The Best Americana Songs of 2010 - Gearing Up for Americana Music Festival 2011

October is nearing and Americana fans can't wait to be in Nashville for the annual Americana Music Festival on October 12 -15, 2011. The yearly celebration is hosted by the Americana Music Association as part of their campaign to promote Americana music all over the world.

The 3-day festival will feature a parade of Americana songs that will be graced by Americana legends and aspirants. It aims to recognize the best Americana songs and artists of this year. Americana Music Association Honors and Awards Ceremony is now on its 10th year and will be held at the storied Ryman Auditorium, October 13. Expect to see spectacular shows and outstanding performances by the best Americana bands.

On the other hand, to cure your Americana excitement in the mean time, here's a top 5 list of the best Americana songs of 2010 as we revisit the chart-topping Americana songs of the previous year. So buckle up, because here we go.

5 - Hold You Like A Lover by Theodore

Theodore is a quartet from St. Louis Matthew Gear is an area of alt-country music. Vocalists Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar did a good job on 'Hold you Like A Lover' which geared the group into national prominence. The song was a combination of country, blues and jazz all rolled into one cool, earthy, passionate melodic song. Simply lovely. and unmistakably Americana.

4 - Here's To Taking It Easy by Phosphorescent

Matthew Houcks' 'Here's To Taking It Easy' is currently his most successful single despite of numerous attempts in the last years. This dense country rock is a mere representation of the good old Americana tunes like those of Blonde on Blonde and Red Headed Stranger. Nonetheless, it rocks.

3 - Junky Star by Ryan Bingham

Bingham's raspy, scratchy, sexy voice sounds so muscular that the ladies couldn't help but listen. 'Junky Star' is a well-written narrative about wandering souls. Although not as appealing as 'The Weary Kind', which brought him to international success after winning the Oscar last 2 years, nevertheless, a wonderful product of Bingham's poignancy and creativity.

2 - No Better Than This by John Mellencap

After long years of successful pop music career, John Mellencap showed the world that he is a true-blood Americana singer. He teamed up with Tim Burnett and together they started making and producing legendary Americana hits. 'No Better Than This' is his newest baby and was recorded in vintage-style technique that matched his earthy, raspy vocals.

1 - Downtown Church by Patty Griffin

'Downtown Church' is Patty Griffin's greatest vocal showcase. The country-turned-gospel singer is back, dancing on the hit charts with her latest album. Known to many as Grammy Award-winning singer-song writer, there's nothing much to say that can describe her work. Perhaps, we can put it all in one word - best. Yeah, she's the reigning queen of Americana songs.