Singer/songwriter Jonathan Byrd has been on the radar for a couple of years now, since we received his great record “The Law & The Lonesome” a couple of years ago. Since then, he’s become an honorary Canadian, touring and hanging out regularly with folks like Corin Raymond. Recently, he visited our own Jaxon Haldane to record a new record.

The other night, I was at the Times Change(d) and this song came on. I had to write down the title and track it down. Amazing. Word on the street is that it’ll be on the new record. I can’t wait:

For those with short attention spans in this iTunes single age, here’s a list of great Canadian songs from 2010 that deserve to be heard. Seriously, you can get each one for less than a buck, and you’ll get so much more out of enjoying them.

These aren’t meant to be the 10 “best” songs of the year, because what the hell does that mean, but they are 10 songs that you really should hear and I know you’ll enjoy.

1. Miles and Years by Del Barber, from Love Songs for the Last 20. http://www.myspace.com/delbarber. Nobody released a better record in 2010 than Del Barber, and I’d stand in Richard Flohil’s living room WITH MY HAT ON and tell him so. Sensitive, funny, interesting, melodic, powerful, witty, man, the guy’s songs have just about everything. Listen to this one and you can really feel the scene as it comes alive in living colour. Brilliant writing for a kid who’s only at the beginning of his very exciting career. Watch out for big big things from this guy, I’d bet on it.

2. Goodbye by Lynn Miles (with Jim Bryson), from Fall for Beauty. http://www.lynnmilesmusic.com/. Lynn Miles can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. Any time she puts out new music is cause for celebration, and her new disc is no different. The standout track is this absolute heartbreaker about a relationship that’s just run its course. Listen to the depth of feeling in the voices of Lynn and guest Jim Bryson. Both are brilliant, but neither has ever reached into my heart quite like this before. Sad, beautiful, absolutely perfect.

3. Daisy by Christina Martin, from I Can Too. http://www.christinamartin.net/. She was brilliant on her last record, so I wondered whether there was room for growth, but this song (and the whole disc) takes things up more than just a notch. Still the same powerful songs and moving melodies, this one is amped up a bit by producer/partner Dale Murray with some driving guitar lines. This one’s about the best pop/rock song of the year, and if anything deserves to be screaming out of radios and car windows, this is it.

4. Eulogy for You and Me by Tanya Davis, from Clocks and Hearts Keep Going. www.tanyadavis.ca. Another victory for the amazing Jim Bryson. He took this amazing, relatively unknown songwriter and, as producer, gave her one hell of an amazing sounding record. This is another of those heartbreaking sad songs that just reaches into your heart and mind and won’t let go. And what a melody, and what playing by Mr. Jim.

5. My Love Comes Stepping Up the Stairs by Old Man Luedecke, from My Hands Are on Fire and other Love Songs. www.oldmanluedecke.ca. Sweet and beautiful and playful, all the things that make Old Man Luedecke, and this song, so charming. He can do so much with just a simple idea and a banjo. Of course, the disc is helped out a lot by producer Steve Dawson (and special guest Tim O’Brien), but at the heart, Chris Luedecke doesn’t need much help to make magic happen. This one is simple and fun, no heartbreak involved.

6. Turn the Radio Up, Brian MacMillan, from Shine. www.brianmacmillanmusic.com. Sometimes, we all just want to have fun (not just the girls), and upbeat songs like this are just what the doctor ordered. MacMillan is one of my favourite discoveries of the year. He’s kind of a mix of a lot of fun music (Jack Johnson, Paul Simon, Bob Marley, whatever) and with some great songs, this one is probably the feel-good album of 2010.

7. Paper and a Promise, by The Blue Shadows, from On the Floor of Heaven (deluxe reissue). www.bumstead.com/theblueshadows. The Blue Shadows (and primary members Jeffrey Hatcher and Billy Cowsill) are one of those amazing gems that not nearly enough people appreciated. They existed for only a couple of records in the 90s, but left behind some amazing songs. I really hope that people are picking up this record, which deserved to do much bigger things when it was released, if only for the amazing disc of cool covers and amazing leftovers, like this one. I can’t believe that a song this good was unreleased for over 15 years. Criminal.

