This week another volume of Staring at the Sun (San Diego Music Compilation) came out into the world produced by Bart Mendoza and Chuck Schiele at Blindspot Records. With it, three shows around town featuring various artists from for the CD. This past Sunday during The Local Pyle live broadcast at The Casbah, the first of the three shows resumed. The next two shows are scheduled for Saturday, January 3 at Lestat’s (9pm) and Saturday, January 11 at House of Blues (7pm).

Per usual, the CD and shows reach out into the depths of the San Diego music scene to feature potentially up-and-coming bands and artists. The genres are spread from blues to acoustic to rock to mod. The collection often brings to life artists that may have been hidden under the radar from listeners for years.

Volume 7’s songs and artists of note include The Modlins – For The Good of The Armor, Wendy Bailey – I Swear, I say and The Anna Troy Band – I Can’t Don’t Want To Faster, among 19 other local goodies.

Although there was a ten year break between Volumes 5 and 6, the next Staring at the Sun compilation (Volume 8) is scheduled to come out next year, including a DVD of local artist performances. Personally, I can’t wait!

I have thought long and hard about my choices for top ten albums released this year. I guess that is what happens when you just work all day then go home to paint a prep a house for moving. Anyhow there were about 15 albums that I thought worthy of possibly being on my list, but top ten is not top 15, so I needed to listen again. Oh yeah, and thank you Wikipedia for reminding me of what was actually released this past year.

10. Santogold “Santogold”: I just wish this album was longer. Saw at FM94/9’s Indie Jam for the first and only time.
9. The Night Marchers “See you in Magic” It is great to have John Reese back.
8. She & Him “Volume 1” I love Zooey.
7. Old 97s “Blame It on Gravity” Loved seeing these guys at the Stubb’s Main Stage at this year’s SXSW.
6. Radiohead “in Rainbows” Amazing show at Cricket (crappy parking) Amphitheatre.
5. Flight of the Conchords “Flight of the Conchords”: There is a special place in my heart for these two New Zealand comedians/musicians turned superstars.
4. MGMT “Oracular Spectacular” Saw at FM94/9’s Indie Jam for the first and only time (missed them at Street Scene).
3. Vampire Weekend “Vampire Weekend” Saw at Street Scene this year for the first and only time.
2. Kings of Leon “Only by the Night” Damn I wish I made it for their recent tour. This album is so incredible.
1. Nada Surf “Lucky” I LOVE these guys. Saw them three times this year. Sadly missed them at SXSW though.

Sources: Wikipedia and my own remembering