Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2010, Part 4

11. "Boy" -- Ra Ra Riot

Off Ra Ra Riot's second album, "The Orchard," the track "Boy" was a standout. Fast-paced with some great guitar work, this song will quickly get you moving.



12. "The Drumming Song" -- Florence and the Machine

This was Florence and the Machine's year, and while the hit song was clearly "Dog Days Are Over," I was partial to the power (and the drums, natch) of "The Drumming Song."



13. "As We Enter" (Tinie Tempah Remix) -- Nas and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

One of the more interesting releases this year came from hip-hop vet Nas and reggae star Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. Their collaboration, "Distant Relatives," was an interesting mix of hip-hop, reggae and African beats. I actually put several songs on my playlists throughout 2010, and their track "Strong Will Continue" was another contender for the end-of-year Choice Cuts mix. But the lead-off track to "Distant Relatives," the short jam "As We Enter," contains that irresistible sample from Mulatu Astatke. The mix I include is slightly different from the video version (above).



14. "Young Blood" -- The Naked and Famous

OK, so yeah, there's a definite Passion Pit vibe here. I clearly dig that kind of sound. But no matter. I like this song.

More tomorrow! Previously:

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2010, Part 1

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2010, Part 2

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2010, Part 3

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2010, Part 4