It is a rather difficult task to pick the best albums of the year as I listen to a whole lot of music. However, here I go. Some of these musicians unfortunately do not get much (or enough) commercial radio time. However, they’re all brilliant performers.10) Bat for Lashes’ Two Suns. If you like the sound of Imogen Heap and Frou Frou, you’ll enjoy this sound as well.
9) Ida Maria’s Fortress Round My Heart. The Norwegian artist is a hip blend of new punk and BritPop.
8) Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone. Neko Case is better known than some of the other acts and albums featured here.
7) Phenix’ Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Favorite track: “Lisztomania.” This is definitely a band to watch live. I have been listening to their music this whole week and it is not getting old. They’re featured on the left.
6) Bravery’s Stir the Blood. The album was released just a few days ago. While The Bravery are no strangers to controversy, when they hit the studio they seem to produce rather well-informed synth indie music.
5) Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavilion . I would describe their sound as Indie Psychodelic.
4) Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ It’s Blitz!. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been a favorite of mine for quite some time and this new album certainly didn’t disappoint. They seem to get better with time.
3) Grizzly Bear’s Veckatimest. Think of this band as gothic folk Americana. These musicians seem to be attentive to the kind of musical minutiae that so many lack either the ability or intellectual curiosity to explore. See them pictured above.
2) Florence and the Machine’s Lungs. The singer’s voice has such color and range. While the sound isn’t necessarily what I would seek after, her vocals, however, are what sold her music to me. Definitely worth a try.
1) Muse’s The Resistance. Because this is not a secret.
kakonged
