theAmp's Singles of 2010

The standout tracks from the best artists of 2010, as chosen by theAmp.

Surfer Blood - Swim//Ok, we're cheating here as it was actually released in 2009 in their native US, however across the pond we didn't get the album till January 2010, whilst it was released on Rough Trade in May. One of the leaders of the rebirth of lo-fi surf rock in 2010, this track from the Floridians is drenched in reverb, while the echoing vocals of John Paul Pitts will leave you singing it for weeks. But what was it about, swimming or suicide?

Vampire Weekend - Diplomat's Son//Based on a song from the Clash and a borrowed M.I.A sample, this was the standout track of Vampire Weekend's excellent sophomore album. The whole song is set around a wild house party, with the song's protagonist coming out. An emotional rollercoaster ride, written by keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij about his struggles with his sexualty, it brought the summer early in January 2010.

Yeasayer - O.N.E//One of the best dancefloor tracks of the year, this odd track from Yeasayer was one of the suprise hits of the year, bringing the trio into the mainstream and even appearing as a track on FIFA 11.

Ce Lo Green - Fuck You//A simple track about a cheating lover, the former Gnarls Barkley frontman had one of the biggest hits of the year with his track, cruelly censored by the Auntie to 'Forget You.'

Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union//Six and a half minutes of epicness is the only way to describe this song. Three interchanging guitar solos from wild frontman Patrick Stickles, epic choruses leading into battle 'Rally around the flag' and an opening epilogue from Abraham Lincoln's Lyceum address, whilst remaining energetic and different throughout. Brilliant.

Fang Island - Daisy//The energy in this song will leave you bouncing around for hours on end, while the song will refuse to leave your head. A great track from one of the great finds of 2010.

The Black Keys - Tighten Up//Another band to find mainstream success in 2010, the Akron, Ohio duo kept their bluesly rock to the backburn, with the groove of hip-hop beats bringing out the hidden cool side to Dan Auerbach.