With a great year of albums it was hard once again to narrow it down to just 25.. Hope you like it Cheers
25. Surfer Blood – Astro Coast
Ending my list this year is of course those garage band indi pop kids Surfer Blood. Not only do they make rock songs but they manage to keep you remembering them for awhile. Can't wait to see what the new year brings them!
24. The Drums – The Drums
Perfect indie pop music is what you get with The Drums. They manage to create such a melody of happy drum beats not mention hand claps! The Drums are perfect for this coming spring when the flowers are in bloom and you want to be outside.
23.Foals – Total Life Forever
What can I say about the Foals? Besides they are one awesome band and can create great music. This is a must for people out there looking for something new. This was one highly attincpated album this year and for good reasons. A solid album
22. Grum - Heartbeats
This year had its high and lows in electronic. Grum created a great great dance record this year! This being his debut really showed that this awesome DJ can create a full length and still be able to stand the test of time. I know if I wanna dance I put this record on.
21. Marina And The Diamonds – The Family Jewels
Every time I hear this album it brighten ups my day. Like many artist like her before and now she still manages to keep it fresh and new and exciting. Such a great album to get down to and just let your self be free.
20. Joanna Newsom -Have One on Me
You know I thought I was going to get tired of her voice but I was so wrong. This girl can sing not to mention put on a awesome live show. This saw her changing in her music style and it showed in a good way. Songs like "Jackrabbit" "Ribbon Bows" sure do showcase this!
19. Suckers - Wild Smile
When I saw this album cover I had to laugh but that soon turned to joy when I was half way through the album. Suckers was a for sure shock for me this year. Not only did I fall in love with these guys but they manage to keep me playing them over and over. Fine indi rock at your finest!
18. Grinderman – Grinderman 2
One of my good friends turned me onto these guys and I am ever so grateful! Grinderman knows how to produce a great rock and roll album. With silly song titles like "Mickey Mouse and The Goodbye Man" or "Worm Tamer" these guys don't play around. Filling your ears with solid rock music!
17. Warpaint – The Fool
It seem fitting that I would see this band open up for Yeasayer. These girls sure know how to rock and put on a great show. Their song "Undertow" has to be the best stand out track for me from these gals.. They know how to rock and rock well!
16. The Tallest Man On The Earth - The Wild Hunt
In a year of folk indie music starting to rise up again. Singer / Song Writer Kristian Matsson rose to the occasion. I saw this guy perform live and he sure does put his heart and soul into his music. The follow up album "The Wild Hunt" was such a awesome collection of songs that it flowed so magical. This album is a for sure have for you folk lovers!
15.Hurts - Happiness
This album was a great surprise for me this year!! Their lead single "Better Then Love" really did put this guys on a lot of peoples radar. Not until "Wonderful Life" did this guys make a splash and got more attention that was a must. With that this record took off like no other. I could not stop playing this song and still today "Hurts" lies in my top 5 tracks most play on itunes. A great new start for a band and can't wait to see more from them!
14.Hot Chip - One Night Stand
It still always amazes me that the lead singer Alexis Taylor is the smallest guy in the group! None the less he still manages to keep that odd haunting vocal going. Songs like "I Feel Better" really showcases his singing talents. Such a great album and Hot Chip will always remain a top band for me!
13.Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
This was the most anticipated follow up for me this year. Thank god like Vampire Weekend they sticked to what they know best and delivered a solid album. With their first single "Doe Deer" which was under 2:00 for sure set the mark for this album. With awesome synth tracks this duo still manages to put out a great album.
12.Vampire Weekend – Contra
Thank god these guys are no MGMT and know how to stick to what they know and continue to make awesome music. Vampire Weekend came out with a follow up to their self titled album. Every song on this album could be a single. With the crazy high pitched lyrics of "White Sky" to the catchy beat of "Holiday" This was one fun record this year!
11.Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
With the return of the crazy folk artist who promised us albums all written about different states came Sufjan Stevens greatest new epic "The Age of Adz." This album took on some new and different approaches to his recent albums. Not only did he influence more electronic in this album but he made the blend work awesome.. Songs like "Vesuvius" and "Get Real Get Right" Sufjan delivered a brand new set of great music.
