I thought I’d take a slightly different approach to the best of list this year. So, instead of a standard Top 10 list as in prior years I decided to list just the Top 5 CDs of the year in order and the next best 5 in no particular order – the rankings after 5 has always been somewhat arbitrary and usually CD number 6 is as good as number 10 or number 9, so really it doesn’t matter and there are no prizes anyway. As always, it’s my list and I make the rules and will change ’em if I feel bloody well like it.

1) The Rumjacks: Gangs of New Holland – Gangs lives up to the promise of last years EPs and meets a very high standard. Uncle Tommy will be proud.

2) Circle J: Weekend Warriors – These guys came outta nowhere (well The Netherlands actually) – how could I have missed ’em before?

3) The Mighty Regis: 21 – A mighty CD from the Regis and good enough to be endorsed by Regis himself.

4) Flatfoot 56: Black Thorn – Here is a band that has gone from being the Dropkick Murphys kid brothers to towering above the crowd – both musically and literally (have you seen ’em they are big guys – except the bag pipe player).

5) Greenland Whalefishers: Songs From The Bunker – The original masters of Continental Paddy Punks best release since the masterpiece Loboville

Kilmaine Saints: The Good, The Plaid and The Ugly – new band out of PA, and CD that just kept growing on me.

Pipes and Pints: Until We Die – From the Czech Republic – punk and pipes as good as it gets.

Black 47: Bankers and Gangsters – 20 years on the go and still quality and totally original.

Mr. Irish Bastard: A Fistful of Dirt – ……….”And it it just simply rocks.”

Pete Berwick: Give it Time – Pure punk’n’country and all bad attitude

Honorable Mentions:
Hugh Morrison: Robert Burns Rocks
The Wakes: No Irish Need Apply
Bastards on Parade: EP
Chris Skel: Sodden Psalms
The Staggers: Year Of The Bastard
Auld Corn Brigade: A Fighters Lullabies

Best Song of 2010:
Shane MacGowan by Lullygag. Catchy pop ska punk – nothing Celtic or Irish
‘cept the title but a song I keep playing.

I’m drinking like Shane MacGowan on St. Paddys Day.
I’m shooting up like Sid Vicious used to do.
I’m puffing like Bob Marley taught me
……Nuff said.

Stuff To Watch For in 2011
Continental – Rick Barton formally of Dropkick Murphys new band. I’ve seen’em live twice in 2010 and the are amazing. An EP is expected in 2011.

2011 Releases to watch for:
The Mahones: Black Irish – I’ve heard it and its a contender for 2011 best of year.
The BibleCodeSundays should also have something out in 2011, and hopefully stuff by the big boys – Flogging Molly, The Tossers, Dropkick Murphys.