Before I start this thing off let me just say that I hate making lists. I’m more of a pile person. So you won’t see any numbers in the list of albums, rather my top five followed by my other favorites. So here it goes.
Nada Surf has been a favorite band of mine since their first album (that was a ways back). It’s amazing how much their sound has matured since then, and Lucky truly shows that they’re on top of their game. It’s indie pop rock at it’s best. And they’re killer live!
mp3: Nada Surf – The Fox
Buy Lucky (bonus track version)
For a while there Department Of Eagles’ In Ear Park was all I was listening to. Daniel Rossen and friends put together a gem of an album that took elements of Grizzly Bear and mashed them up with some McCartney-like pop.
mp3: Department Of Eagles – Herring Bone
Buy In Ear Park
The Walkmen’s You & Me took them from a band that I casually enjoyed from time to time, to a full on wonder that I try to set aside time to listen to when ever I can. The Walkmen have always had an interesting sound that travels from a dark alleyway to an extravagant cathedral, but You & Me magnifies it even more and leaves me in awe. It’s powerful.
mp3: The Walkmen – On The Water
Buy You & Me
It’s rare that an album or person lives up to the hype. Lykke Li and her album Youth Novels does just that. I fell in love with her sound quickly then pushed over the edge with her amazing energy that she puts into her live performances. Despite the insane amount of remixes and radio plays, Youth Novels still hasn’t grown old to me and that’s also rare.
mp3: Lykke Li – Little Bit
Buy Youth Novels
I can’t quite explain why I took to Glasvegas’ debut S/T album his year. Perhaps it was the Beach Boys/Earth Angel/Smiths halo surrounding their black and white sound that enamored me. It might not have a struck others the same way, but for me this album made an lasting impression.
mp3: Glasvegas – Daddy’s Gone
Buy Glasvegas
Those were the main highlights for me, but these albums also brought much joy to me throughout the year:
mp3: Eureka Birds – The Still Life
Buy Eureka Birds
mp3: Beck – Walls
Buy Modern Guilt
mp3: Mates Of State – My Only Offer
Buy Re-Arrange Us
mp3: The War On Drugs – Taking The Farm
Buy Wagonwheel Blues
mp3: Ratatat – Mirando
Buy LP3
mp3: Wye Oak – Family Glue
Buy If Children
mp3: Cadence Weapon – real estate
Buy Afterparty Babies
mp3: Arizona – Ghost
Buy Glowing Bird
mp3: The Uglysuit – Happy Yellow Rainbow
Buy The Uglysuit
mp3: TV On The Radio – Golden Age
Buy Dear Science,
mp3: Fredrik – 1986
Buy Na Na Ni
mp3: El Guincho – Palmitos Park
Buy Alegranza
mp3: Friendly Fires – In The Hospital
Buy Friendly Fires
mp3: Takka Takka – Lion In The Waves
Buy Migration
mp3: The Little Ones – Like A Spoke On A Wheel
Buy Morning Tide
mp3: Mason Proper – Lock And Key
Buy Olly Oxen Free
mp3: Tobacco – Tape Eater
Buy Fucked Up Friends
mp3: Arms – Kids Aflame
Buy Kids Aflame
mp3: Ra Ra Riot – Ghost Under Rocks
Buy The Rhumb Line
mp3: MGMT – Time To Pretend
Buy Oracular Spectacular
Of course there was so much good music flowing out this year it was hard to narrow it down. What were your faves?
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