Being sick is terrible. I’ve been fighting something nasty since Tuesday. Luckily the worst was out of the way fast — after recording a 101 degree temperature Tuesday night, the fever subsided and I’ve slowly returned to a state that’s manageable. I was still a bit stuffed up on the 25th, but by 10pm all that was left was sniffling and the occasional cough — my regular voice was back.

On November 25, I decided to do something a little different. Not only would I tell a few stories about bands I’ve seen, I’d also take advantage of the vast writings I have here on FensePost and do a few brief readings from related articles. This evening I read snippets from posts about The Dø, Paladino, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Stars and Ah Holly Fam’ly.

Don’t forget to check out the added words about select songs at bottom.

“Desert Song” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros off Up From Below
“Don’t Make Me A Target” by Spoon off Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
“Gotta Cheer Up” by Cotton Jones off Paranoid Cocoon

“Slippery Slope (Studio Pigalle Session)” by The Dø

“The Pan” by The Goodnight Loving off The Goodnight Loving Supper Club
“Mexicali Rainsong” by Paladino off Paladino
“Absurd Heroes Manifestos” by Arthur & Yu off In Camera

“Little Notes” by Tiny Ruins & A Singer of Songs off Little Notes
“Two Seasons” by Big Tree off This New Year
“Jephthah’s Daughter” by Ember Schrag off Jephthah’s Daughter

“Childish” by Meyercord off The Childish EP

“Sophia In Gold” by Letting Up Despite Great Faults off Paper Crush EP

“Peninsula” by Death Vessel off Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us
“November” by Y La Bamba off Lupon
“Under the Pines” by Bodies of Water off A Certain Feeling

“Warm Blood” by Seabear off We Built A Fire
“Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” by Stars off Set Yourself On Fire
“Car Wreck” by Foxwarren off Has Been Defeated

“Nails & Wood” by The Wailing Wall off Hospital Blossoms
“All Unfolding” by Ah Holly Fam’ly off Reservoir
“Lemon Tree” by Pree off Folly

Sitting comfortably in the midst of a female-fronted folk set, Big Tree’s “Two Seasons” fit right in. The song can be found on their new LP, This New Year, which came out back in October. Big Tree saturates its music with beautiful harmonies, and blends its folk sensibilities with hints of pleasant pop.

Listen: “Two Seasons” by Big Tree

The Kora Records gave us Pree’s EP, A Chopping Block, back in early 2009. They return now on Paper Garden Records with an LP called Folly. The album finds Pree continuing those unique vocal sounds and finding a comfortable style within the folk-pop genre. “Lemon Tree” was the song of the night, but it’s important to note that Folly is filled with songs just as powerful, if not more so.

Listen: “Lemon Tree” by Pree

The problem with so-called best-of lists, is that they are really just a collection of items organized based on experience and time, in that there will be plenty of albums heard the following year and beyond that will hold just as much weight as these we dub as “Best.” So, as of right now, at this particular time in the tail end of 2010 and the first moments of 2011, these albums are the best. There’s no question about it; it will change. My next list (which I’ve started, but may take a while to publish) is dubbed, paraphrase: the best albums I didn’t check out in 2011 for some reason or another.

Ultimately that will include greats as notable as Deerhunter, LCD Soundsystem, The National, and Surfer Blood. Why didn’t I check these bands out? Their albums, in their entirety, were not sent to me. With limited funds due to a mortgage, bills and a super sweet European coupe (pictured above) that will be an endless pit of money for me over the course of the next few years, I didn’t have enough free cash to afford them.

Despite not checking out many of the albums topping other bloggers’ top album lists, I have to say that 2010 was a pretty amazing year for music. Locally, there were some really legit bands, and that trend seemed to extend across the states and over the ponds. My list is populated, as usual, with several from Sub Pop. You’ll also find a self-released LP here or there, and albums from label favorites such as Labrador, Hometapes, Hardly Art and Abandoned Love.

I digress. Enough banter — let’s begin.

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1/3. Dream Talking 7″ by Family Trees

First, the one-third. An honorable mention. The only 7″ single to make the list. With a mere single — this one — under their belt, Family Trees has captured my heart. This band’s old-time lo-fi pop sound is borderline perfect throughout all three songs on the Dream Talking single.

Download: “Dream Talkin” by Family Trees

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33. Tidelands by The Moondoggies

I was going to slip in the Carissa’s Wierd compilation of songs from all their albums, which was released by Hardly Art this year at the same time they reissued all three of the band’s LPs, but then my friend Pete Voss reminded me of how great The Moondoggies’ Tidelands was. As all the music on Tidelands was put out this year as opposed to previous years, I figured I’d bump CW in favor of this one, and I’m glad I did. Revisiting Tidelands, we’re quickly and easily reminded of just how great this band has become. A definite do not miss that was almost left off.

Download: “It’s A Shame, It’s A Pity” by The Moondoggies

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32. I Will Be by Dum Dum Girls

2010 continued the obsession with lo-fi fuzzy pop, and that’s what Dum Dum Girls create best. A lot of people hung on to “Jail La La” from the get go as a favorite, but I latched onto title track “I Will Be” almost instantly. Word is that Dum Dum Girls will have a follow up in the very near future. If it’s anything like I Will Be, we’ll be in for a treat.

Download: “Jail La La” by Dum Dum Girls

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31. Expo 86 by Wolf Parade

Much like the albums of Canada’s Stars, Wolf Parade’s records have always been sleepers for me. There are a lot of great songs on Expo 86 and it picks up, in many ways, where At Mount Zoomer left off. It doesn’t have that epic style of track like Zoomer‘s “Kissing The Beehive” though; still, I’ll probably regret putting it so low on the list in six months.

Download: “What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way)” by Wolf Parade

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30. Unrecognize by Cock And Swan

Johnny Goss and Ola Hungerford are the two main forces behind Cock And Swan, an experimental electronic group based in the northern outskirts of Seattle. They’ve been a FensePost favorite since the beginning, having released Noon Hum around the time of this blog’s launch in 2006. I ran into the duo at the final Dept. of Safety show in Anacortes and they slipped me this record. It finds them expanding their experimental nature while growing in confidence and ability.

Download: “Stash” by Cock And Swan

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29. Frolics In The Pink EP by Son Of Rams

The project of Joseph Pruitt whose band Family Trees began this list, Son Of Rams is his garage-based solo project that blends extreme fuzz with crazy good vocals and the sound of three decades ago.

Download: “Triple Eyed” by Son Of Rams

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28. Zeroes QC by Suuns

A descriptive word comes to mind while listening to Suuns, and that elusive word evaded me for quite some time. Then I saw it tucked into the words from Sean Moeller of Daytrotter: paranoia. Their music is filled with hints of it, and while the experience of paranoia is not always a pleasant thing, you’ll like their take on it. It’s wild-eyed and frenzied, anxious and nervous. And it will blow your mind.

Download: “Arena” by Suuns

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27. Lupon by Y La Bamba

The best folk music, in my opinion, isn’t just folk music. It always includes something a little more, something orchestral or experimental, something that sets it apart from traditional folk. Y La Bamba crafts their unique folk elements out of highly original vocal harmonies, occasional pop-worthy guitar riffs, and orchestral hooks.

Download: “Juniper” by Y La Bamba

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26. Cracked Love & Other Drugs by Unnatural Helpers

Thick guitar riffs and rough drums fronted by gritty vocals. Everything about Unnatural Helpers is loud, and that’s what makes it so freakin’ sweet. It’s raw and harsh, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Download: “Sunshine / Pretty Girls” by Unnatural Helpers

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25. Travellers In Space & Time by The Apples In Stereo

Of all their records, The Apples In Stereo have impressed greatly, but I don’t think any have, as a whole, struck me as ‘great’ as much as Travellers In Space & Time. The futuristic pop melodies and lovable pop hooks had me from the opening moments of “Dream About The Future”. Plus, who couldn’t love that music video with Elijah Wood!?

