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17 November 2010
Americana UK Visitors Poll 2010
Having pored over the votes with the help of Father Christmas and many a mince pie we have compiled the results of the Visitors to Americana-Uk Poll 2010. It seems Ryan Adams (we always mention him in these things) latest appeared too late for many lists but the usual favourites made an appearance and at the same time there was lots of variety. Thanks everybody for your continued support and please feel free to contact us via the usual methods with suggestions, comments and, well, anything you like really. Here’s to 2011.
Paul Villers
Album of the Year - 2010
The National "High Violet"
It was tough at the top of our poll with the Cincinnati via Brooklyn band of brothers and other running out the eventual winners. The album sold 400,000 copies worldwide reaching number 5 in the UK chart and number 3 in the US. Not bad for a supposedly ‘niche’ band.
1. Phosphorescent "Here’s To Taking It Easy"
2. Midlake "The Courage of Others"
Band of the Year - 2009
The Duke and the King
They may have just missed out in the Album vote but there’s something we just love about Simone Felice and his bandmates. A thoroughly nice bloke apparently when you meet him and a real breath of fresh air in the Americana genre.
1. The National
2. Midlake
Best Live Act
Wilco
Perennial favourites round these parts they may not have put a new record out this year but their work ethic, the respect they have for their fans and their legendary live performances put them at the top of the pile in this category.
1. Midlake
2. Drive By Truckers
Best Male Artist
Neil Young
Whilst “Le Noise” may have divided opinion we still hold Shakey dear to our hearts and at least respect him for trying something different. If he wasn’t idiosyncratic we probably woouldn’t love him as much?
1. Simone Felice
2. John Grant
Best Female Artist
Caitlin Rose
Variously described as “...a prodigious talent...” and “...the future of country music...” the twenty three year old with a Nashville pedigree seems destined for may good things to come.
1. Elizabeth Cook
2. Laura Veirs
Best TV Show
Later...
Whilst Jools Holland might not be to everyone’s taste as a TV presenter his show (now twice weekly) is pretty much the only thing out there for the discerning music fan on national TV
1. Mad Men
2. The Trip
Best Movie
Inception
It was pretty remiss of Leonardo Di Caprio not to have appeared in Toy Story 3 and hence spoil the symmetry of our poll. However a decent story AND special effects prove to be a winner once again.
1. Shutter Island
2. Toy Story 3
Best Radio Show
Bob Harris
No one else even comes close to the veteran DJ (and friend of Americana-uk). Whichever flavour of his radio show you plumped for his is the only name in town.
Hero of the Year
Julian Assange
Whatever his motivations it seems we just can’t resist the little guy who takes on the big guy. America got a bloody nose this time...maybe Russia and China next?
Villian of the Year
Nick Clegg
We have a very healthy suspicion of our politicians and it appears in the unfortunate case of Nick Clegg that this was entirely well founded. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely?
