20-11

20.) Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Still haven't put a lot of time into this album yet, but its infectuous and rediculously groovy. It may rise as I listen to it more. Their Ga Ga Ga Great! Aha! Heh....ahem.
Key Tracks: "The Underdog," "Japanese Cigarette Case"

19.) Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
This is the first album I've fully listened to of the group, and it's brilliantly poptastic. Sexy and fun. I need to go watch The Wizard now.
"Silver Lining," "Dreamworld"

18.) Gorillaz - D - Sides
I decided to count this as an album, cuz it's more than an album's worth of brilliant b-sides (D-sides I guess). Lotsa great beats, and it shows off a more experimental side of Gorillaz. BONUS* - the special addition comes with some small illustrations, stickers, pins and a sweet patch. Fo SHO!!!
"We Are A Happy Landfill," "The Swagga"

17.) Battles - Mirrored
I read a certain blog that said it best: "Four very talented musicians that sound like eight very talented musicians." And instrumental blowout that blurs the line between electronic and band. PERFECT cartoon soundtrack music, and one of the most innovative albums of the year.
"Tonto," "Atlas"

16.) Maximo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures

And they do it again! Some more hoppy New-Wavy rock pleasantries. Could this be better than their debut? May~be... at any rate, my feet do their own thing when I hear anything from these guys. I seriously love this band! They are so great and just getting started.

"Girls Who Play Guitars," "Our Velocity,"

15.) Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

Didn't rush to hear these guys at first. I heard Panda Bear (this band's drummer), and though I liked it I wasn't extremely impressed. But, I heard this was a little more my style, and The Greg did purchase for me (Merry Christmas!) I gave 'er a listen at about 4 in the morning on the way to Disneyland, and let me tell you this is the PERFECT album to listen to at 4 in the morning. The sample crazy electro freak rock tickled my brain the way it hadn't been tickled in quite some time. What they do with sound in general is amazing. I think I am a big fan now.

"Peacebone," "For Reverend Green"

14.) Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills

Another brilliant follow up. This album seems a tad more upbeat, at least in emotion, but has more of a Cure feel to it as well. Definately a bigger sound. Sweden sure does have it goin' on lately. And their fish are still great.

"Time Left For Love," "Normandie"

13.) the White Stripes - Icky Thump

At first I wasn't sure about this one either, cuz I REALLY liked Get Behind Me Satan. No pianos on this one, but there are wicked organs, lotsa guitar, and even bagpipes to make up for it. Jack White still continues with his winning streak.

"Martyr For My Love For You," "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpoor Blues"

12.) Fujiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things

Woo! My ayazz shakes thoroughly to this album. They aren't really Japanese (as they explain in their songs) but I decided to check them out simply cuz I am a sucker for the Nihon-teki. Go figure! Tis an AWESOME dance album.

"Ankle Injuries," "Photocopier"

11.) Arcade Fire - Neon Ball...I mean NEON BIBLE

(I have a hard time with the album name, as one of Silverchair's albums is called Neon BALLROOM. Inside joke.)

I was anti-Arcade for quite some time. I did not want to like this band, and I have no idea why. But, when I ended up hearing this one, I couldn't help it. It really is a great album full of emotion and intensity. The hype is true, I suppose. Even if they aren't the saviors of the world. Go Canada! Much better than their first, in my opinion.

"Intervention," "Keep the Car Running," "Black Wave/Bad Vibrations"