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24. Again & Again by Thieves Like Us

I’ve been obsessed with Again & Again since first hearing “Shyness”. Hinting of an 80s style electronica, filled with heavy synths, dreamy beats, and emotive vocals, Thieves Like Us continues to impress.

Download: “Shyness” by Thieves Like Us

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23. Each Other All The Time by Cowboy Indian Bear

From the hometown of The Anniversary (Lawrence) comes Cowboy Indian Bear, whose music is similarly sonic and equally excellent. It’s dreamy yet lucid. Each Other All The Time meshes pop and rock brilliance with epic, swirling guitars.

Download: “Saline” by Cowboy Indian Bear

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22. Crazy For You by Best Coast

My 2009 love for garage pop continues, albeit not nearly as strong. Best Coast fits that sound and Crazy For You mixes a sound similar to Dum Dum Girls, Vivian Girls, and other girl-fronted garage groups. This one takes the cake, though, thanks to brilliant songs like “Boyfriend”, “Crazy For You” and “When I’m With You”.

Download: “Boyfriend” by Best Coast

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21. Transference by Spoon

A lot of people dropped that Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga album on their best of lists back when it was released, but that album didn’t hit me as hard as Kill The Moonlight or Gimme Fiction. Transference, on the other hand, does. It’s warrants a place on year’s end lists.

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20. Play It Strange by The Fresh & Onlys

The Fresh & Onlys’ style of garage rock/pop has been hyped up a lot over the past few years, and it’s easy to hear why. Their songs are extremely good. “Waterfall” dominates as a favorite, but in truth, much of Play It Strange is just as great as their hit single.

Download: “Waterfall” by The Fresh And Onlys

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19. Beach Fossils by Beach Fossils

God I love Beach Fossils’ style of beach pop. Ringing lo-fi guitars, totally beachy, and lovable reverb-filled vocals are their signature and it’s all super dreamy and overwhelmingly catchy.

Download: “Youth” by Beach Fossils

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18. The Goodnight Loving Supper Club by The Goodnight Loving

I’ve been hooked on this band since first hearing their LP The Goodnight Loving Supper Club. Their sound is one that is unexpected, yet amazingly original. They blend a southern style of folk and rock and (yes, even a bit of) country with a clever sounding garage pop.

Download: “The Pan” by The Goodnight Loving

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17. Elf Power by Elf Power

Not since Back To The Web has Elf Power made such a strong impact. Focusing on creating excellent music rather than crafting a clever album name, Elf Power’s self titled release is perhaps their best yet.

Download: “Stranger In The Window” by Elf Power

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16. Piecemeal by Like Pioneers

Like Pioneers was a hidden gem, released by a local favorite, Abandoned Love Records. It was unexpected — this album is just as good as anything released by my two favorite ALR bands, The Lonely Sparrows and Virgin Of The Birds.

Download: “Gift From A Holiday” by Like Pioneers

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15. Hippies by Harlem

I’ve been a bit obsessed with Hippies by Harlem since first hearing it. This album accompanied me on many trips to Seattle and Bellingham. I’d have songs like “Prairie My Heart” and “Someday Soon” and “Tila And I” on constant repeat. This is rough, sloppy garage pop at its absolute best.

Download: “Gay Human Bones” by Harlem

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14. Beach Dreams by Teen Daze

Technically, this is an EP, but I felt compelled to include it in the list because it is just that good. Beach Dreams has become a complete obsession in the last few weeks of the year with well over 30 total spins. With this EP, Teen Daze has created a perfect balance between beachy pop and lo-fi fuzz. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better song to fit these two pop sub-genres this year than “Let’s Fall Asleep Together”.

Download: “Let’s Fall Asleep Together” by Teen Daze

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13. Odd Blood by Yeasayer

Odd Blood took a while to catch on for me, but when it did it became as much a mainstay on my playlist as All Hour Cymbals ever was. Yet it took a slightly different direction from that album; this one has some of the experimental elements, yet adds electronic ones. It vibes differently, lacks some of the instrumentation, but it’s just as good.

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12. Write About Love by Belle & Sebastian

Just outside the top ten, Write About Love is perhaps my least favorite Belle & Sebastian album, which says a lot about my feelings toward this band. Write About Love strayed a bit from the band’s previous work, a bit too much. Still, it was a solid album for the most part thanks to super standout songs like “I Didn’t See It Coming”, “Come On Sister” and “I Want The World To Stop”.

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11. Home Away From Home by The Blank Tapes

In a recent issue of Seattle Weekly, The Long Winters’ John Roderick listed his top ten reasons why he’s not doing a top ten list this year. It was brilliant. The ninth item on the list states that it’s all depends on who has the best publicists. In many cases of top ten lists, I’d have to agree with him. In the case of The Blank Tapes, this is about as far from the truth as possible. I received a nondescript little CD sleeve picturing that there cover above and a little note from one Matt Adams, the band’s front man. I popped it in my laptop and have been hooked ever since, from the upbeat pop of “We Can Do What We Want” to the wild solo concluding “Flashing Before Your Eyes” to the experimental elements of opener “Black Hair”. It’s all excellent.

Download: “We Can Do What We Want To” by The Blank Tapes

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10. Magic Central by Breathe Owl Breathe

I noticed a bit of a change in my listening habits throughout 2010, and it can be reflected in the top ten. Dreamy folk and pop albums, hints of orchestration, and an overall predilection toward pleasant harmonies and melodies. Magic Central by Breathe Owl Breathe sits on the folk side, but they blend in dreamy, poignant melodies ripe with originality.

Download: “Own Stunts” by Breathe Owl Breathe

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9. Trilogi by Fredrik

Fredrik returns with Trilogi, which is actually three EPs molded together as a single album. Trilogi picks up almost exactly where Na Na Ni left off; the band continues to create haunting experimental dream pop that is insanely good.

Download: “Vinterbarn” by Fredrik

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8. The People’s Record by Club 8

The transformation Club 8 took between The Boy Who Couldn’t Stop Dreaming and The People’s Record is almost shocking. The Swedish duo held onto what matters most — their super infectious pop hooks, their superb songwriting ability, and those indescribable elements that makes you fall in love with the band. Then they added hints of psychedelic pop dominated by a warp-speed West African style of drums.

Download: “Western Hospitality” by Club 8

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7. To Dreamers by Kelley Stoltz

I dug Stoltz before To Dreamers, but it was really just select songs that I pinpointed off his albums. As a whole, they were good but not great. To Dreamers, however, is great. This album is solid throughout.

Download: “I Don’t Get That” by Kelley Stoltz

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6. The Head And The Heart by The Head And The Heart

I think The Head And The Heart took everyone by surprise this year. Their self-titled debut was praised to no end on Sound On The Sound, and after checking them out I’d have to say it all was warranted. There’s good reason the band signed to local label Sub Pop, and I know I’m not the only one looking forward to what this crew has in store for us next.

Download: “Coeur D’Alene” by The Head And The Heart

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5. To Travelers & Trunks by Hey Marseilles

It was the year for orchestral pop and Hey Marseilles, who takes the cake as best show of the year (albeit I only went to a handful of shows in 2010), excels at creating this style of music. To Travelers & Trunks is a solid debut with near perfect instrumentation, from keys and horns to strings and percussion.

Download: “Rio” by Hey Marseilles!

