Local independent radio station 97.7 WEXT, always looking for listener input, has put a call out there to all those with a radio and/or internet access to compile the best music of 2010, including the best music this area code has to offer.

In order to help the opinion-challenged or those that couldn't remember all the great local acts, WEXT has released their "Staff Picks," listed below:

Rich Ortiz
Charlie Watts Riots
Sean Rowe
Super 400
Kitty Little
The Figgs
Holly and Evan
Ashley Pond Band
Sgt Dunbar
Chris Carey
Phantogram

It's a solid list, representing a wide variety of tastes, from the acoustic bluegrass of Holly and Evan to the ethereal electro-indie of local-gone-national Phantogram.

Some of the Local 518 favorites also made other best of 2010 categories, such as The Figgs with their track "...And Here's Some More," chosen as one of the best songs by Chris Wienk, and their album getting a nod as well. Local artists Rob Skane, Scientific Maps and Charlie Watts Riots were also listed as favorites in some categories.

Although they're not local, I was glad to see These United States, Patty Griffin and Delta Spirit also get some recognition.

Do you agree with their picks? Who do you think is missing? Sound off in the comments below, and then submit your own favorites at WEXT's website.

November 30 -

Sean Rowe, Troy’s own soul-tinged singer/songwriter/wilderness man, recently signed with Anti- after a founding stint with Collar City Records. His latest album “Magic” made waves last year, and it will be released again by Anti-, available 2/22 (three cheers for alliteration dates!). Before that, his song “The Walker” is available on the Anti- 2010 Fall Sampler, available for free with the purchase of one of nine $10 albums.

@sean_rowe

Hey guys, It's an honour to have one of my songs "The Walker" on Anti's Fall sampler. My first release on Anti!… http://fb.me/CyuaN1an

November 30, 2010 5:48 pm via FacebookRetweetReply

Rowe, who started out playing in bands, has been a solo musician since the late 90s and has self-released one solo album prior to “Magic.” Now, he joins of the ranks of local bands like Phantogram that have found a national audience — and distribution.

Details about the sale/sampler are on the Anti- blog. For more information about Sean, check out his website at www.seanrowe.net.