10 Free MP3 Albums To Download - New Year's Edition
Sound Sunday: Kicking Off 2011 with the Best of 2010
A warm welcome to the inaugural Sound Sunday of the year 2011!
With the arrival of 2011, promising another year filled with innovation and discovery, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the standout musical moments of the year past.
This week’s compilation focuses on the "Best of 2010" releases, showcasing a variety of artists and genres.
Exploring the Year's Top Tracks
These compilations and samplers offer a curated listening experience, highlighting the most acclaimed songs and albums from the previous twelve months.
Discover new artists or revisit familiar favorites through these expertly assembled collections.
Share Your Thoughts
The comment section is open for your feedback on this edition. Feel free to share your opinions or propose ideas for upcoming articles.
Alternatively, you can reach out to me directly via email at [tina at makeuseof dot com].
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with great music!
SPIN - Best of 2010
Genre: compilation, alternative, rock, pop
Each month, SPIN Magazine publishes a curated playlist showcasing emerging and noteworthy artists.
For January, they’ve made available a Best of 2010 compilation featuring bands such as The Gaslight Anthem, Yeasayer, and MGMT.
Download Information
The Best of 2010 sampler can be downloaded from iTunes.
To access the compilation, utilize the download code 77TJ7MPJ36WK.
Important Note
Please be aware that this download code is valid only until January 31st, 2011.
Ensure you redeem the code before the expiration date to enjoy the featured music.
This compilation offers a snapshot of the diverse musical landscape of 2010, encompassing alternative, rock, and pop genres.
Discover new sounds and revisit favorites from a pivotal year in music with this offering from SPIN Magazine.
INQ Mag - Best of 2010
Genre: compilation, indie, ambient, electronic
INQ functions as an independent, non-commercial online platform. It focuses on highlighting freely available audio releases sourced from netlabels and similar outlets.
The platform operates under the conviction that the challenges facing music aren't inherent to the art form itself, but rather stem from issues within the music industry.
A Celebration of Free Music
To acknowledge the increasing volume of high-quality, free music and the thriving netlabel community, INQ has curated a Best of 2010 compilation album.
This album showcases a selection of noteworthy tracks released throughout the year.
Where to Download
You can obtain INQ Mag's Best of 2010 directly from the FreeMusicArchive.
The compilation offers a diverse listening experience, spanning genres like indie, ambient, and electronic music.
It represents a commitment to supporting artists and promoting the accessibility of music outside traditional commercial structures.
WFMU - Best of 2010: Life from 43 Monty
Genre: compilation, rock
WFMU is a listener-supported, freeform radio station broadcasting throughout New York and the Hudson Valley region.
Live Recordings from Jersey City
The station frequently captures live performances within its studios, located at 43 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Best of 2010: Life from 43 Monty represents a curated collection of the most compelling recordings from these in-studio sessions.
About the Album
This compilation showcases a diverse range of musical talent, reflecting WFMU’s commitment to independent and eclectic programming.
Listeners can access and download Best of 2010: Life from 43 Monty directly from the FreeMusicArchive platform.
The album provides a snapshot of the vibrant musical landscape fostered by WFMU and its dedication to supporting artists.
AllSaints & Clash: A 2010 Compilation
Genre: Compilation Album
A collaborative effort between Clash and AllSaints Spitalfields resulted in a "Best of 2010" sampler.
Featured Artists
This compilation showcases tracks from a diverse range of 14 artists.
- The Phantom Band
- Walls
- The Gaslight Anthem
- Maps & Atlases
- LCD Soundsystem
The Best of 2010 sampler presents a selection of songs representing the musical landscape of that year.
Availability
Interested listeners can obtain the Best of 2010 sampler directly from the Clash Homepage.
This partnership highlights a commitment to supporting and promoting emerging and established musical talent.
Pretty Much Amazing - Top Tracks of 2010
Genre: Varied
The music blog, Pretty Much Amazing, also known as PMA, published its selection of the Best Songs of 2010 in October of that year.
This curated list features 50 tracks, with some available for free download individually.
Details of the Compilation
PMA is recognized as a source for free music, and this compilation exemplifies that commitment.
The Best Songs of 2010 list provides a diverse range of musical styles and artists.