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4. Maintenant by Gigi

Gigi, the project of Nick Krgovich (No Kids, P:Ano) and producer Colin Stewart, hints of a different era — the pop music of the 1950s and 60s and of early Phil Spector. Maintenant finds the two debuting under the moniker and sound with help from such notables as Rose Melberg, Owen Pallett, Mirah, Joey Cook (Pomegranates) and Karl Blau.

Download: “Strolling Past The Old Graveyard” by Gigi

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3. We Built A Fire by Seabear

After Sindri Mar Sigfusson’s solo project Sin Fan (formerly Sin Fang Bous) released Clangour last year, I didn’t think We Built A Fire would come close to topping it. It took a while, but the album has become a mainstay thanks to highly orchestral pop movements paired with Sindri’s unique vocals.

Download: “Lion Face Boy” by Seabear

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2. Teen Dream by Beach House

2010 found a few surprise albums reaching epic heights after either being dormant for a while, or being flat-out absent from my top albums as far as the past was concerned. Beach House was one of these bands, and Teen Dream proved all preconceived thoughts of this band wrong. Their first album I found a hint boring, and the second — well, I just didn’t take the time to get to know it. But from the moments I heard songs like “Zebra” and “Norway”, I knew this album would be in the top 3.

Download: “Norway” by Beach House

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1. Avi Buffalo by Avi Buffalo

Upon first hearing “What’s In It For”, I had no thoughts of Avi Buffalo reaching this cherished Best Of spot. But it grew on me. A lot. And as I replayed it over and over on my walks to work and on my drives around town, I fell in love with the technical genius of this band. They can play, and they do it with immense skill and great emotion.

Download: “Remember Last Time” by Avi Buffalo

I know, I’ve owed this one to you, my readers, for a few months now. The plan originally was to concoct a sort of mid-year recap of the first half, dictating a slew of wonderful albums that may or may not come to find a spot on the inevitable end-of-year list. A hint at what may come. But that didn’t happen. I added a few hobbies to my seemingly never ending list of things that eat away at my time (see above photo) and it fell down the priority list.

In that I have come to realize I am just like my father. We both take on too much, more than we can really grasp alone, and we do it because we enjoy it. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way. But all asides, well… aside, back to the topic at hand: music. Now that I’m here, sitting comfortably in the confines of my home at the too-early hour of 8 a.m. on a Sunday, I am ready to compile the list. Get ready, this will likely take all week.

These are artists and albums that have put a bug in my ear — a parasite that forces me to gorge myself on great tunes over and over. They are good… no, great! These are the albums that I would, were it the end of the year, likely use to compile my top twenty. The disclaimer being, as always, that I am probably leaving one or two out. We begin with a few honorable mentions…

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Honorable Mentions

A few artists require the venerable tag of honorable mention, not necessarily because they don’t deserve to be on the list, but because of one of the following reasons. First, I haven’t really had a full chance to listen to the album (1 and 2). Second, the album is not yet out (3-5). Here are a few honorable mentions:

1. Brothers by The Black Keys
2. The People’s Record by Club 8
3. Elf Power by Elf Power
4. Where The Messengers Meet by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
5. One Of Us by Pomegranates

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Travellers In Space and Time by Apples in Stereo

To be honest, Apples in Stereo’s extensive history as a band has often eluded my attention, and when garnered, it has been hit and miss. This in not the case with Travellers in Space and Time, which is hit after hit after hit. I love it. And I’m slightly obsessed with the videos they made for “Dance Floor”.

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Avi Buffalo by Avi Buffalo

I find it hard to express just how great this album is, with all its complex musical intricacies and lyrical intimacy. Avi Buffalo has created something entirely special, something good at heart, something purely reminiscent of the better part of being in your late teens with all the opportunity and excitement at your fingertips. That, at least, is what I get out of this album, and it’s brilliant

Download: “Remember Last Time” by Avi Buffalo

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Teen Dream by Beach House

I can honestly say that I love every single song on this album. Teen Dream is, in my humble opinion, an absolute masterpiece. And just as I knew that last year would be dominated by Venice is Sinking, and ’08 would be topped by Fredrik, I strongly doubt any album can knock Beach House off that cherished spot. Sure, it’s too early to predict a best album, but don’t be surprised come January 1 if Teen Dream sits comfortably at the top of my list.

Download: “Norway” by Beach House

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Crazy For You by Best Coast

God do I love that beachy, garagey sound, and Best Coast is one of the latest artists fitting the description to capture my attention. Their new album Crazy For You is a wonderful display of summer pop songs that bathe in the most beautiful reverb and fuzzed-out guitars. From “Boyfriend” to closing track and single “When I’m With You”, this band is poised for more greatness. Let’s hope they keep churning out tunes as powerful or more so than the ones on this album.

Download: “Boyfriend” by Best Coast

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Home Away From Home by The Blank Tapes

In a way, The Blank Tapes remind me a bit of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. Both bands create a quirky style of off-beat, obscure pop; both have a unique personality all their own. But where SSLYBY failed to grab my attention beyond a few songs (not a fault of their own, this one hangs on my head), The Blank Tapes have garnered my attention several times over thanks to tracks like “Black Hair”, “We Can Do What We Want To” and “Flashing Before Your Eyes”.

Download: “We Can Do What We Want To” by The Blank Tapes

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A Mouthful by The Dø

I checked out The Dø a while back to mixed feelings, but when I had a chance to dig a bit deeper into A Mouthful, I fell in love. Not only does this band create relaxed, swanky upbeat pop, but that lead singer’s vocals are downright mystical! Much of this is due to the band’s European heritage, hailing from both Paris and Helsinki. One listen to either “At Last” or “On My Shoulders” and you’ll likely feel the same.

Download: “At Last” by The Dø

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I Will Be by Dum Dum Girls

Like Best Coast, Dum Dum Girls is all about that fuzzy, lo-fi summer garage sound. And like Best Coast, it too is female-fronted. The vocals here, however, are a bit dreamier and slightly less pointed. Not quite beachy. Putting the two albums beside each other, it would be very difficult to pinpoint which would ultimately take the cake. At this point, Best Coast is the one that dominates my playlist, but there’s nothing that says Dum Dum Girls won’t steal that spot away come year’s end.

“Bhang Bhang, I’m A Burnout” by Dum Dum Girls

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Maintenant by Gigi

Nick Krgovich has always had a penchant for the past. The music he creates blends a time long ago with one quite current, often resulting an obscure sound both mystic and beautiful. It is written all over the stuff he puts out under No Kids, and perhaps even more so with new project Gigi. Mixing with modern artists like Pomegranates and Karl Blau, Gigi is reminiscent of highly lovable 50s pop.

Download: “Strolling Past The Old Graveyard (Feat. Karl Blau)” by Gigi

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Double Jointer by Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle is quite unique. Initially, they reminded me of a clash between the greatest riot grrrl artists of the 90s and, oddly enough, the Bee Gees. Double Jointer drops the latter (for the most part) and instead focuses on heavy, brooding garage rock. There are plenty of favorites here… “Rollercoaster”, “Cinco de Mayo”, “The Melting Wall”. You get the picture.

Download: “Neon Noose” by Golden Triangle

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Hippies by Harlem

Gritty and raw, Harlem’s Hippies is garage pop/rock at its best. About this album, I cannot give out enough praise. It has accompanied me on lone journeys through the countryside, on treks into the city, cranked up and on repeat. Despite the commonality of garage releases of late, you’ll be hard press to find a better 2010 album than Hippies to fit that mold.

