The Very Best of 2010

1. Laura Broad - Crash
 
What an amazing year it has been for Laura Broad. In the past she's played on the John Peel stage at Glastonbury, she won a Leona Lewis singing competition promoted by her record label - and this year she joined the cast on Channel 5's 'Don't Stop Believing'. Laura also switched on the Kidderminster Christmas Lights with BBC Hereford & Worcester and has been working with producers on the Faeroe Islands to create her tracks.
 
2. Carly - I Can't Take It Anymore
 
This song sounds like it's come straight out of the charts - top of the charts. This is one of the most amazing tracks produced in 2010 by a local - or even national - musician. The production is first class and she only took up singing in the last couple of years. Watch out for her live in session in January 2011.
 
3. Monster! Monster! - Studio Candy
 
When I received a letter in the post from a dance music producer who samples Gameboys and Sega Megadrives and turns them into techno, my eyes lit up! When I heard his tracks - I just had to play them to everyone I met - and his tunes are something I can also take out and DJ with. We put him on at Nozstock and he stole the show - putting in a "sick" performance, as one of his fans described.
 
4. Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed
 
Many heads will be turned by the fact I haven't put her at number one - but I firmly believe that 2010 was the year she was fresh and exploded on the scene by being nominated as the BBC's Sound of 2010. I've seen her play live and she really blows me away - but by putting her at number four shows the standard of music Hereford & Worcester is producing.
 
5. Dr Mojito - Dementist
 
This song is ridiculous. But I love it! Some serious funk is going on here, too. They're a great fun band and they deserve a wider live audience in 2011.
 
6. Laura Thompson & Kev Tudge - The Message
 
What do you do when you want to put Rhondda and Laura Thompson at number six? You put them both there. Laura has consistently written some amazing tunes in 2010 - and so have Rhondda. This pretty little song shows their songwriting ability in equal forms - both deserving that number six from the 1,400 songs we were sent in 2010.
 
7. The Candidates - Looking For Love
 
I couldn't decide between Fall Back Theory and The Candidates for this slot as I felt both bands were very similar. When I listened to the Fall Back Theory, I just couldn't find "that" tune - although their song writing is consistently brilliant. The Candidates achieved that goal - and therefore made it to my number seven.
 
8. I Am Ryan - Hit Reset
 
This isn't the best recording - but the song is absolutely first class. I always think of chart eligibility when considering my top ten and these guys deserve a place in the nationals. First class.
 
9. Barbarix ft Jasmine Knight - Forsaken
 
One thing that's for sure - 2010 was the year of Dubstep. 2010 was also the year for Barbarix. His production is first class. So we put him on at Wychwood Festival and he blew the cobwebs away! Cheltenham Racecourse has never heard such bass - sheer quality!
 
10. Nocturnal Spice - River Paddles
 
They performed this track live in our Hylton Road studios and I fell in love with the creativity behind the track. It is so clever - it just simply deserves to be in the top ten!

1. Tallulah Fix - So Good
 
I've been banging on about these guys all year and any one of their 'blunge' numbers could have been here as well. They did some great sets at Worcester Beer Festival and Oxjam - and have also played the Dublin Castle and Hope And Anchor in London, as well as a wonderful radio session at Hylton Road.
 
2. Tramps Like Us - Thoughts That Go Unsaid
 
I just love the '80s mellotron sounds in this upbeat electro-rocking punchy number. This is the version they did at their live session in our studios. Tramps Like Us supported Wheatus earlier in the year and I'm sure they will have a great 2011.
 
3. This Wicked Tongue - The Simpsons Are On At Six
 
This is a pure pop classic from the Tina V-fronted outfit that's evolved from Ancient Addicts and The Blue Radio project. A bunch of totally nice geezers who've recently started their own twice-monthly open mic night.
 
4. The Crooked Empire - Bruises
 
Two sets were performed in one day at Bridgebash from these pure rock'n'rollers. They're a bit risque at times but these lads have got some weight behind them and should be an amazing year coming up.
 
5. Robinson - First Time
 
Sheer hard work has led to plays by Wogan, Janice Long and Jo Wiley. He's just got back from recording in the USA. He did a great set opening up the Worcester Music Festival. I heard the first few bars of this number also on the BBC's Countryfile.
 
6. Becky Rose - Werewolf
 
A great year ahead is expected for this girl who's already topped a few internet charts in the last 12 months. An incredibly atmospheric number this - that really deserves a much wider audience.
 
7. Admiral Daydream & The Stolen Souvenirs - Longest Day
 
This is, of course, the wonderfully talented songwriter and frontman of Dandelion Killers - Adam Daffurn. Ad's also played with the likes of Solar Plexus, Stuntdog, Dirty Oyster Cabaret and new H+W supergroup God Save The King - wow!
 
8. November & The Criminal - Vials
 
This is another outfit who've changed their name - they're now called Peace. I especially enjoyed their 'secret' gig at the Grapes in Hereford earlier this year with The Candidates - and they recently supported The Vaccines and did a cracking set at Nozstock.
 
9. Apples - Reason 45
 
A breezy local classic from the lads that used to be Brandon Steep. They did a great set at Nozstock and there's a bright future ahead for these guys.
 
10. Da Vinci - Painting
 
After months of nagging DV finally recorded this prog anthem and we couldn't play it on air fast enough! Great sets all year - especially the Worcester Beer Festival.