Home

I would like to begin this list by thanking all of my RTP.com bretheren for bringing many new bands to my attention. You are good and honest people–scholars in the first order. So high-fives, low-fives and kickups to all of you.

And now the list:

10. The New Pornographers - Challengers
Perhaps I’m a sucker for tight pop hooks, since even a weak New Pornographers album gets on my top 10. Or maybe it’s because this is one of the few bands that both Wiferson J. Wifely and I can both listen to in the car and not resent what’s playing.

9. St. Vincent - Marry Me
Tasty, sweet, but a little salty. That’s how I like my women. True story. St. Vincent is like eating a chocolate-covered pretzel, and enjoying every minute of it.

8. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga
I’m still convinced that Gimme Fiction was their best album ev-VER, but damned if this one didn’t rank as a close second. You Got Yer Cherry Bomb is an outstanding song to start out a 5K.

7. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
I’ve worn out North American Scum on iTunes. I didn’t think that could happen, since there are no grooves, or magnetic tapes, or moving parts, but it’s true. I’ve since moved to other tracks, and am mos def a better person for it.

6. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
I wish I could dress up like a Mennonite and start a rock band with my friends and cousins and shit. I guess I could, but then I’d be a copycat, and the last time I was a copycat, I was playing Batman and was swinging off the roof (the line was supposed to hold). I was really not expecting a great follow up to Funeral, but Neon Bible was equally as passionate and personal.

5. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová - Once Soundtrack
I just recently received this soundtrack, and have to admit hadn’t given it much thought at first. I pegged it a folky and a great listen when you wanted to lay low. But color me purple with surprise (it’s purple, right?). I soon discovered that this album has a distinct passion and intensity that I hadn’t heard in before. Hansard and Irglová work magic together.

4. Feist - The Reminder
Feist is so popular. And so incredible. And so fun to listen to. There are few albums that make you happy after every rotation. I want to hug her. But not hug her so that she can’t get away. That would just be wrong dude, wrong.

3. Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators - Keep Reachin’ Up
NPR, yes All Things Considered, brought Nicole Willis to my attention. On the surface, you might consider this to be nothing more than a retro-throwback. And if that makes you happy, then awesome, high-five dude. But this is soul music in its purist state and the Soul Investigators have taken a classic genre and made it modern perfection.

2. Radiohead - In Rainbows
Even the hype couldn’t deter me from really enjoying In Rainbows. But I haven’t enjoyed enjoy listening to Thom’s weirdness as much since Kid A. Not that this is as life-changing as Kid A, but it definitely evokes a stronger sense of cohesion than Hail to the Thief.

1. Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Baritone… resonating through my brain. Trumpets, trombones, flutes and piccolos backing up indie pop. I’m trying to imagine something more perfect, but… I… cannot. It makes me want to sing– out loud– Shit, I’m singing right now. Please make it continue.

2 Comments

Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website