Download: “Gay Human Bones” by Harlem

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To Travels & Trunks by Hey Marseilles

To be honest, I thought Freelance Whales would be in this spot. Both bands produce a similar style of orchestral pop. And while I totally dig what the ‘Whales have going on, Hey Marseilles, as a whole, grips me a bit more. “Rio” and the title track are especially noteworthy.

Download: “Rio” by Hey Marseilles

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Failed Graves by The Lights

This year I went through a bit of a throwback phase, diving through my extensive, unorganized CD collection, much of which is still boxed up in some sort from a move nearly a year and a half gone. The basis for this rigid search was The Lights and their debut album Beautiful Bird, which I simply had to find after acquiring their latest album, Failed Graves, which is just as good as that impressive debut, if not vastly better.

Download: “New New” by The Lights

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Piecemeal by Like Pioneers

There are times when you hear an album and everything just clicks — the music, its production, the time you’re listening to it, where you’re listening to it… everything. Experiencing Piecemeal by Like Pioneers for the first time was like that. Their blend of mesmerizing pop with powerful dreamy, almost shoegaze guitar, makes this one of the year’s best surprises. I simply cannot get enough of this album!

Download: “Gift From A Holiday” by Like Pioneers

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Mines by Menomena

Three, four, five listens in, I fell in love. Menomena, as I noted in my review of Mines, has never really been an easy pill to swallow. Their music is a bit out there, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. However, it requires a few rounds through the record player to truly have that “Ah ha!” moment. Friend And Foe was the same. But when it comes, get ready to be floored.

Download: “TAOS” by Menomena

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Barry And Sherry by Netherfriends

Last year’s Calling You Out was pretty good. In fact, it pained me to leave it out of my best EP’s of the year, coming in just outside at #21. “Bret Easton Ellis Novel” opens Barry And Sherry and I think it tops the best off that EP. There’s plenty of that on Barry And Sherry; it’s more choral which helps differentiate the band from their peers, and there’s less of those Animal Collective-like freakouts. Netherfriends is definitely an artist to keep an eye on as we round out the year.

Download: “Bret Easton Ellis Novel” by Netherfriends

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Serial Killers by Night Driving In Small Towns

Each year there are a few surprises that creep into the top ten, and Night Driving In Small Towns may very well be one of them for 2010. This album reminds me a bit of Headlights thanks to catchy male/female vocals and super bouncy, romantic pop. Serial Killers may have a daunting title, but the songs contained within will lure you to the band’s special place and kill you with its beauty. Beware: you’ll be more than willing to let it.

Download: “Barstool” by Night Driving In Small Towns

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Reality by Real Estate

When I think of that beach-friendly, lo-fi pop sound, two artists immediately come to mind: Real Estate and Woods (stay tuned for the latter). These two, at least for me, conjured my love for this series of sub genres. Reality has this lazy sort of wandering to it, perfect for hot days, cold brews, and daydreaming.

Download: “Younger Than Yesterday” by Real Estate

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Transference by Spoon

I cannot remember ever enjoying an album by Spoon — at least in its entirety — as much as I dig Transference. They’ve always created astonishingly brilliant tracks, as heard throughout their library of work, but my listening habits generally sided on those brilliant tracks and refrained from the true, full collective. That is not the case with Transference, which impresses throughout.

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Cracked Love & Other Drugs by Unnatural Helpers

Boasting some of the greatest Seattle artists belonging to some pretty phenomenal bands outside of this one, Unnatural Helpers produces a breathtaking thick style of rough rock that demands attention and requires repeat listens. Cracked Love & Other Drugs is the band’s debut LP, following a few singles, one of which was part of the Sub Pop Singles Club last year.

Download: “Girl In The Window” by Unnatural Helpers

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At Echo Lake by Woods

There really is no other band like Woods, and I’ll chalk that up to the high pitched, fuzzed out vocals. The harmonies are great and melodies better. Not to mention that damn beloved lo-fi beach pop sound so hyped by today’s indie music fan. At Echo Lake easily tops Woods’ last album, and is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.

Stream: “Death Rattles” by Woods

Let me tell you a story. In 2007 some notable things happened. I attended the annual music festival SXSW (the image above is of myself and The Lovely Sparrows’ Shawn Jones, taken by Abandoned Love Records/Virgin Of The Birds’ Jon Rooney), I grew a mustache, and I met a beautiful girl named Andi at the Capitol Hill Block Party. We hit it off and ditched the after-party to get a sprite (her) and coffee (me) at Denny’s in Ballard (sadly no longer there) at 1:30am. I still have the mustache and I’m still dating Andi. A lot of pretty notable things happened that year, and a lot of great releases came out…

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Ooops: Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On New Paint by The Lovely Sparrows

We begin tonight with an error, an accidental and tragic omission from 2006 as it was ultimately one of my favorites from the year; that being The Lovely Sparrows’ phenomenal EP Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On New Paint. 2007 was the first time I heard it live and it absolutely blew me away, just as the EP had many times over. Here it is, a track from my favorite show from 2007 (well, from their EP that is):

The Lovely Sparrows: Chemicals Change [mp3]

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1/3. Wizards Of Ahhhs by Black Kids

Black Kids were my #1 hype band of 2007. Shunning label and any released material, with exception to this here digital EP, the group took off with astounding force. Their debut LP didn’t quite live up to the hype, but was still pretty good. This year (2009) the album finally got a physical release, and it happened during the famed Record Store Day. The 10″ EP is sitting in my collection right now.

Black Kids: I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You [mp3]

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33. The Bird Of Music by Au Revoir Simone

You can view this band in two ways. At first glance, Au Revoir Simone’s make up is of three attractive nerdy women with Casio keyboards and an affection toward Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure. But the deeper you look into their music, the more you find that these three women are sirens and muses ready to swallow your soul in the most delightful of ways. You’ll practically beg for them to take it.

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32. The Stage Names by Okkervil River

I really love how The Stage Names concludes with “John Allyn Smith Sails”, a song that channels The Beach Boys’ classic “Sloop John B”. The Stage Names was part one of a conceptual pair of albums, the second of which, The Stand Ins was released in 2008.

Okkervil River: Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe [mp3]

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31. In Stormy Nights by Ghost

The experimental Japanese classical group Ghost is an interesting collective of artists. In Stormy Nights is, without question, among their more accessible releases. With sole exception to the 28 minute “Hemicyclic Anthelion”, the album was pretty cohesive in its piecing together of full songs. It wasn’t a musical rant of avant garde as found in that lone lengthy track. “Motherly Bluster” and “Gareki No Toshi” and “Caledonia” were actually catchy, a term not likely included in any prior mention of the band.

You can stream the entire album over at Drag City.

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30. For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver

Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago is an album of insurmountable beauty. Soft acoustics fronted by Justin Vernon’s pleasant falsetto made tunes like “For Emma” and “Flume” stand out. While not necessarily bedroom pop, the album included many of that subgenre’s sensibilities yet defied its true nature. Bon Iver is much too folky to be that.

Bon Iver: Skinny Love [mp3]

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29. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga by Spoon

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is my favorite Spoon album since Kill The Moonlight. “Don’t Make Me A Target” and “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” hinted at that earlier album’s greatness yet took the band’s progression of the years between into account. Absolutely wonderful!

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28. Cold City by Eux Autres

Their sophomore release, Eux Autres continued to pump out quality lo-fi, French-influenced pop music. Raw and at times minimal, the brother-sister duo began to expand into a trio and add keys to the guitar/drums/vocals mix. “Molly”, “When I’m Up” and “Anne Boleyn” were early favorites, but “The City All To Himself” topped them all.

Eux Autres: When I’m Up [mp3]

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27. In Camera by Arthur & Yu

Hardly Art’s first release as a label, In Camera is an album that references Summer of Love and a decade’s old style of San Francisco folk-pop. There’s plenty here to love.

