1. Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
Justin Vernon’s beardy-man folk music is sonically beautiful and low key without being depressing. I’ll admit, at times you may feel as though you’re alone in a remote cabin somewhere in the mid-west during a snowstorm - most likely because that’s where he wrote and recorded most of these songs - and yet it still makes me smile. Favorite tracks: “For Emma” and “Lump Sum”
2. Sigur Rós Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust
It's arty, trippy, experiemental and fluid - and possibly their best album yet. Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust delivers a mirage of sounds, including cheerful acoustic guitars and drum beats. One of my favorite qualities in their music and with this album is their trademark ability to slow-climb each song with grandeur. It's impetuous and I love it. Favorite tracks: "Bobbledigook" and "Vid Spilum Enda"aust"
3. She & Him Volume One
This album pays homage to classic country influences with a retro flare. The duo combine elements of romance, masculinity and narration that exudes charm. Favorite tracks: “This Is Not a Test” and “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here”
4. M83 Saturday = Youth
As I said before, “This album is synthetically romantic and appropriately named. Saturday = Youth transports you back into eighties in the best way.” If you can appreciate bands like (OMD) Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark and the Cocteau Twins, then you can appreciate this modern take. Favorite tracks: “Graveyard Girls” and “Kim and Jessie”
5. Kings of Leon Only By the Night
There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of new bands producing true rock ‘n’ roll music with a southern edge. I’m talking, without those trendy electronic components that so many bands encompass today. That is why this album stands out to me. It’s got it all - melodies, razor-sharp guitar riffs and elements of sex. Favorite tracks: “Closer” and “Sex on Fire”
6. Ray LaMontagne Gossip In The Grain
Here’s another bearded fellow who lives out in the country and produces beautiful ballads. Gossip In the Grain is seductive and emotionally charged. And his soulful voice just does it for me. If Van Morrison and Nick Drake are among my all-time favorites, there’s really no wonder. There’s even a song called “Sarah”. Favorite tracks: “Let It Be Me” and “You Are the Best Thing”
7. TV on the Radio Dear Science
This is a band that continues to get better with each album. If the criteria for a band to be indie rock are that they produce arty and experimental music, then these guys have become the kings of the indie rock. Dear Science brings explosions of funky dance beats and rock guitar riffs. I particularly like the incorporation of strings. Favorite tracks: “Halfway Home”, “Love Dog” and “Family Tree”
8. Portishead Third
Nothing has changed since the last time I wrote about this album, so I’ll quote. “It’s brilliant, but in the same exact way that Dummy was brilliant. This album is an extension to their last, instead of something completely different.” The only noticeable difference I see, is that they seen to have improved in every way. With age comes maturity, which they truly deliver. Favorite tracks: “Silence” and “Machine Gun”
9. Deerhunter Microcastle
This band is proof that Atlanta has a great music scene; perhaps the business of music should pay more attention. Microcastle contains all the right qualities: pop melodies, post-punk influences and ambient overtones. I recommend seeing this band live. Favorite tracks: “Never Stops” and “Nothing Ever Happened”
10. Erykah Badu New Amerykah: Part 1
This is my kind of R&B. It exudes a youthful playfulness that I can totally relate to. It’s socially conscious in a creative way, providing just the right amount of soul and hip-hop. Favorite tracks: “Honey” and “Soldier”
Runners up…
Devotchka A Mad & Faithful Telling
Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes
Crystal Stilts Alight of Night
Lykke Li Youth Novels
