KEXP : Where the Music Matters

So many incredible artists have played live on KEXP this year, from top local Seattle artists like Damien Jurado and Black Stax, to those of international renown like Vieux Farka Touré, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Beach House, and Devendra Banhardt. The venues have ranged from KEXP's 90.3-FM headquarters in Seattle, to the Cutting Room Floor in New York City (where KEXP programming airs on 91.5-FM), to live events like Bumbershoot, SXSW, and the Capital Hill Block Party.

We've put together seven mixes that offer some of the many highlights from KEXP's live performances:

KEXP 2010: Worldwide -- 2010 marked the 25th anniversary of "The Best Ambiance" hosted by Jon Kertzer, and these were just a few of the many recent highlights:

KEXP 2010: Shimmering Pop -- these artists bring a fresh, irresistable approach to pop music

KEXP 2010: Rock! -- classic artists like The Wedding Present and The Posies, contemporary heavy-weights like Drive-By Truckers and The Hold Steady plus up-and-coming artists like White Mystery and Love Is All...

KEXP 2010: Loungin' -- funky drummer Stanton Moore, swingin' Rat City Brass, and a cool Pink Martini suitable for the United Nations

KEXP 2010: Good Folks -- stripped down performances from the likes of The Low Anthem, Chuck Prophet, The Album Leaf, Florence & The Machine, and Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy / Arcade Fire)

KEXP 2010: Electronix -- live forward-minded electronic sounds

KEXP 2010: Beats & Lyrics -- Dessa, Bonobo, Diamond District, !!! & more

Check out all of KEXP's FMA downloadables here, with full streaming live performances here. And if you're looking for more KEXP year-end lists, check the 2010 Countdown on the KEXP Blog.