Arthur & Yu: Come To View (Song For Neil Young) [mp3]

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26. Red Bloom Of The Boom by Bear In Heaven

With Red Bloom Of The Boom, Bear In Heaven followed in the footsteps of freak-folk and pop artists such as Animal Collective, but their music is also likely to find itself in the crowd with AC spinoff Panda Bear. For fans of more avant-garde indie, Red Bloom Of The Boom is a must have for your collection.

Bear In Heaven: Bag Of Bags [mp3]

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25. The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations’ Millennium General Assembly by Le Loup

When I saw Le Loup live at CMJ in 2007, I knew I needed their debut album from Hardly Art. Somewhat of a concept album, The Throne delves into the psyche and psychosis of Sam Simkoff. Spirits are at work here—light versus dark—and the result is a miraculous journey into a brilliant mind.

Le Loup: We Are Gods! We Are Wolves! [mp3]

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24. Autumn Of The Seraphs by Pinback

Slightly more rock-centric with a bit higher production value and a little less orchestration is how Autumn Of The Seraphs came to us. Pinback continued their pointed and oft angular sounds that has always made them a wholly unique band. I’ve been kicking myself for not picking up their albums before this one, as Seraphs was ultimately my introduction to the band.

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23. No Shouts No Calls by Electrelane

The last Electrelane album before their (hopefully not) eternal hiatus is without a doubt my favorite. From the singles “The Greater Times” and “To The East” to the epic post-rock “Saturday” and “Cut And Run”, No Shouts No Calls is truly a remarkable album.

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22. The Flying Club Cup by Beirut

Condon’s voice continues to mature, though one would think it impossible. Deep and rich, his vocals and trumpet alike fill the air with boisterous glee. The album also found Condon relinquishing some of his domination on the album (as Beirut’s entire debut was put together by Condon himself) to other artists, which was a welcome feature. The Flying Club Cup is a definite must-have from 2007.

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21. The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse by The Besnard Lakes

…Are The Dark Horse eluded me in 2007; I listened to it for the first time within 24 hours of publishing my original Best of 2007 list and was devastated I wouldn’t be able to include it. There are infectious pop moments thanks to Beach Boys-like harmonies, but the instrumentation is thick and atmospheric. This band is one of a kind.

The Besnard Lakes: And You Lied To Me [mp3]

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20. Parades by Efterklang

Parades blends the orchestrated pop sensibilities of Sigur Ros with a massive experimental orchestral pop sound. With emphasis on multiple vocal parts, immense percussion, and an intense horn section, Efterklang’s Parades took a sound similar to that of Anathallo and expanded it to epic proportions.

Efterklang: Cutting Ice To Snow [mp3]

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19. Everything Is A Miracle Nothing Is A Miracle Everything Is by Kickball

This pristine 10″ LP found Kickball outdoing themselves. Previously, ABCDEFGHIJ saw them capitalizing on a math-y, in-your-face style of lo-fi gritty emotive puck rock. Everything Is A Miracle Nothing Is A Miracle Everything Is took this sound to the next level, from opener “Underground Husbands” to epics like “Hotelsmotels” and “Sometimes”. It’s a truly beautiful piece of work, this album.

Kickball: Pocketknife [mp3]

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18. Eulogy For Evolution by Ólafur Arnalds

One wouldn’t expect classical music to make a list like this, but here it is, Ólafur Arnalds’ outstanding Eulogy For Evolution. As the album builds from the pleasantries of “3055″ into “3326″, it goes from a calm hypnosis into tense strings. Then the album bows out with “3704/3837″ hitting hard with an anthemic electric guitar. Arnalds is truly the modern king of classical composition.

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17. In Our Bedroom After The War by Stars

Stars always lag a bit when it comes to me. There’s a progression here that’s a bit strange, yet it’s consistent with all of their recent releases. At first, I’ll dislike the album completely. It’ll sit on my shelf for some time, possibly as long as a year or more. Then I’ll pick it up and it’ll blow me away. In Our Bedroom After The War was nowhere to be found on my original 2007 list, and I mistakenly added it toward the end of my 2008 list (oops!) and was called on the error. Yet here it is, now within the top 20. It makes me wonder what one, maybe two more years will do to it.

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16. Let’s Drag Our Feet by BOAT

D. Crane will likely remain at the forefront of my list of friendliest musicians. There’s something about his demeanor, party enhanced by his continual slight smile, that makes you simply know he’s a fun guy. It’s like he finds the world and life in general flat out amusing. And he injects that outlook on life directly into the heart of his music. “Period. Colon. Backslash” from this album was once dedicated to my mustache at a show in Seattle. Totally awesome.

BOAT: (I’m A) Donkey For Your Love [mp3]

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15. Voxtrot by Voxtrot

I often say that nothing will top Voxtrot’s debut EP and so far nothing has, simply because of the power behind the two singles, “The Start Of Something” and “Raised By Wolves”. Their debut self-titled LP is a lovable album that includes many single-worthy tracks, bringing the band forward in indiepop with a broader, slightly more produced sound.

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14. Fleeting Frequencies by Patience Please

I love these guys; it’s no secret. Their songs fill me with joy, whether it’s the tribute to your parents’ sale of your childhood home in “Exclusively Windermere” or the choo-choo drums by Chris at the beginning and end of “Coal Enough For Steam”. Jordan and Ray’s lyrics are thoughtful and clever, and Keegan’s work on keys and backup vocals round out the quartet perfectly. It was sad they disbanded a few months after Fleeting Frequencies hit stores.

Patience Please: If You’re Sure [mp3]

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13. Challengers by The New Pornographers

Twin Cinema never caught on for me. Neither did Mass Romantic. There were several tracks off Electric Version that I fell in love with, but the album was never on constant repeat. Challengers changed all that. God this is a great album!

The New Pornographers: Myriad Harbour [mp3]

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12. Andorra by Caribou

“Melody Day” continues to be one of the top songs from 2007. Andorra was somewhat of a gracious tribute to 30th anniversary of The Summer Of Love, and it fits the 70s sound of psychedelic folk-pop beautifully. Fronted by Dan Snaith, who has a Ph.D. in mathematics, it’s obvious that this album is quite a trip!

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11. In Rainbows by Radiohead

The hottest of hot bands and most hype-driven and noteworthy artist of the past decade is Radiohead. Snubbing their record label and the following hurrah’s of a pay-what-you-want model, the band knowingly found themselves in the eye of a faltering industry. They shunned all ties to create a pave their own path with In Rainbows, favoring the aforementioned consumer friendly model with added promotional elements in various web-casts. In Rainbows was, obviously, like virtually the entire Radiohead library: an instant classic.

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10. Sound Of Silver by LCD Soundsystem

Sound of Silver is a more than viable follow-up to the self-titled release from a few years ago. This is obvious thanks to one of the best songs of the decade, “All My Friends”, as well as opening power trio “Get Innocuous”, “Time To Get Away” and “North American Scum”. Even the slower, more emotive tracks like closing tune “New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down” were awe-inspiring.

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9. Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? by Of Montreal

I remember first hearing “The Past Is A Grotesque Animal” – at a hair under 12 minutes, it was hard to miss. The song is one of Kevin Barnes’s most introspective and personal tracks yet, and the rest of the album compliments it well. “Suffer For Fashion” and “Cato As Pun” and “She’s A Rejecter” remain among of my favorites by the band. This furthered Barnes along the path toward icon status.