8. Wherever You Go, by Paul Quarrington, from The Songs. www.paulquarrington.org. Paul Quarrington wasn’t even that well known as an author, although he deserved to be, because for my money, he was one of the great authors of our time. Even lesser known are his wonderful songs, primarily written and recorded with his band, Porkbelly Futures. As his time on Earth drew to a close, he sat down to create what would be his only solo album, and it contains some really wonderful songs. He left a lot of good on this Earth, the least you can do is allow this song into your life. (hopefully, it’ll open the door to his other music and writings!) This one’s about as real a love song as I’ve ever heard. I know that many of us guys (and some gals) can understand this one.

9. Michigan Love, by Jack Marks, from Lost Wages. www.myspace.com/jackmarksmusic. Honestly, I don’t know a whole lot about this guy yet, but judging by songs like this (and The Dress Song, off of his previous release), I should, and I will soon. He’s a young Toronto songwriter with a whole lot of heart and a whole lot of promise. I know I need to hear more from this guy, and you do too.

10. First Class, by Greg Macpherson, from Mr. Invitation. http://gregmacpherson.com. I’m sure that he gets tired of the comparison to Bruce Springsteen, but really, it’s true and it’s honest and it speaks to how powerful and interesting Macpherson really is. Old folkies like me can still rock out from time to time, and this year, no song rocked me more than this one from Winnipeg’s own Greg Macpherson. I still think this guy should be a huge star some day. Here’s hoping.

and one freebee extra:

Rust and Fade, by Jim Bryson, from Kelp 16. http://kelprecords.bandcamp.com/ and http://jimbryson.org/. Jim Bryson has been a pretty well-kept secret, but hopefully this is the year that blows the secret for the rest of the world. I’ve loved everything this guy’s ever touched (OK, some of those Punchbuggy records were a bit silly), so it’s no surprise that everything he put out this year was good, but there’s just so much (see the entries on Lynn Miles and Tanya Davis above, or his wonderful collaboration with The Weakerthans this year.) With so much to choose from, this leftover track might just be my favourite Jim moment of the year (in a year filled with great ones.) Download it for yourself, FREE, to hear why.

We’re having a hard time with our Best of 2010 list this year. You see, there are a whole pile of records that were quite good this year, and it’s been a bit hard narrowing that pile down. We’re working on it.

In the meantime, there are some that can’t go without mention. This is the list of albums this year that REALLY MATTER.

The essentials:

1. Del Barber – Love Songs for the Last 20.

It’s hard to believe that this young kid from Winnipeg (OK, St. Norbert…), whom we hadn’t even heard of a year ago, could put out the best record of the year. But the fact remains that nobody, anywhere, put out a CD this damn good this year. Heck, this one’s almost as good as anything we’ve ever heard. Seriously. What can we say about Del? He’s got a whole lot of heart and a whole lot of spirit. The kid works, works, and works some more. And it’s all in the name of great songs. He’s not out trying to be flashy or famous or rich (he can’t even pay his student loans… or so he says), he’s just out playing songs that mean something, night after night after night. And what about those songs? Well, they’ve got substance and meaning, and they’re memorable and entertaining. What else could you ask for? This recording is sublime: a cast of characters that really bring life to the songs, without getting in the way. Listen to the stunning vocals of Nadine Klowak, the driving guitar of Luke Enns, or the perfect beat laid down by Caleb Friesen. Listen to the way Barber manages to bring heart and emotion to the songs. Listen to the times you can hear him smile or nod or feel a line. Normally, it takes a lifetime to master that. Barber’s done it at the age of 27, on only his second record. Miles and Years may be the song of the year, and I’ll put it on a mix with Townes and Blaze any time.

2. Matthew Ryan – Dear Lover (The Acoustic Version).

Last year, Matthew Ryan put out a fine record called Dear Lover. It was good, but something about the layers of noise and sounds got in the way of the songs, for me. I liked it, but I didn’t connect with it. Then I saw Ryan live. He performed solo, acoustic, and I heard and felt the songs like I hadn’t been able to on the disc. Obviously, I am not alone, because he went and re-recorded the album in a stripped back, acoustic mode, and wow. This one is amazing.

