The Decemberists - The King Is Dead
A simplistic folk-rock record that has 2 things that set it apart, perfect vocal melody and lyrics. This album doesn't attempt to use bombast to sell itself, just a sunny disposition and clean, sophisticated style.
Tune-Yards - W H O K I L L
A huge record of amazing hooks, wild vocals, and funky musicianship. Merrill Garbus is a force of nature.
Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
Sam Beam gets around to leading a band, and the results are airy, sparse and hauntingly beautiful. Already capable of writing a perfect song, this record displays perfect arrangements.
Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo
Kurt Vile is a master of economy of language and chords. A supremely honest, personal record, Kurt manages to pull out emotion of thin air just by twisting syllables around.
The Lonely Island - Turtleneck & Chain
I listened to the title track so much that there's no way it's just a joke. "Sweater on turtle with the neck on PUFF"
Marnie Stern - Marnie Stern
My yearly foray into the craziest music imaginable. Marnie Stern holds it down with insane guitar work while Zach Hill displays the fastest, most precise drumming heard all year. It's somehow catchy, too.
Bright Eyes - The People's Key
The most complete statement of any record on this list. This album rocks, creeps, philosophizes, soothes and then rocks again.
Mute Math - Odd Soul
Nothing more or nothing less than a sick rock album. Guitars, drums, and vocals all set on fire, put into a blender and shoved into a freezer. Then you lick like a Popsicle. That's what Odd Soul is.
TV On The Radio - 9 Types Of Light
It's hard to explain why one likes TV On The Radio, it's just so unusual, and it all just works somehow. All their stuff is really great, and this is no exception.
Twin Shadow - Forget
A one-man-show, reverbed out synth pop album. It's just really nice to listen to, all the songs have a unique stamp that is memorable.
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