10. The Gorillaz' Demon Days- Feel Good Inc. and I'm not talking the song. Just an all around fun album chock full of great dance tunes and a blend of rock, indie, hip-hop and whatever else you want to describe this as. You can't beat an album that has Dennis Hopper on it.
9. The Magic Numbers- Their self-titled debut is definitely wins best new artist and is an altogether solid album. Vocalist throws back to Cat Stevens and the female accompanyment just plain rules. The mix of Rockin' guitars, catchy hooks, yet unique tones and vocal styles makes this stand out.
8. Neil Young's Praire Wind- This album (written with a new brain and after the death of his father) sounds like the good old days of Neil with the similar sounds of some of his classics (Harvest, American Stars And Bars) but is entirely unique in itself as well. Neil never fails to shine.
7. Dream Brother- A Tribute to Tim and Jeff Buckley- Yet another new discovery, I usually don't like to include compilations on my lists of great albums, but these versions of the songs are a great tribute. The stand outs are Magic Numbers version of Tim's "Sing a Song For You" and Bitmap's electronic fused version of Jeff's "Dream Brother." Also, Sufjan Steven's rendition of "She Is" is beautiful. A tribute to two great talents.
6. Nine Inch Nail's [With_Teeth]- Trent Reznor is a genius and this album has a uniquely different feel to it then his past efforts (which are all amazing). You know it's a Nails album, yet when listening to certain songs (especially the first track "All The Love In The World") you feel as if you are in some new venture in his life and career. "Only" was also a standout song with brilliant bass and drum work that hits home. Great deal, Trent. Probably your best album since Downward Spiral. And that was 11 years ago.
5. The White Stripes' Get Behind Me Satan- Piano takes over Jack White's mind on this brilliant work. Yes, I said brilliant. Touching love songs like "As Ugly As I Seem" fun mandolin jams like "Little Ghost" and balls to the wall blues and rock in "Red Rain" and "Blue Orchid" make this yet another tour de force in their career. The strange diversion may seem a little too strange at first, but it'll grow on you hardcore. If you aren't a huge fan, you may like this one because it is drastically different at times then any other Stripes album. And thats the draw.
4. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Howl- A taste of Dylan and Young will drastically change any bands outlook on rock music and this band known for its retro rock sound takes a different turn on this album. "Ain't No Easy Way" is a toe-tapping folk jam reminiscent of Led Zeppelin III songs like "Hots Off to Roy Harper." "Promise" is the stand out track with epic piano licks. If you have no idea what this band is like, this is a big diversion for them, but a much welcomed one.
3. Sufjan Stevens' Come On! Feel The Illinoise!- When I heard the idea behind the album, I thought "that's a goofy gimmick". But an album based on a states history can turn into a folk/indie/Wes Andersonesque escapade into catchy and beautiful song writing. Sufjan invents a new genre mixing so many different sounds and writing brilliant songs like the simplistic "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." to the epic "They Are Night Zombies!" The more you listen, the more you need to continue listening. Let's hope the other state albums are just as good. I can't wait for New Jersey!
2. The Raveonettes' Pretty in Black- Retro rock at its finest. A band known for massive feedback and loud guitars drop some of this feel on this album and bring you back to the innocent days of rock. Only innocent in sound. The lyrics are dripping with innuendo and give a great feel to the sounds of surf/Spector sounding rock songs of the past. One of the greatest love songs of our age is also on this album ("Uncertain Times".) Sharin Foo drops the bass and sings much more on this album. Their songwriting has taken huge leaps and bounds ahead. Exciting times lie ahead for one of the best newer artists. Only after two and a half albums, they are one of the best bands around. See them live!
1. Stephen Malkmus and the Jick's Face the Truth- Malkmus knows how to write songs. Both catchy, silly addictive and brilliant, this album will not let you down. Kicking off with an insane Wowee Zowee-esque freak jam "Pencil Rot" and ending with the beautiful and simple "Malediction", the album does not let down and lasts after continued listening. He needs to go back on the road for this album. It is simply amazingly great. Nothing beats an album of all around solid songs with not a dull moment on the entire album. Check it out!
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