3. Christina Martin – I Can Too.

We’re a little biased here, because we love Christina, and she’s become a great friend. But why? Because she writes amazing songs like these, of course. Her record of a few years ago, Two Hearts, is a desert island disc for me, and one that I can’t ever put down. How to top that? Well, by writing another batch of powerful, personal, memorable songs, and bringing in some great players to help out. Dale “Magic” Murray again works as producer and guitarist, and he lays down some of his most amazing work to date (and he’s done a lot of great work.) Cuff the Duke’s Wayne Petti and some guy named Greg from a little band called Blue Rodeo drop in. But who needs them, Christina can carry this on her own, and she does so, beautifully.

4. The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt
and Sometimes the Blues Is Just a Passing Bird EP

He may not be all that Tall, but he casts a long shadow, already. I’m still kicking myself for not hearing his debut Shallow Grave, soon enough to put it on my best of list a couple of years ago. Luckily, this guy keeps pumping out amazing songs, so he’s sure to be a regular on my Best-of lists from now on. An incredible, intense, powerful performer, this young Swede needs nobody backing him up, just a guitar, some great lyrics, and an unforgettable voice. Check this guy out, now.

5. Old Man Luedecke – My Hands Are on Fire and other Love Songs

Like The Tallest Man, Chris Luedecke has picked a bit of a weird stage name, but that doesn’t impact his amazing talent. When I first heard the guy, I thought he was fun and cute, and wrote some interesting tunes that bordered on the novelty variety, but I had no idea that he would blossom into a powerful songwriter and performer, like he has. The songs keep getting better, and with producer/player Steve Dawson and special guest Tim O’Brien (on pretty much every track), this record is his finest to date. Bonus points for including a Willie P. Bennett cover. Check out the beautiful simplicity of “My Love Comes Stepping Up the Stairs,” or the heartbreak of “The Palace is Golden.” This guy can write, even if he isn’t really that old.

6. Jim Bryson & The Weakerthans – The Falcon Lake Incident.

I admit that this one suffered as a result of some unrealistic expectations on my part. This sounded like a dream pairing that could only come up with one hell of a great rock and roll record. I expected something that this wasn’t quite intended to be. This isn’t meant to be a barnburner of a rock and roller. Instead, Jim and his pals rented a quiet, secluded cabin and emerged with a beautifully intimate record. Sure, there are some of this year’s greatest pop songs: “Metal Girls,” “Decidedly,” and “Wild Folk,” are as good as anything you’ll hear all year, but there are also some really tender quiet moments, which you might not expect from Winnipeg’s greatest rock n’ roll band or one of this country’s best badass guitar players. But these guys are made for surprises, and there are many on this record.

Ones that we’re still mulling over (in no particular order, other than their position in the stack on my desk…):

Hannah Georgas – This Is Good. More than that, there are some amazing pop music gems on here.

Brian MacMillan – Shine. Who is this guy and where has he been all my life? “Turn the Radio Up” is a contender for feel good song of the year, for sure.

Paul Quarrington – The Songs. A sentimental pick, yeah, but it’s good, too. Quarrington is my favourite author and a really unerrated songwriter. Sadly, he left us this year, but he left behind a pretty great solo record.

Tanya Davis – Clocks and Hearts Keep Going. Produced by Jim Bryson and full of that magic that Jim puts into his own records, and all of it adds to the beautiful poetry of wordsmith Tanya Davis. “Eulogy for You and Me” is one of my favourite songs of the year, and it’s one of many gems on this record.

Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More. Sure, Spirit of the West did it long ago, but these wild & wooly young boys managed to take Celtic & folk and mix in rock & roll spirit and make it fun and enjoyable. This one won’t change the world, but it sure is fun.

Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues. He had a bit of a tough year, personally, but he managed to put out one hell of a good record. Let’s hope he gets back on track and keeps going in the right direction. He’s already managed to escape a couple of HUGE looming shadows (Townes and Earle…) and has proven that he’s his own artist (even if he seems to have inherited some demons that come with those names.)

