Top Of The Pops
Serena Maneesh – No. 2: Abyss In B Minor
Serena Maneesh prove they are more than mere distortion-heavy imitators on their wonderful second full-length record.
High Places – High Places Vs. Mankind
Some of the innocence of High Places’ previous outings is traded in for boldness that results in the creation of their best work to date.
The Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt
Kristian Matsson aka The Tallest Man On Earth matures and perfects his craft on just his second full-length album.
Frightened Rabbit – The Winter Of Mixed Drinks
If there was ever an album to make Frightened Rabbit huge, then The Winter Of Mixed Drinks is probably it.
4The Ruby Suns – Fight Softly
On their second album with Sub Pop, The Ruby Suns come into their own with an irresistible electro-pop album.
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
Plastic Beach provides yet another reason to consider Damon Albarn one of the finest songwriters of this or any generation.
Ray Wylie Hubbard – A. Enlightenment, B…
Outlaw country staple Ray Wylie Hubbard presents a staggering full-length entrenched in Delta tradition and dazzling mysticism.
2Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
Local Natives channels Grizzly Bear’s glossier side as well as Bitte Orca’s R&B leanings with surprisingly stellar results.
The Knife – Tomorrow, In A Year
Swedish duo The Knife takes on a project of colossal scope with Tomorrow, In A Year, one as frustrating as it is inspiring.
5Thee Silver Mt. Zion… – Kollaps Tradixionales
Following yet another name and lineup change, Godspeed You! Black Emperor off-shoots return strong with their sixth album in ten years.
Holly Miranda – The Magician’s Private Library
Dreamlike and surreal yet grounded by fragile emotion, The Magician’s Private Library is mesmerizing.
Galactic – Ya-Ka-May
New Orleans troupe Galactic presents yet another fresh album brimming with funk, rock, blues, and more on Ya-Ka-May.
1Scout Niblett – The Calcination Of Scout Niblett
On her first Drag City full-length, singer-songwriter Scout Niblett forgoes pseudo-folk trappings in favor of dynamic bombast.
1Beach House – Teen Dream
Come December, don’t be surprised to see Teen Dream somewhere near the top of year-end lists. It really is that good.
Eels – End Times
Once more with End Times, Eels are able to make the inconsolable feelings of personal regret and tragedy sound quite wonderful.
Menomena