Listeners are also encouraged to explore PMA’s accompanying list of the Best Albums of 2010.
Access and download PMA's Best Songs of 2010 directly from the official Pretty Much Amazing blog.
Young & Research - Tough Love Sampler 2010
Genre: sampler, indie, electronica, li-fi, new wave, post punk, shoe gaze
Released in the late summer of 2010, this sampler was produced by Tough Love Records. The compilation showcases artists connected to the label through personal relationships, including friends, family members, past partners, and those yet to come.
In addition to this release, Tough Love Records curated a pair of "Best of 2010" samplers.
- These can be accessed on their official website.
- Each track is available for individual download.
- The samplers are divided into two parts: Part I and Part II.
The Tough Love Sampler 2010 is offered as a complimentary download via Bandcamp.
This collection represents a snapshot of the musical community surrounding Tough Love Records at the time.
The diverse range of genres—including indie, electronica, and post-punk—highlights the label’s eclectic taste.
About the Compilation
The sampler serves as an introduction to a variety of emerging artists.
It provides listeners with a curated experience of the sounds associated with Tough Love Records in 2010.
The inclusion of "old flames" and "future lovers" adds a unique, personal dimension to the project.
Star Slinger - Remixes 2010
Genre: alternative, electronic, soul, easy listening, hip hop
Darren Williams, originally from Nottinghamshire, is the creative force behind Star Slinger. He produced the project's output, beginning in April 2010.
Within a span of approximately eight months, Star Slinger released three complete albums.
The release of Remixes 2010 in August garnered significant positive attention.
This success led to remix requests from notable bands including The Go! Team, The Morning Benders, and Broken Social Scene.
Distribution of Remixes 2010
Due to download limitations imposed by Bandcamp, Star Slinger opted to distribute Remixes 2010 as a free download via MediaFire.
This ensured wider accessibility to the collection of remixes.
Remixes 2010 represents a key moment in Star Slinger’s early career.
Good Luck - Demonstration 2010
The musical style of Good Luck is categorized as punk and pop.
Originating from Bloomington, Indiana, this pop punk group composed their initial song in a basement setting during April of 2007.
Since their formation, Good Luck has produced two full-length albums, with Demonstration 2010 being one of them.
About Demonstration 2010
Demonstration 2010 is available as a pay-what-you-want download through the Bandcamp platform.
This allows listeners to determine the price they wish to pay for the album.
The album represents a significant release in the band’s discography.
Gizeh Records - Winter 2010 Compilation
Genre: ambient, experimental, neo-classical, post rock
Gizeh Records operates as an independent record label, with its base of operations located in Leeds, England.
This complimentary record label sampler showcases a curated collection of artists associated with Gizeh Records.
The selection includes previously released tracks alongside previews of material slated for future releases.
Availability and Pricing
The Winter 2010 sampler, released by Gizeh Records, is offered as a “name your price” download.
This download is accessible through the Bandcamp platform.
Listeners are given the flexibility to determine the amount they wish to contribute for the compilation.
- Label: Gizeh Records
- Location: Leeds, England
- Format: Digital Download
- Platform: Bandcamp
The sampler provides a glimpse into the diverse soundscape cultivated by the label.
It represents a cross-section of ambient, experimental, neo-classical, and post rock musical styles.
Forfolkssake: A Compilation of Emerging Folk Artists – 2010
Forfolkssake is a dedicated online resource centering on the folk music landscape, both within London, the UK, and internationally.
The resurgence of folk music, propelled by groups such as Alessi's Ark, Noah and the Whale, and Mumford & Sons, has brought renewed attention to the genre.
Introducing New Talent
Through its New Bands Panel, FFS actively showcases artists who are relatively new to the music scene.
The Best of the FFS New Bands Panel 2010 is offered as a complimentary download via Bandcamp.
It’s worth noting that the album requires individual song downloads.
Further Exploration
If you appreciate this curated collection and anticipate future releases, exploring previous editions of Sound Sunday is recommended.
Feedback, suggestions, or free music submissions are welcome; please contact the author at [tina at makeuseof dot com] rather than using the comments section.
Genre: folk is the primary focus of this compilation.