Ruth Moody – The Garden. Winnipeg’s own Ruth Moody has been an invaluable contributor to The Wailin’ Jennys and other bands & projects, but hasn’t made much of a splash as a solo artist – until now. This album is a masterpiece, and one that establishes her as a strong solo artist in her own right.

Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social – Love It to Life. Malin’s always been enjoyable and entertaining with his rockin’ tunes, but this time out, he seems to have put together his most cohesive, interesting collection of songs, and boy, is it a winner.

Lynn Miles – Fall for Beauty. Any year with a new Lynn Miles CD is a good one (they come all too infrequently, for me), so this was bound to be a winner. Some typically strong lyrics and vocals, a beautiful cover, and a showstopper of a duet with Jim Bryson make this one of this year’s finest.

John Prine – In Person & On Stage. Live albums typically don’t impress me, but with John Prine’s catalogue, special guests aplenty (Iris DeMent, Emmylou, Josh Ritter, Kane Welch Kaplan, etc.), and a live show that just seems to get better & better, you can’t ignore this one.

Kasey Chambers – Little Bird. I’d sure love her to do another collaboration with husband Shane Nicholson, but while we wait, this new country album fills the void nicely.

Jeremy Messersmith – The Reluctant Graveyard. A truly impressive collection of memorable pop songs.

Leeroy Stagger & The Wildflowers – Little Victories. Coming off of last year’s best record and paired with a backing band that finally gelled (before sadly falling apart, shortly after this record), Stagger comes up with another strong, mature, wonderful record. It’s a little short on the rock n’ roll energy for me, but there are some really great moments, for sure.

The Beauties – The Beauties. A perfect combination of roots and rock. I bet they’d be killer, live. A few weird moments on this eclectic disc stop it from being perfect, but help it to be one of the most interesting, promising debuts in a while.

Will Kimbrough – Wings. This guy can do no wrong, in my eyes. A masterful guitar player, great lyricist, and a strong songwriter, he stands on his own, in spite of the amazing roster of artists that he’s better known for playing with.

Wintersleep – New Inheritors. I had no real knowledge of this band before this album, but I sure am glad that I discovered them this year. Some amazing rockin’ moments on this disc.

Reid Jamieson – Staring Contest. This boy’s a tender, sweet, heartbreaker of a lad, and he writes some gorgeous tunes.

David Myles – Turn Time Off. I initially dismissed this slow burner of a soulful, bluesy record, but I was wrong. It’s a consistent and interesting album.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Guests – Preservation. An incredible roster of artists joins this legendary New Orleans institution to run through some great old standards. Among others, this includes: Paolo Nutini, Tom Waits, Brandi Carlile, Merle Haggard, Steve Earle, and Buddy Miller. You can’t go wrong with a lineup like that!

Kim Richey – Wreck Your Wheels. Like Lynn Miles, Richey can do no wrong with a stunning voice and great lyrics. This one also includes appearances by faves Matthew Ryan and Will Kimbrough.

The Head and the Heart – The Head and the Heart. If you like the Avett Brothers or a bunch of other notable folk/roots/rock bands, this band’s for you. Great harmonies, melodies, and playing. One to watch.

Joe Purdy – This American. Perennial fave Purdy surprised us with another great record, and gave it away for free. Good on him all around.

Jack Marks – Lost Wages. Toronto based country songwriter Marks continues to impress. Another one to watch for.

Matt Andersen – Spirit of Christmas. I know. One should never even consider adding a Christmas disc to a Best-of list. They’re just so cheesy and forced and unnecessary. But Matt Andersen can overcome all of that, with some great originals that fit right alongside some inspired covers of the classics that we’re bored of, yet he somehow manages to breathe new life into.

Reissue/Historic recordings that made the world a better place this year:

The Lowest of the Low – Shakespeare My Butt. My favourite album of all time gets a much needed remaster and rerelease. It stands beautifully on its own, but paired with the new documentary DVD, featuring an interview done by ME, this is incredible for a bunch of reasons. People need to hear this CD.

