Staff Infection: Best of 2010 SXSW Revisted

As I was going through my top bands of the year, I was reminded why I fell in love with these bands and records all over again. Many of them became obsessive listening experiences to the upteenth degree. As we approach SXSW 2011, I'm reminded of bands like Frightened Rabbit, Fanfarlo, Midlake and Local Natives who blew me away at SXSW 2010. I do realize that Fanfarlo's record was released in 2009but it was new to me in 2010 so it made the list. And as a little side note, our very own Michael J. Epstein, from Michael J. Epstein Memorial Libary shot the Frightened Rabbit SXSW live video you'll see below.

I'm always a bit surprised to find I gravitate toward a very distinct sound, great pop melody, full sound, an underlying strength behind the song. It's no different this year.

So without further adieu, these are the ones that made the list in all their obsess filled glory.

Local Natives, Gorilla Manor


Naked Hearts, Mass Hysteria (Mass Hysteria free mp3)

Midlake, The Courage of Others


Ra Ra Riot, The Orchard (Live on KEXP)


Sara Radle, Four


Sufjan Stevens, All Delighted People EP (Live at the Music Hall in Williamsburg NY)


Yeasayer, Odd Blood


Frightened Rabbit, The Winter of Mixed Drinks (Live at SXSW 2010)


Fanfarlo, Reservoir



Each Monday a different Green Light Go staff member will let you in on what songs have infected their ears for the week, while giving you the opportunity to share in the experience yourself.


This week: Janelle Rogers, Green Light Go Owner and Publicist Extraordinaire