1) Elvis Costello and The Roots: Wise Up Ghost - This is as unlikely pairing as any in music. However, The Roots epic grooves link up perfectly with Costello's cutting lyrics to give us an album that is as thought-provoking as it is danceable.
2) Arcade Fire: Reflektor - AF get some inspiration from Caribbean music and rhythms to spice up their signature sound on this double-disc album. While they probably could have cut it down to a single album, there are still plenty of arena-worthy gems on this one.
3) Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba: Jama Ko - The ngoni is a traditional stringed-instrument from West Africa which some believe to be the predecessor to the modern banjo. In the hands of Kouyate (and some good old amplification) this instrument can kick some serious butt. The album features a number of different musicians and vocalists, including Kouyate's wife. This is some great music out of Mali.
4) Bill Frisell: Big Sur - The jazz guitar genius composed a set of songs while hanging out in the heaven on Earth of Big Sur. The tracks evoke the beauty and serenity of that magical place.
5) Jason Isbell: Southeastern - Former Drive-by Trucker Isbell continues his run of top-notch solo efforts.
6) Arctic Monkeys: AM - The latest from the boys from Sheffield shows a maturity that is fitting as they approach their thirties. The result is a more controlled intensity that still rewards the listener with patented riffs and creative lyrics.
6) Arctic Monkeys: AM - The latest from the boys from Sheffield shows a maturity that is fitting as they approach their thirties. The result is a more controlled intensity that still rewards the listener with patented riffs and creative lyrics.
7) Vampire Weekend: Modern Vampires of the City - Another band that is growing up and their music is maturing with them. Their sound gets deeper and more varying with each album.
8) Kurt Vile: Walkin on a Pretty Daze - Ultimate lo-fi fuzzmeister continues to set the standard for broke, starving garage band aficionados everywhere. You don't have to be glamorous to make good music.
9) Cold War Kids: Dear Miss Lonelyhearts - This band from Californy sound much closer in their sound to Europeans (e.g. Phoenix) then West-coasters. Former Modest Mouse guitarist Dann Gallucci fleshes out the sound. This is a consistent and impressive set.
10) Laura Mvula: Sing to the Moon - This UK-based artist draws on Jazz, pop, and R&B to put together a sound altogether distinctive and idiosyncratic. A fabulous debut album.
Honorable Mention:
Parquet Courts: Light Up Gold
Charles Bradley: Victim of Love
Charles Bradley: Victim of Love
Bombino: Nomad
Olafur Arnalds: For Now I Am Winter
Deer Tick: Negativity
Deer Tick: Negativity