The Blue Shadows – On the Floor of Heaven. This amazing record came out in the 90s, just before the great Americana trend. It always seemed just a little bit ahead of its time, so I can only hope/assume that it will get more appreciation with this deluxe reissue. Not only do you get the amazing original disc, but a whole disc of bonus tracks that is equally amazing. Not to be missed by fans of roots, rock, country, folk, great harmonies, great songwriting, great musicians – in short, everybody!

Blaze Foley – The Dawg Years and Sittin’ by the Road. Foley is the greatest songwriter that you’ve never heard. He came from the same fertile time & place as Townes Van Zandt & Guy Clark, but because he was an oddball and a drifter, and because he died having never put out an album, most folks don’t have a clue who he is. Shame, because he’s great. These early, rough recordings show his genius in its infancy. There are better recordings of many of the classics, but these two separate sets reveal a wealth of material that was never rerecorded, and previously unheard.

Rheostatics – Whale Music. Hard to believe that one of the best sounding, most beautiful albums in Canadian history never came out on vinyl, until now. Nothing new is added, but everything looks and sounds better. Plus, this comes with a full CD version of the classic disc (not some stupid download code.) Very cool. Now good luck finding one.

I wanted to shorten this to a top 10, but can’t. Even looking at this list, there are some painful omissions. Check it out, and please consider commenting with your own top 10 list or your thoughts/comments/reactions/rebuttals!

Concerts

April 6 – Old Man Luedecke w/Del Barber – Folk Exchange – not only a great chance to see the amazing Old Man Luedecke up close and personal (what great songs), but also my first chance to see Del Barber. I went in not knowing who he was and not really wanting to care, and left a superfan for life.

April 16 – Matthew Ryan – Sauce & Spirits Sound Bar (Minneapolis) – amazing show full of amazing moments. He kept trying to get comfortable in the odd, noisy bar, eventually taking the show to the floor in front of the stage, before abandoning the mic to go play unplugged in the middle of the room. He also did Guilty for an encore. He was also a super nice guy and let us sell his CDs for him (which were very cheap ($10) and surprisingly plentiful)
April 17 – Matthew Ryan – Project Lodge (Madison Wisconsin) – well worth the long drive to this strange little town that gets a ton of great shows. Odd venue that I don’t recommend, and some very unusual people in the very small crowd, but what a show. He sang Cars & History right in front of me (almost stepping on my toes.) Shoulda gone to Chicago the next day…

June 18 – Del Barber CD Release – West End – Del Barber is the bomb in just about any incarnation, and this show illustrated that nicely, with a tasteful solo set and an amazing full-band production. To put on that kind of a show and almost sell out the West End so young and only two albums in? Watch out for this kid!

June 19 – The Jayhawks – First Ave. (Minneapolis) – seeing this legendary band in their home town was an amazing treat. Unfortunately, I screwed up and almost missed the show entirely, showing up as they were already on. I got stuck far away, surrounded by really annoying jerks. Still, they did not disappoint. I’d go see this band again anywhere, any time.

July 7-11 – Winnipeg Folk Festival – Birds Hill Park
(highlights: Gregory Alan Isakov, Hoots & Hellmouth, Jim Bryson & The Weakerthans, John Hiatt, The Swell Season,)

July 22 – NQ Arbuckle – Times Change(d) – The guy played for well over 2 hours with a full band, played amazing song after amazing song, told great stories, was a super nice guy, and it only cost $10 to get in. Take that, Neil Young.

Aug. 4-8 – Edmonton Folk Festival – Gallagher Park
(highlights: Calexico, Brandi Carlile, Alejandro Escovedo, Colin Hay (concert, NOT interview…), Dave McCann, Van Morrison, John Prine)

August 13-15 – Trout Forest Music Festival – Ear Falls, Ont.
(highlights: Matt Andersen, Del Barber, Ginn Sisters, Fish & Bird, Christina Martin, Oh Susanna, Leeroy Stagger)

September 17 – John Wort Hannam w/Danny Schmidt – Café Vogelsang house concert – I saw John Wort 3 times on this trip (including a great show in my living room), but this one stands out, largely because of the set by Danny Schmidt and John’s amazing Guy Clark story.

