Dec. 19--In 2004, I began browsing the new-release list on iTunes every week. Each Tuesday, I would go from top to bottom through the alphabetical list and listen to categories that interested me, primarily alternative and rock, jazz, world music, singer-songwriters, pop and r&b/soul.

Every time I updated my Web site, I included a list of the best stuff to save other people the time I had spent poring through the releases each week. At the end of 2004, I made a list of the top tracks. Now it's a tradition.

So here is my Top 30 for 2010. You can hear highlights of these songs on iTunes or Amazon. If you like what you hear, support these artists!