Allrighty then! It’s time to draw up that list of runners/riders and the best records that I’ve reviewed (and in a lot of cases interviewed too) of 2010. So here we go gang! My thanks are always go to the editors and PR people who let me blag free records.

1.) Joanne Shaw Taylor - Diamonds In The Dirt (Ruf Records)

Without a doubt, Joanne’s record - only her second album - is the best album released by a British artist this year. Produced by Jim Gaines and recorded in the US, it’s a stunning collection of tracks. This woman can seriously play the guitar. She was also the cover star of Blues Revue in the US this autumn. 

Spotify link

2.) 24 Pesos - Busted Broken and Blue (Ourgate)

24 Pesos are one of my favourite British outfits at the moment and all the praise they can get. They’re lean, mean and funky. They also don’t murder ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ or rip off Stevie Ray Vaughan on a regular basis. Other bands should take note.

3.) Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed - Come And Get It! (Parlophone)

Barely an evening goes by on British television without the title track of this album being used as a soundtrack for something. It’s an insanely energetic record, with Eli channelling James Brown, Sam Cooke and Sharon Jones all at the same time.

4.) Oli Brown - Heads I Win, Tails You Loose (Ruf Records)

Make no mistake, it’s been a good year for Ruf Records. They got legendary producer Mike Vernon (Bluesbreakers) out of retirement for this one and it’s a corker. He might be in his early 20s and as British as bangers and mash, but Oli Brown is the real deal.

5.) Various - Hipshakers Volume 1: Teach Me To Money (Vampisoul)

There are millions of blues/R&B compilations out there, but this one is a bit special. It’s a collection of cuts from the vaults of King and Federal, featuring vintage recordings by Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, Charles Brown and Willie Dixon, among others. It also comes with some superb liner notes and is damn funky.

6.) Grace Potter & The Nocturnals (Hollywood)

Obviously, this is not a straight blues album, but Grace Potter is one of the finest singers out there at the moment. Tracks like ‘Medicine’ and ‘Tiny Light’ are jaw-droppingly good. I just wish they would come to the UK soon!

7.) JJ Grey & Mofro - Georgia Warhouse (Alligator)

I’ve been a huge fan of JJ Grey since ‘Country Ghetto’ a few years back. His latest album does not disappoint. It’s swamp rock, with plenty of soul and funk. It also features guest appearances by Toots Hibbert and Derek Trucks.

8.) The Ace Story Volume 1 (Ace Records)

Another compilation, but this time is the turn of Ace Records. It’s got 24 classics, by the likes of Frankie Ford, Huey Smith and many more. Blues historians will love the 16 page booklet, which comes complete with a 6,000 word essay on the label.

9.) Oil City Confidential: The Story of Dr. Feelgood (EMI)

One of the finest films of the year was Julien Temple’s documentary on the rise and fall of British legend’s Dr. Feelgood. The soundtrack, which includes some of the Feelgood’s greatest moments is essential listening. There are a couple of Johnny & The Pirates songs for good measure.

10.) Imelda May - Mayhem (Decca)

I think I probably prefer her first album, but there’s no doubt that Imelda May is one of the most extraordinary acts out there. She takes 50s R&B and gives it a 21st century makeover. Her videos rock too.