Of Montreal: Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse [mp3]

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8. Person Pitch by Panda Bear

Panda Bear’s relation to Animal Collective is obvious beyond the group’s makeup. Added to the bizarre nature of AC’s eclectic experimental folk sounds are Beach Boys-esque vocal patterns that make Person Pitch that much more unique. “Bros”, “Comfy In Nautica”: beautiful.

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7. Cryptograms by Deerhunter

It’s amazing to think how far Deerhunter has come since Flourescent Grey. Cryptograms found the experimental band solidifying their sound with some of the year’s best tracks, including the title track, “Lake Somerset”, and “Strange Lights”.

Deerhunter: Cryptograms [mp3]

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6. 23 by Blonde Redhead

23 is a tight-knit album, but it’s to be expected from a band as solid as Blonde Redhead. It works both as a cohesive unit and as individual songs. From “The Dress” to the title-track “23” to the album favorite “Publisher”, with 23, Blonde Redhead put yet another phenomenal album under their collective belts.

Blonde Redhead: 23 [mp3]

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5. Invitation Songs by The Cave Singers

Discovering great music is a wonderful feeling, but doing so by mistake is even better. I wanted to be in the front row for Grand Archives’ Capitol Hill Block Party performance so I showed up a performance early. And that’s when I was introduced to The Cave Singers. Invitation Songs is a glorious album of semi-religious folk tunes, dusty and gritty like a dust bowl-era wanderer.

The Cave Singers: Helen [mp3]

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4. All Hour Cymbals by Yeasayer

Likened to a barbershop quartet gone eclectic indie rock, Yeasayer’s All Hour Cymbals drew a lot of hype upon its release at the tail end of 2007. “Sunrise” and “2020″ were instant favorites. Word on the street is that they’ve got a new one slated for early 2010; it’ll be interesting to see how the two albums stack up. All Hour Cymbals will be a very difficult one to top.

Yeasayer: 2080 [mp3]

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3. Friend And Foe by Menomena

I didn’t understand what was so fascinating about Menomena until I saw them live at Bumbershoot in 2007. The group added a choir in their backline, and the songs that made up Friend And Foe became instantly recognizable as awe-inspiring anthems. After that, I was absolutely hooked and I have been ever since.

Menomena: Wet And Rusting [mp3]

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2. Night Falls Over Kortedala by Jens Lekman

Night Falls On Kortedala took me by surprise. Lekman’s prior albums were strong with tunes about getting arrested, naughty words that begin with F, a few spanning a movie featuring Cher and Eric Stoltz, and the cool taxis of London. But none are as powerful as a whole as that of Night Falls On Kortedala. “Postcard to Nina” and “And I Remember Every Kiss” and “Sipping On The Sweet Nectar” and “Friday Night At The Drive-In Bingo” are all vastly memorable tunes. Add to it plush orchestration and you have Fense’s top album of 2007.

Jens Lekman: The Opposite Of Hallelujah [mp3]

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1. Albatross by Fishboy

Theif! Fishboy stole best album of 2007 from Jens Lekman. It was close to begin with, but it’s really no contest. Concept albums can be brilliant and Albatross is a prime example, perhaps the optimum example. The album tells the story of how the protagonist “failed to save the lone star state with the power of rock and roll.” Touring the country, Fishboy plays their so-called Rock Opera in its entirety from start to finish in what I hail as one phenomenal phucking performance! The story is fodder for a low-budget indie film. The day that film is made will be the day my life is complete.

Fishboy: Half Time At The Proper Name Spelling Bee [mp3]

2005 opened my eyes to a world of new music. I joined the crew at KZUU over the summer, my first summer back in Pullman working toward my Masters in Business. I’d spend my two-hour show pouring over thousands of obscure albums, looking for anything that might spark my interest. While music had always been a borderline obsession, until now it was just that – borderline. In the days that passed, it became a full-fledged consumption of everything me. There are turning points in all of our lives, and DJing at KZUU was absolutely one of mine.

I’ve once again expanded the list, this time to 25. Eventually we’ll get to the top 33 and 1/3 albums, which debuted on FensePost in 2008. Will it be 2006 or 2007? Who knows? Certainly not me at this point in time. My focus right now is 2005. Here are my favorites…

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UPDATE: 2009.12.15

It was bound to happen – I’d forget an album somewhere on this list and unfortunately it was one that would have not only made the top 10, but should have chimed in at around #3 or #4. Here’s a retrospective for my A Retrospective…

A Late #3 or #4. Public Radio by The Legends
Their debut album, Up Against The Legends, was my top album of 2003 so it’s only natural for this one to come close. It was a change from that first album, which was ahead of its time with the fuzzy pop that’s become so popular this year (2009). Instead, Public Radio was dark and filled with reverb. Still, it was no less mesmerizing. Listen and hear for yourself:

The Legends: He Knows The Sun [mp3]

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25. Silent Alarm by Bloc Party
A hype band of a more mainstream sort, Bloc Party‘s Silent Alarm was, in its day, quite good… and it remains so to this day. Songs like “Helicopter”, “Banquet” and “Blue Light” are what carried this album, and this band, to the mainstream. And it was worth it – these songs are catchy, and full of a powerful punch.

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24. The Wedding by Oneida
Boy do I love “Lavender”, the second track on this album. In their extensive time as a group, Oneida come to define experimental rock, slipping ever further into its abyss. The Wedding was by no means their first foray into experimentation, and it was far from their last (see their most recent works for that), but it did find a comfortable balance between a sound somewhat accessible and enveloped in avant garde.

Oneida: Run Through My Hair [mp3]

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23. Strange Geometry by The Clientele
The opening track, “Since K Got Over Me”, was by far the most powerful on The Clientele‘s Strange Geometry. When I think of this album, I always go straight to that song, but others hold weight as well, like “My Own Face Inside The Trees” and “Geometry Of Lawns”.

The Clientele: E.M.P.T.Y. [mp3]

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22. The Mysterious Production Of Eggs by Andrew Bird
Two words, one song: “Fake Palindromes”. I never really thought much of Andrew Bird until I heard this song, mainly because I hadn’t really spent the time to listen to his post Squirrel Nut Zippers solo work. This song alone was impressive enough to spark my interest and make me seek out his back catalog. Again, the rest of the album was pretty good as well.

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21. Tales From The Turnpike House by Saint Etienne
Still a far cry from their glorious 1991 release Foxbase Alpha, 2005 saw Saint Etienne giving us Tales From The Turnpike House, their best album in a very long time. Other releases were pretty good, but they outdid them with tracks like “A Good Thing” and “Slow Down At The Castle”. Blending their signature 60s pop sound with more modern electronic dance, Saint Etienne once again succeeded at producing excellence.

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20. Cripple Crow by Devendra Banhart
Devendra Banhart‘s Cripple Crow has become the ideal album when it comes to the clash of modern folk with world music. It found Banhart collaborating with countless musicians across many lands, and it became a masterpiece in its own right. At times a bit strange, with 22 tracks in total, there were plenty of songs to make up for those that were a bit too far out there.

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19. The Exquisite Death Of Saxon Shore by Saxon Shore
With epic, screaming heights and soft dulcet lows, Saxon Shore is instrumental post-rock at its best. Following the path of artists like Explosions In The Sky, this band has a full and dreamy sound, whether loud or soft, that is impossible to ignore.

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18. Disaffected by Piano Magic
The music Piano Magic creates is part dream, part uncanny and supernatural. The guitars echo shoegaze, while the vocals in songs like “Your Ghost” find a comfort in their similarity to masters like Leonard Cohen. “Deleted Scenes” and “Disaffected” give the album an electronic presence, also dark, mysterious and hypnotic. Disaffected is truly a beautiful album.

