of the year.

In Sunday’s Spotlight section of The Bee, our panel of radio DJs, musicians, promoters and journalists picked their 10 favorite albums and songs of the year. The Black Keys and Kanye West were among the most-selected artists, while locals such as Fierce Creatures, Fashawn, Motel Drive and Strange Vine also got shout-outs.

Once you look over those lists, go over the chart below. We made selections in categories such as favorite discovery, most disappointing album and artist to watch in 2011.

Our panel consisted of Nicole Giordano Ashjian and her husband Nik Ashjian, both from Y101 and Indie Nation, John Magic and DJ Kay Rich of B95, Gnarley Charley of Kiss Country and Skippy from New Rock 104.1, as well as local music scene fixtures Aaron Gomes, Patrick Contreras, Johnny Esquivel and Audie from Audie’s Olympic. Myself and Debbie Speer from Pollstar represented the press.

Now it’s your turn. Below you’ll find the nine questions in our 2010 music survey. Make your list, check it twice and add it to the comment section.

Top 10 favorite albums of the year?



Top 10 favorite songs of the year?



Favorite artist of the year?



Favorite music discovery?



Non-2010 song you played like it was brand new?



Most annoying song?



Most disappointing album?



Artist to watch in 2011?



Most awaited release of 2011?





Let’s hear it, music lovers.