10. Sleigh Bells - Treats
With a great opening song "Tell 'Em" how could you not miss this band! To be honest this band took me awhile to get into. Maybe it was it super loud heavy guitar or the filled screams coming from singer Alexis Krauss. (Looks like lead singer Alice Glass from Crystal Castles has some competition.) Ether or once i got pass this and looked ahead.. I noticed that its one crazy awesome loud album!! This duo sure know how to make a great loud rocking album! Not to mention this two put on one crazy ass show!!
09. Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner
Taking a different music taste this album is not only very electronic but it for sure set the mood on rainy days or just days when you want to relax and read a nice book.. Thankfully is cold in other areas of the world so it would fit in just right. Here in sunny AZ it still manages to make its presence known. With all the great electronic albums out this year. This was by far the lead for me.
08. Robyn - Body Talk
Now this list would not be complete if I did not included my girl Robyn.. Everyone knows I tend to favor pop electronic music. This is no different. Robyn did the craziest thing releasing three EPS in one year and each one delivering solid pop music! Each EP was fronted by a great new song and those did not let down. With "Dancing On My Own" to "Hang With Me" Robyn proved she can hang with the big girls and still manage to make awesome pop music!
07. Beach House - Teen Dream
When this came out I was listening to it and i remember a friend of mine looking very disappointed staying why is Katy Perry folk now? I had to look at him and explain how this is not her! Other wise such a great album that flows and works with just the right amount of emo/folk. The vocals will haunt for after your done listening and keep you wanting to listen to it some more. Beach House came out with such a powerful album here and they brought it at the right time.
06. The National - High Violet
These guys sure know how to put on a live show and know how to make you want more.. Typically drunk on stage lead singer Matt Berninger still manages to sing these songs with great power. Some very great singles came from this album and they still are being played all over my house. This is one of those records that I know I will come back to many many times.
05. The Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Not only did they follow through with yet another album after Neon Bible, but they came out with this and blow everyone away.. Its nice to know that this band with all the hype can still manage to create new and exciting music that not only sucks but can easily played entirely through with out the listener getting bored. Songs like "Ready To Start" and "Rococo" really show how they can manage to change their sound yep keep it very Arcade Fire. The Suburbs can stand the test of time just like the rest of their albums.
04. Jonsi - GO
After Sigur Ros last album I was a bit afraid that Jonsi's solo album was going to be less then par from what Sigur Ros puts out.. I was so wrong not only does he take advantage of his singing talents but he is still doing what he does best. Arranging great music and haunting epic songs.. Making this record his own is what is expected from such great talent! His first single "Go Do" was a sure way to show you he is not traveling that Sigur Ros formula. He was set on making some great powerful pop/haunting arrangements. Not to mention this guy for sure does put on one awesome show!
03. Caribou - Swim
Not only was this album one hyped up album but it lived up to that hype. Swim will always be a album that I will put on when I wanna chill and just relax. Song "Leave House" is one of those perfect sounds that I can just put on and lose myself! Caribou created a master here and it shows!
02. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
James Murphy does not let you down ever!! With a epic 9:00 min open song "Dance Your Self Clean" He sets this album up perfectly! Songs as "Drunk Girls" still manages to show you he is still a playful DJ in his time. My personal favorite "You Wanted a Hit" sure does hit the spot. This man sure knows how to put beats and music together very well.. I would say that I am kind of glad he went a little different on this album then last.. I was fearful he was heading down that frat boy music DJ scene. None the less James Murphy still remains king of his craft!
01. Yeasayer – Odd Blood
One thing that can be said about this band is that YES They follow through over and over.. With their 2nd album here it does not let you down! Just like classic Yeasayer you can hear them developing their sound as well as making sure that it does not give up or keep you waiting.. Songs like "Rome" "One" sure do make you wanna dance and keep playing them over and over. Their lead single "Ambling Alp" was a great way to start the album out only giving you a taste wanting more! By far deserving my number one spot this year!