Piano Magic: Disaffected [mp3]

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17. LCD Soundsystem by LCD Soundsystem
I’d always thought the hype surrounding LCD Soundsystem was a bit of an overkill. Then select songs like “Tribulations” and “Great Release” would pop up on my iPod and I began to realize that it was I that couldn’t see beyond my own pretentiousness. There’s plenty of merit here. Plenty.

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16. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Alec Ounsworth’s vocal whine is instantly recognizable and quite unique. Paired with the poppy beats that back Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on their self-titled debut, and it’s a match fit for success. “Let The Cool Goddess Rust Away” and “The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth” have once again entered my playlist; like Give Up, I’d forgotten how great these songs were.

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15. Hello, Dear Wind by Page France
Before Page France released Hello, Dear Wind, the name Michael Nau likely meant little to anyone outside friends and acquiantances of the man himself, but upon its release began a trail to Nau’s installment as one of indie-pop’s most promising individuals. His ability to craft the most lovable of melodies is, in terms of the pairing of psychedelic-folk and indie-pop, virtually par none, as demonstrated in “Chariot” and “Windy” and “Elephant”.

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14. Gimme Fiction by Spoon
Yet again, Spoon achieves. With each new release, the band gains more attraction from the masses and Gimme Fiction was no exception. The funky beats in “I Turn My Camera On” and the catchy swagger in “I Summon You” near pop-rock perfection.

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13. Tanglewood Numbers by Silver Jews
I didn’t really get into Silver Jews until late last year, but since then they’ve become quite regular in my playlist. Thanks to tracks like “Punks In The Beerlight” and “Sleeping Is The Only Love”, David Berman has shown here that he’s capable of being one of modern-day’s most appreciated and praise-worthy folk-rockers.

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12. Picaresque by The Decemberists
I thought for sure that The Decemberists wouldn’t remain in these lists past those first few albums, but revisiting Picaresque, I knew I was kidding myself. I remember watching the band play “The Infanta” and seeing Chris Funk run through the crowd with a large pair of cardboard whale jaws in “The Mariner’s Revenge”. This album is packed with excellent tunes in the vein of The Decemberists’ signature educated, melodic nerdy theme.

The Decemberists: The Engine Driver [mp3]

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11. Illinoise by Sufjan Stevens
Nontraditional instruments, full orchestration, and a blend of folk and pop sensibilities, Sufjan Stevens has made a name for himself as one of indie’s most appreciated and unique modern artists. Illinoise was the album that truly ballooned his trajectory to independent music fame with songs like “Concerning The UFO Sighting Near Highland, IL” and “Chicago”.

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10. Feels by Animal Collective
Yet another strong release by Animal Collective, with each new release the band gets better despite insurmountable prior greatness. “Grass” was an early favorite, as well as “Bees”. Feels opens strong with “Did You See The Words” and continues as such through “Turn Into Something”, what remains their most gripping closing track yet.

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9. Horses In The Sky by A Silver Mt. Zion
Opening opus “God Bless Our Dead Marines” is an ode to the anti-war movement – an exposé to the horrors of post-war personalities, the harm that comes from witnessing and committing atrocities. And Silver Mt. Zion conveys it with heavy post-rock orchestration in the vein of their brothers and sisters Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

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8. Before The Dawn Heals Us by M83
There’s something entirely great about the spooky track “Car Chase Terror” that I absolutely love. M83‘s Before The Dawn Heals Us differed from that which came after (Saturdays=Youth) in that it’s not an album concerned about generating hype. It’s mysterious and really quite good, but it’s not one that will ultimately get overplayed by the masses; and that’s what makes it better than Saturdays=Youth. Before The Dawn Heals Us is almost a concept album, flowing from beginning to end with an electro-version of a horror movie soundtrack. It has staying power outside of the hipstery ballyhoo, and you can hear it throughout the album, from the mostly instrumental opener “Moon Child” to the lengthy epic closing track “Lower Your Eyelids To Die With The Sun”.

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7. And The Glass Handed Kites by Mew
Mew‘s Frengers didn’t really do anything for me, but boy did my opinion of these guys change when they released And The Glass Handed Kites! Such an interesting album, filled with epic rock that strays between prog, psych and art. The album works well as a whole, from the flawless transition from “Circuitry Of The Wolf” into “Chinaberry Tree” to the catchy “Special” and the amazing “The Zookeeper’s Boy”.

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6. Max Léon by The Lovekevins
Max Léon is one of two EPs to make the top ten. Sure, an EP isn’t necessarily an album, per se, but both warrant their inclusion in this list. In Max Léon, The Lovekevins (who after this release shortened their name to The LK) pulled together four exceptional tracks.

The Lovekevins: Soviet.se [mp3]

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5. Apologies To The Queen Mary by Wolf Parade
God, when I first heard “You Are A Runner And I Am My Father’s Son”, the opening track off Wolf Parade‘s Apologies To The Queen Mary, I was absolutely floored. And then the album continued… “Modern World”, “Grounds For Divorce” – these are tracks that continue to possess a special power. And it just moved forward from there, with greats like “Fancy Claps”, “Same Ghost Every Night” and on through “This Heart’s On Fire”.

Wolf Parade: You Are A Runner And I Am My Father’s Son [mp3]

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4. The Loon by Tapes N Tapes
Whenever I hear select tracks off The Loon by Tapes ‘N Tapes, I can’t help but think of Clell Tickle, the fictitious record promoter played by Aziz Ansari, the pretentious French blogger played by Paul Scheer, and the bouncer played by Rob Riggle. All have gone on to fame, and Tapes N Tapes continues to pump out great music. Still, it’s a tough one to beat with tracks like “The Insistor” and “Jakov’s Suite”.

Tapes ‘N Tapes: Insistor [mp3]

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3. The Sunlandic Twins by Of Montreal
Capturing yet another top five spot, Of Montreal matched Satanic Panic with their 2005 release The Sunlandic Twins. I remember the first time I heard “The Party’s Crashing Us” and despite nearly five years between then and now, the song still wows me. And despite the Bonus EP’s understandable folly (“Everyday Feels Like Sunday” being lent to Outback Steakhouse ruined the song for me, but ultimately helped out the band – I’m not above giving them the nod for that), it has the excellent “Art Snob Solutions”. And the rest of the album is just as great, with tracks like “Oslo In Summertime” and “I Was Never Young” to name a few.

Of Montreal: So Begins Our Alabee [mp3]

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2. Raised By Wolves by Voxtrot
True this is an EP, but it warrants the number 2 spot. “The Start Of Something” by Voxtrot is my second favorite track of 2005, coming very close to topping a track off my #1 album of this year. Songs like title track “Raised by Wolves” and the band’s first (and quite rare in 7″ form) single “The Start Of Something” have come to be givens in my continuing playlist of best songs. Rounding out the EP are “Missing Pieces”, “Long Haul” and “Wrecking Force”, all viable tracks.

Voxtrot: The Start Of Something [mp3]

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1. Sing Along With The Acid House Kings by Acid House Kings
A hair’s difference is what splits Acid House Kings‘ “Do What You Wanna Do” and Voxtrot’s “The Start Of Something” as my favorite song of the year. Easily one of my favorite songs of the decade, in Sing Along With… Acid House Kings created an album packed with pure pop genius. As the band prepares their follow up to this album, they’ve been critiquing their past songs on Twitter. In my opinion, “Do What You Wanna Do” get a full five stars, as do “7 Days”, “Tonight Is Forever” and “Will You Love Me In The Morning”. The remaining songs are close behind.

