A bad year on many fronts - but reasons for cheer musically

The words ‘2010’ and ‘good year’ may not seem to belong in the same sentence, but the music of 2010 added a sparkling silver lining to the oppressively dark economic cloud.

The National returned with the superb High Violet, confirming them as one of the most vital bands of the past decade. Songs like Terrible Love and England took themes of loneliness and loss and turned them into something redemptive. The National stormed Electric Picnic and, earlier this month, played three sold-out shows in the Olympia.

The anticipation was even higher for Arcade Fire’s third album. The Montreal outfit had disappointed some fans with the brooding, but brilliant, Neon Bible in 2007. Yet they carried enough clout to headline this year's Oxegen. They followed that performance wit the absolutely sublime The Suburbs.

Although it’s becoming harder to tempt punters into venues, Galway promoters are still bringing in big name acts. The Róisín Dubh brought in international artists like DJ Shadow, The Magic Numbers, Darwin Deez and Mark Lanegan.

Kelly’s Bar, meanwhile hosted Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip – their third sell-out show in Galway in as many years. The Crane continues to bring in stellar folk/trad acts and Ger Wolfe’s show there was a 2010 highlight.

The country’s fiscal state may have angered us but our music still gives us reason for pride. So if you’re looking for stocking fillers, here are homegrown albums that got the Groove Tube buzzing this year.Be It Right Or Wrong – R.S.A.G. Kilkenny native Jeremy Hickey brought his one-man show back in 2010, following his Choice Prize nominated debut with an even better album. Talking Heads, Fela Kuti and honest-to-goodness Irish funk all combined to give 2010 a genuine toe-tapper.

National Cancer Strategy – Jinx LennonDundalk firebrand Lennon continued to berate the state of the nation with his leanest and most accessible collection to date. Nothing But A Leprechaun, a tale of our leaders going to Europe with caps in hand was a premonition of things to come. But Jinx also explored break-ups on Refrigerated Couple and on Respect Yourself This Year gave an antidote to pessimism. Christy Moore is one fan; Jinx deserves thousands more. Surprise yourself and those within earshot of your stereo, and get this album. 

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.