Dallas Vietty reminded me, it’s traditional to do a top ten list at the end of a year. But considering I have only 18 posts to choose from, a top 10 would deplete over half of my inventory. So, how ’bout I resolve for more posts in 2011–that and 2 inches off my waistline. And for now I’ll settle for a fav 5. I also realize it’s customary to publish your top 10 (or fav 5) at the end of the year that the events actually occurred, not two days into the next year, but I’m a few days behind so bear with me.

In case you missed them the first time, you might want to give these posts a second look.

5. The inaugural blog post. This reminds readers of why I started this blog in the first place. I’m quite delighted I started it and I’d like to thank my faithful readers: my mother and my husband. OK, so my mom doesn’t have a computer, but I’m fairly certain she would read it if she could access it. Plus, this post links to the sounds of Golem, a Brooklyn band you absolutely mustn’t miss if they are playing anywhere at all near you.

4. Blob’s Park Bavarian Dance Hall – not only does this post highlight one of my favorite bands (Brave Combo-WOOT), it also promotes a cool dance hall in Maryland and, well, dancing–something people do far too little of, in my opinion. Make a pledge to dance more in 2011—it’s easier than you think if a polka and an accordion is involved.

3. See the man (or woman) with the stage fright. Oy. My stomach still clenches at the memory. But I am forever indebted to Happy Lucky Combo (don’t miss this fabulous band either!) for allowing me to play with them and make a fool of myself. I lived (stomach cramps and flop sweats aside) and you will as well if you get up and play in front of others.

2. Gregory Page. This was a fairly recent post but I really dig his music and I totally love the sweet little movie on his website. So if you missed it before, give it a listen.

1. Three accordions in an elevator. Without question this is my fav post of 2010. This video cracks me up and makes me happy. Enjoy.

Courtesy of my friend Dave Specter, today’s lovely accordion photo is brought to you direct from Lucerne. Dave, a first-rate Chicago jazz/blues guitarist, is on European tour at the moment, with gigs in France, Germany, Poland (the home of all great accordions), Austria, Spain and Switzerland! While tooling around the incredibly charming city of Lucerne, he was kind enough to snap this great shot for me. I’m digging it, Dave! And if you’re still a doubter about the beauty and versatility of this amazing instrument, check out these street musicians in Krakow playing Bach’s Tocatta and Fugue in D MInor.

Incidentally, if you’re ever in Chicago, check the music listings and make darn sure you go hear Dave Specter if he happens to be playing. You won’t be disappointed. He hasn’t worked accordion into his act…yet…but I’m quite certain he would if he could.

Here’s a taste of Dave’s guitar playing, quite awesome even without the squeakin’ and squawkin’ of the world’s most versatile instrument.

I was searching the Web for some scary accordion images to mark my fav holiday and I came across this fabulous blog created by accordion player Dallas Vietty. I also came across the above image of Dracula rocking the squeezebox. Sweet!

I lost myself in his blog for over an hour–one fabulous accordion click after another. Check out “Music News from Around the Web,” and you can link to an interview with Yann Tiersen, one of my favorite musicians best known for composing the soundtracks to Amelie and Goodbye Lenin–fabulous flicks, the both of them. And definitely check out the music tab at the top, where you can hear videos of Dallas himself playing everything from French accordion music to gypsy jazz and samba. Prima!

Not the worst way to spend the night before Halloween, seeing as how I’m trapped at home recovering from the creeping crud (aka never-ending sinus infection). Alas, I better put on some polka music before I really start to feel sorry for myself and the fact that halloween is passing me by this year. Had I been out among the masses this weekend, I believe I would have dressed up as Joan from Mad Men during this great scene, which featured the accordion front and center.

Enjoy your halloween festivities, and be sure to tip the accordion player.