The best new music of 2010 includes everything from alternative rock to rap collaborations

Compiled by Mitch Ringenberg

Hot Chip
Album: “One Life Stand”
Release date: Feb. 9
If you like… LCD Soundsystem

Electronic outfit Hot Chip has been making great indie pop music since their debut “Coming On Strong” was released in 2005. Fans of LCD Soundsystem will find something to enjoy here, however, Hot Chip’s influences are across the board. Mixing electronica, rap, rock and soul the group has a sound that is almost distinctly theirs. Their previous record, 2008’s “Made in the Dark” had a much heavier and sleeker sound than previous affairs, but that album, while good nonetheless, was their weakest effort yet. Judging by “One Life Stand’s” first single, “Take It In,” the group is taking a step back in the right direction.

Nas and Damian Marley

Album: “Distant Relatives”
Release date: Mar. 16
If you like… Jay-Z

As far as rap collaboration albums go, they’re pretty hit or miss. Well, mostly miss. On the other hand, Nas is one of the most talented rappers of all time, and his past two albums have been among his best work since his early 90s debut, “Illmatic.” Damian Marley dropped a great reggae/rap album in 2005 with “Welcome to Jamrock.” Nas and Damian Marley also collaborated on the excellent “Jamrock” track “Road to Zion.” As far as the quality of this album, chances are it will either be excellent or it will be completely it will be disappoint. However, I’m leaning more towards excellent considering these two artists are both great talents who rarely falter in their music-making.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Album: “The Brutalist Bricks”
Release date: Mar. 9
If you like… The Strokes

Ted Leo and his band, the Pharmacists, made some of the best post-punk/power-pop tunes of the last decade when they released 2004’s “Shake the Sheets.” The band balances their catchy guitar riffs and pop hooks with intricate instrumentals and intelligent lyrics. Always underrated in the indie rock scene, the Pharmacists have always delivered solid records, while the punk-influenced political sense displayed in their lyrics have only grown more relevant. Ted Leo has a  voice that is very much his own, however, fans of alternative rock looking for a bit more intelligence in their music will be grateful to look into this band.

The Game
Album: “The R.E.D. Album”
Release date: Feb. 16
If you like… Tupac

While I’m not a fan of the majority of current rap music, Compton rapper the Game is one of the best MC’s putting out music today. His latest release, titled “The R.E.D. Album,” is becoming one of the most buzzed about rap albums in recent years. The Game’s songs don’t usually stray from typical rap subject matter, but his lyrical skills are undeniably powerful and help elevate rather standard and brutal subject matter to something oddly poetic. Fans of Jay-Z and early Dr. Dre will no doubt enjoy the album, which the rapper himself has stated as his best work yet.

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Quasi
Album: “American Gong”
Release date: Feb. 23
If you like… Pavement