12. Gorillaz-Plastic Beach, 75
Plastic Beach was an instant favorite of mine, mixing the classic funkiness of Gorillaz with a feeling of grandeur. They delved into many many sounds and made it all sound fantastic. It was orchestral at times, soundtrack-y at times, electronic at times, but always grabbing your ear. "Stylo" and "Pirate Jet" were my favorites.
13. The Tallest Man On Earth-Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird, 75
This album is only this low because it's an EP. Whoops!, I just gave something away. Kristian Matsson will get his due from me soon enough so I'll keep this short. From "The Dreamer" likely one of my most favorite of the entire year, "oh sometimes the blues is just a passing bird and why can't that always be? Tossing aside from your birches crown just enough dark to see, how you're the light over me."
14. Local Natives-Gorilla Manor, 74
Of the the best newcomers of the year, Local Natives already boasts a developed sound, and have a great time playing their music. Talented vocally, they back it up with creativity, and imagination within their own sound. "World News" and "Cards and Quarters" were wonderful tracks.
15. Deer Tick-The Black Dirt Sessions
The Black Dirt Sessions was one of the final albums I listened to. They do have a bit of twang to them, but they have soul, depth behind the music, and a memorable sound. "Goodbye Dear Friend" is a hauntingly beautiful tune, "Some stories break your heart, and some with such applaud, buried deep inside, where it's ok to cry. Some boys won't shed a tear, oh, but I can tell it like this here. It can break down and get me where it hurst the most." It sounds as if he's singing from that place.
16. Ray LaMontagne & Pariah Dogs-God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise, 73
I agree with the NPR crew who felt that it was too soon for a LaMontagne album. However, you can't ignore a legendary voice like Ray's. It's smooth like the syrup from Cracker Barrel, gravelly like my hands after a fall on a playground, and deep like the only way to fry onion rings. "New York City's Killing Me", "Like Rock & Roll And Radio" and "This Love Is Over" were my favorites.
17. Band of Horses-Infinite Arms, 71
Band of Horses has a very full sound, with rare blank space. They have the ability to play at different levels of rock, sometimes more laid-back and other times ear-blasting. "Infinite Arms" and "NW Apt." make me smile the most.
18. Titus Andronicus-The Monitor, 70
The Monitor was another album in my final batch of listening. I really surprised myself with how much I liked this album. It's a fantastic angry album, one you throw on and yell along to. "Four Score And Seven" stuck out (in a good way).
19. Goo Goo Dolls-Something For The Rest Of Us, 69
I have always been a complete sucker for the Goo Goo Dolls. "Slide" is my favorite song of all-time. Something For The Rest Of Us was the same-old Goo Goo Dolls sound, and since they crafted it so long ago, I won't dock them for a lack of creativity like I do for newer artists. It's a feel good sound, throw it on and smile. "As I Am", "Now I Hear" and "Still Your Song" were my favorites.
20. Stars-The Five Ghosts, 68
No one sounds like Stars. They write exquisitely beautiful music paired with some of the most soul-ripping lyrics you will ever hear. Here are a few choice samples: "I could say it but you won't believe me, you say you do but you don't deceive me." "Sunrise, oh sunrise, when will you ever come?" "We didn't know we knew you 'til we lost you. You tried to leave us all alone, we wish you had failed."
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