November 27 – Del Barber – Café Vogelsang house concert – Again, what can I say about this kid? I went to this knowing it would be good, but not expecting to be blown away, having already seen him so many times in one year. But amaze me, he did, with a bunch of new songs, some amazing stories that I hadn’t heard, and just a great all-around performance. He connected with everyone in the crowd, and once again proved that he is the real deal and is someone to watch for in the future. This was the house concert of the year (and I saw and hosted some great ones!)

December 4 – The Lowest of the Low w/Jim Bryson & John K Samson – Lee’s Palace (Toronto) – Wow, what a trip. To get to see one of my favourite bands of all time reunite for a wildly appreciative hometown crowd and do my favourite album of all time front to back, was a treat I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Throw in two of my other faves of all time as an opening act, a marathon energetic encore, some great new T-shirts (right Jaine?), a cool in-store appearance that afternoon, and the new DVD Low Roads, which features ME, and you’ve got the makings of one of the best events of all time. In fact, this may be the best show I’ve ever seen, anywhere, any time. Sorry Rodney.

December 18 – The Weakerthans (Reunion Tour + other 3) – Walker Theatre – Another wow. I admit, I had become a little bored by Weakerthans live shows – they’re just too perfect and just too predictable, but pulling out all the stops and doing all 4 of their albums in their entirety, in ONE NIGHT was impressive, to say the least. Left & Leaving is another of my favourite albums of all time, and to hear it all was unbelievable. Plus, I was joined by my two favourite ladies of all, Jaine and Elysha, and they seemed to enjoy it. Life doesn’t get much better than that.

Promises to be amazing (hope I can go…)
December 31 – Del Barber (Springsteen tribute) – Park Theatre – This promises to be epic. Can someone lend me the dough to go, and watch Jeremy for me? Please?

Biggest surprise/delight:
Discovering Del Barber – April 6 – Old Man Luedecke w/Del Barber – Folk Exchange

September 21 – Sweet Thing (opening for Justin Nozuka) – West End – thanks to Eugene for weaseling me into this and introducing me to this super fun live band. It’s pretty poppy, silly stuff, but man, are they entertaining live. The band includes Nick Rose, one of the best young singer/songwriters that you’ve never heard of, and if this band continues its meteoric rise to fame, perhaps, sadly, you never will.

Best encore:
October 6 – The Wooden Sky – West End – they came out and played a few songs in the lobby, and had a huge crowd signing along. Amazing end to a pretty great show.

Most expensive, most boring, most overhyped, least memorable show of the year:
July 27 – Neil Young – Concert Hall – I was so excited to see one of my life-long idols perform an intimate solo show. It was way too expensive ($250 !), way too short, absolutely lacking in surprises (same set list every damn night), and Neil showed absolutely no connection to the crowd (never spoke.) The opening act was horribly boring. All in all, a complete waste of time & money. I’m still glad I went, just so I know that it’s time to give up on Neil and stick with performers that care about an audience.

Close behind:
April 6 – Matthew Barber – Lo Pub – I love Matt Barber, but paying $16 to see a short solo show didn’t leave a good taste in my mouth. I found him pretty boring solo, and the venue & crowd made it a little uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Disappointments:
April 22 – BOP Ensemble – West End – first, again, nobody shows up to see what promised to be an amazing night. Second, even the most engaging member of the band Jasmine Ohlhauser, didn’t show up! It was legends Bill Bourne and Wyckham Porteous, but something about not having Jas there made the guys take the show less seriously maybe. I was really looking forward to the show, but left pretty disappointed.

August 12 – Christina Martin – Sunset Saloon – not because of Christina, because she was charming and amazing and wonderful, but because it was so much work to get people to come out to see one of my favourite songwriters in the world in my own damn living room. Jaine even made a special ice cream and gave it away free. And still, only 20 or so people came. It made me question whether I should do any more house concerts.

September 3 – Nathan – Old Market Square (lunch hour concert) – only because the sound was so horribly bad

Biggest frustration:
February 11 – Haiti fundraiser w/John K Samson, Ridley Bent, Nicky & Ruth (Wailin Jennys), and Daniel ROA – West End – Amazing show, great lineup, great cause, well promoted, and yet, NOBODY was there to see/support it