If you give a raccoon a block of sugar, it will take the block of sugar to the nearest source of water and wash it until it completely dissolves.
(in no particular order)
The Knife – Silent Shout
This album has a delicious dark frenzied feel to it that just grabs me. I picture aliens, dark railroad crossings, arson and gleaming sweaty bodies.
Junior Boys – So This is Goodbye
This is just a kickin’ electronic album. It’s low key enough to listen to while simply hanging out, and catchy enough to drive and sing along to. I highly enjoy In The Morning.
Malajube – Trompe l’oeil
Majesty, appealing popiness, and a sonic fuzz permeate this album. It feels mashed together, sung at the top of one’s lungs and delicately arranged all at once. It’s brooding and manic; an excellent debut.
Fujiya and Miyagi – Transparent Things
Ankle Injuries hooked me on my first listen. I wake up with this album in my head, and catch myself mindlessly humming it throughout the day. Fujiya and Miyagi have crafted a solid and extremely addicting offering.
Spank Rock – Yoyoyoyoyo
Underground hip hop and dirty rap mesh together in this rousing, glitchy, grimy club album. On Bump, Amanda Blank kicks it up a notch with a sick rap sure to make any girl proud.
Peter Bjorn and John – Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block has traces of 60’s baroque pop and quirky new wave but it’s distinctly indie rock. And really damn good indie rock at that. Who knew that three boys from Sweden could sound so confident and earnestly American?
Grizzly Bear – Yellow House
Grizzly Bear always captivates me. I feel like I’m floating in this hazy and surreal world while my heart is breaking. By the end of this album I feel content, and amazed at how beautifully layered and carefully pieced together it is.
Ghostface Killah – Fishscale
Fishscale is gritty, bumpin’ and chock full of lyrical genius. Bu that’s typical of Ghostface Killah. He broke the rules with Wu-Tang and has continued to put out great solo records for years. In his late 30’s, Killah sounds better than he ever has. This album takes no prisoners.
Black Angels – Passover
Not only are they from my home state of Texas, but they sound like a raw 13th Floor Elevators meets the Brian Jonestown Massacre in a dark cave in hell. It’s delightful.
Tapes ‘N Tapes – The Loon
When I listen to this album, I am constantly reminded of how much it sounds like The Talking Heads, and occasionally the Pixies. The sound is very familiar, yet miraculously retains its originality. The Loon is solid, brash and enigmatic – exactly how I like my men.
Other excellent albums worthy of attention:
Beach House – Beach House
Beirut – The Gulag Orkestar
Woven Hand – Mosaic
Sparklehorse – Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain
El Perro Del Mar – El Perro Del Mar
Annuals – Be He Me
Herbert – Scale