Ted Leo and the Pharmacists-The Brutalist Bricks
(Matador)
Theodore and the 'ol R/X's experience some lineup changes, add a second guitarist, and get serious on the BB, a collection of anthemic lead guitar and fervent melodies that has a much more concentrated feel than 2007's Living With the Living. Ya done good, TL.
None More Black-Icons
(Fat Wreck)
When NMB's mastermind Jason Schevchuk decided to take some time off shortly after NMB's last opus This is Satire, I was sad. Sad at the fact that I may never get to hear another song written by this incredibly gifted songwriter. His side project, LaGrecia, was good, but it wasn't the same. Icons not only feels like a NMB record, it's the best thing, hands down, that Schevchuk has done.
Th
e Corin Tucker Band- 1,000 Years(Kill Rock Stars)
While I thought this would reak of "I was in Sleater-Kinney, now I'm going to make a solo album" smell, I was pleasantly suprised when it didn't. A lot more of an acoustic feel, also mult-tracked vocals. Corin branches out on this record, but not before giving us some songs that could have easily been taken from The Woods sessions. All's well that ends well.
Superchunk-Majesty Shredding
(Merge)
I'll be honest and say that I hadn't ever listened to Superchunk before hearing this "comeback album"..which is anything but. After sampling bits and pieces of said back catalog, Majesty picks up right where Superchunk left off. All I know, is, I want to play guitar like these guys/gals, and I'm not worthy.
Kyles
a-Spiral Shadow(Season of Mist)
While it's hard to tell if Kylesa is going more experimental or more mainstream whilst listening to all Eleven tracks on SS, one thing is clearly evident: Kylesa has broken new ground by fusing psychedelia and metal into one livng, breathing, behemoth being.
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals-III/IV(PAX AM)
Ryan decides to rock again, this time, he really brings it. heavy use of a hammond b3 organ resonates; and for good reason. This isn't a Whiskeytown record. Crank this up loud.
Wavves-King of the Beach(Fat Possum)
Lo-Fi, but still somehow has balls....all the blips and effects and quirks that usually make me hate a lot of art-rock bands somehow works for Wavves, to their favor. a lot of infectious melodies and a song called "Super Soaker". Can't go wrong.
Sage Francis-Li(f)e(ANTI)
When a poet/rapper decides to make a record in which no samples are used, the results are usually not as good as this. Sage realizes what he's capable of on Li(f)e and what comes out of this experiment is nothing short of astounding.
Eagle Claw-Poacher(Self-Released)
What happens when you lock a few guitarists and a drummer in their practice space with a bunch of sludge records, all their gear, sans microphones? Eagle Claw, that's what happens. Explosions in the Sky better play a comeback show, because when it comes to Austin's instrumental rock crown, Eagle Claw is doing some serious dethroning.
The Roots-How I Got Over(Def Jam)
The Most cohesive Roots release since 1999's Things Fall Apart. While subsequent releases rely heavy on experimentation, Over picks up on exuberance and packs the 1-2 punch that will put The Roots back on the map.
The Black Keys-Brothers(Nonesuch)
Another stellar outing by Akron, OH's prodigal sons, Lebron be damned. Even with Danger Mouse behind the boards for round 2, the Keys still keep it raw and rugged.
Big Boi-Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (Purple Ribbon/Def Jam)
Pure Hip-Hop fun. Big-Boi keeps his southern-fried flare intact for some monster rhymes, along with killer production from several different camps. Feels fresh and inspired all the way through. Do I kind of like T.I. after listening to this record? Well, yes.
Grinderman-2(ANTI)
I've known for some time of Nick Cave's exploits, but have taken little time to shed much-needed light to it. If Neil Young went through a period in which he listened to a lot of Bauhaus, It'd probably sound a lot like 2. This is a good thing.
Girl Talk-All Day(Illegal Art)
After 2007's Feed the Animals, we were all clamoring for more. I was expecting to be a little let down by AD, and when I wasn't, there was a Fugazi/Beyonce mashup that was like icing on the cake.
Arcade Fire-The Suburbs(Merge)
Everything that everyone is saying about this record is true. While I enjoyed AF's previous two releases, they seemed a bit partisan; The Suburbs IS the sleeping giant that is The Arcade Fire waking up and making something that will outlast many of their contemporaries.
Honorable Mention:
Against Me!-White Crosses
(Sire)
The Hold Steady-Heaven is Whenever
(Vagrant)
Spoon-Transference
(Merge)
The Sword-Warp Riders
(Kemado)
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