Acid House Kings: Do What You Wanna Do [mp3]

The third installment of A Retrospective, this time the focus is on 2002. The year of rebuilding, so to speak. It was the year I discovered Cider Jack (and did so plentifully) at the local Pullman bar Rico’s, and we all would rehearse Bill Brasky skits (from the SNL spots, and made up on the spot) as twenty feet away the university jazz combo performed excellent renditions of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” and various Motown favorites. As we see every year, 2002 saw several real great releases. Here are my favorites.

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15. Tallahassee by The Mountain Goats
Tallahassee is a concept album of sorts, devoted to the fictional married couple always leaning toward divorce. The recurring characters receive tribute throughout the album, which sees The Mountain Goats‘ front-man John Darnielle further defining his pointed vocals and powerful acoustic folk melodies.

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14. Spring Came, Rain Fell by Club 8
A diversion from their prior self-titled record which found the band dropping in more electronics and bordering on dance tracks, Spring Came, Rain Fell split the band’s loyalties between that sound and one much more along the lines of the indie-pop created by Acid House Kings, another of Johan Angergård’s groups. Club 8 does a good job bridging the two sounds in this viable follow-up. The album went out of print but was reissued last year on Labrador Records.

Club 8: Spring Came, Rain Fell [mp3]

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13. Read Music/Speak Spanish by Desaparecidos
After several mopey records from Conor Oberst under the name Bright Eyes, it was good to hear him take on something more societal and political under Desaparecidos. Songs like the “Man & Wife” pair and “Mall Of America” fit well with the times. And backing the highly emotive social commentary which made up much of the subject matter of Read Music/Speak Spanish was loud distorted guitars that seemed more fit for Cursive than Bright Eyes. To this day, Read Music/Speak Spanish is, in my opinion, one of Oberst’s greatest works.

Desaparecidos: The Happiest Place On Earth [mp3]

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12. The Execution Of All Things by Rilo Kiley
Like many, when I hear reference to Rilo Kiley‘s The Execution Of All Things, I immediately think of that one track – the stunning “With Arms Outstretched”. It found a welcome home on the first episode of Weeds: Season 1. On the album, Jenny Lewis strays between storytelling and folk-worthy narratives backed by pleasant folk-pop melodies that wouldn’t seem too out-of-place were they to be released this year. And that’s something that won’t likely change for years to come.

Rilo Kiley: With Arms Outstretched [mp3]

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11. Don’t Fall In Love With Everyone You See by Okkervil River
Okkervil River always seemed a bit odd. At times barely in tune vocals were borderline awkward yet it has worked so well throughout the band’s library of work. With the power of folk-pop sensibilities behind them, and the powerful ability to write stellar lyrics, Okkervil River created an album with easy showstoppers like “Kansas City” and “Red”. And while the first two songs on Don’t Fall In Love With Everyone You See are the best, most recognized songs on the album, with repeat listens others effortlessly follow suit.

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10. Songs About Leaving by Carissa’s Wierd
Songs About Leaving didn’t quite live up to its two predecessors as a whole. Instead, select tracks like “September Come Take This Heart Away” and “Sofisticated Fuck Princess Please Leave Me Alone” did with ease while other fell slightly flat. Here, Carissa’s Wierd shined brightest when they added the full instrumentation (in other words, ripe with strings) that made You Should Be At Home Here great.

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9. Highly Refined Pirates by Minus The Bear
Highly Refined Pirates was a great album circa 2002 and 2003, and even beyond that. But even so, it paled in comparison to seeing Minus The Bear perform these songs live during the same time period. The band had yet to grow into their current fan-base and that being as it was, they created a masterpiece ahead of its time.

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8. Mondays Are Like Tuesdays and Tuesdays Are Like Wednesdays by Acid House Kings
I didn’t discover Acid House Kings until the release of their 2005 pop epic Sing Along With The Acid House Kings, but in the brief four years since finding them they’ve become one of my most listened-to bands. Mondays Are Like Tuesdays was an album filled with soft Swedish pop songs like “Sunday Morning” and “Brown And Beige Are My Favorite Colors”. And who could forget “Say Yes If You Love Me”? The band is currently working on their follow up to Sing Along With, claiming they’re working toward creating the perfect pop album. However, in their prior records, they’ve already accomplished that feat several times over, one of them being Mondays Are Like Tuesdays And Tuesdays Are Like Wednesdays.

Acid House Kings: Say Yes If You Love Me [mp3]

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7. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco
Wilco, for me, is a band that makes an immense impression and then disappears for one, sometimes two years at a time. Returning to the Wilco of old, I’m struck by the senselessness of that statement, especially as it pertains to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. This is an album that should have continuous mainstay capabilities; one that should never really leave. I guess that’s why it’s #7 and not higher. Still, when it does return, it wows at full force.

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6. The Beginning Stages Of… by The Polyphonic Spree
One of my all-time favorite movies is Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. It is beautiful in every way possible, from Joel and Clementine’s odd little quirks to unique use of minimal special effects (watch the commentary). It was with great excitement that I heard The Polyphonic Spree while watching this movie in the theater. Not often do you find a band that could very well be a cult, full with flowing colorful robes and an effervescent leader. Other bands have come close, but in numbers only (I’m From Barcelona, Dark Meat…). These songs all have a joyousness to them, a sunny demeanor. Haha, right? …many are about sun, love, happiness, and light.

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5. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips are a band capable of releasing one great album after another, and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is just that. “Fight Test” and “Do You Realize??” had the ability to be album toppers, but that pinnacle spot was reserved for “Yoshimi Battles Pink Robots Pt. 1″. Two words to describe the power of this album? Very strong.

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4. Neon Golden by The Notwist
Meshing electro-pop and a shoegaze-style hypnotism is nothing new; in Neon Golden, however, The Notwist gave it a refreshing makeover. Dark and mysterious, Neon Golden is an album that packs an emotional punch from the opening moments of “One Step Inside Doesn’t Mean You Understand” and on throughout. Even in the more upbeat of moments, The Notwist maintain a mesmerizing and entrancing style. Yet unlike a large chunk of music that fits the description, Neon Golden is also catchy and fully contagious.

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3. You Forgot It In People by Broken Social Scene
Oh man, listening again to “KC Accidental”, it becomes immediately clear why this band is so great. One moment they rock your nuts off with legendary noise and the next it drops into beautiful and romantic lyrical poetry. The songs on You Forgot It In People are at times hardly cohesive, yet there’s an undeniable power behind the tracklist. “Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl” may remain the showstopper with its peaceful infectious melody, but each song Broken Social Scene writes holds weight.

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2. Kill The Moonlight by Spoon
Kill The Moonlight by Spoon was a bit of a sleeper for me. It wasn’t until shortly after Gimme Fiction that it came to be my favorite album by the famed Austin band. Then again, several artists have fit the description, like Stars. Upon release they don’t necessarily hold the weight you expected, or just didn’t catch on right away. But a year, maybe two down the road, and suddenly … BAM … they strike. And the result is phenomenal.

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1. Castaways & Cutouts by The Decemberists
Before all the theatrics and flare came to dominate and embellish The Decemberists music (which has ultimately allowed them to create and produce a unique and wonderful show), there was just a highly educated, smart folk album called Castaways & Cutouts. Sure, hints of the future dramatic stage presence existed in tracks like “California One / Youth And Beauty Brigade” and “A Cautionary Tale”, and even “The Legionnaire’s Lament” but it was also wholesome and, to an extent, the educated innocent. Their follow-up albums saw the band expanding into (more) bizarre tales of ghosts and lyrics seemingly pulled from book-like plots and expanding the instrumentation and group size in general, all of which has been great. But Castaways & Cutouts was not only an introduction, but an introduction to a band on the rise to fame and glory.

The Decemberists: Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect [mp3]