Last Call

So here it is, 12:20 PM on what is the final day of 2009 and I can not get out of bed. It's a brisk 24 degrees in New Hartford this morning, and the snow has begun to fall. There's no rush, nothing going on until at least 8 on NYE. So here I lay, in my new bed and I don't plan on getting up for a while. 'Unmap' - Volcano Choir, the side project of Justin Vernon(Bon Iver) is the perfect soundtrack to a day like this. Untouched guitar riffs, electric beeps and Justin's flowing voice, this album just fits the mood this morning. Happy New Year everyone, be safe and we'll see you in 2010.

Key Tracks: Here is a link to the play list, you can listen to the entire album on youtube if you like. 'Unmap'

Favorite Tracks: Sleepymouth , Island Is

Lovely Laura Marling

Some of you may know that i have a HUGE crush on Ms. Laura Marling. She hails from Hampshire, England and is one day younger then my sister... It's amazing that someone so young could have such a powerful voice. She literally stops me in my tracks when she sings. I first caught wind of her from our friends @ The Stu Reid Experiment with the song 'Ghosts', the lead track off her debut album 'Alas I Cannot Swim'. It tells the story of a young man that had his heart broken and doesn't know who to trust. A theme that everyone can relate to. Love and heartache are the central themes throughout the entire album. Laura belts out every word with a Joan Baez/Regina Spector like passion. She has a new album due out in 2010 called 'I Speak Because I Can'. Check out these two videos, they are amazing...also check out more about Laura at her Myspace or http://www.lauramarling.com/

Videos:  New Romantic , Ghosts , Ghosts(Live)

Merry Christmas

Obviously this video gets its own post. Dave Matthews' 'Christmas Song' is one of the most honest songs I've ever heard. He tells the story of Jesus Christ, from birth to death.This song goes unknown to the casual DMB fan, but this is one of the best songs Dave has ever written. This video is an acoustic take with the help of Tim Reynolds. It is from the  3-29-03 show at App State.

'She was his girl; he was her boyfriend
She'd be his wife; take him as her husband
A surprise on the way, any day, any day
One healthy little giggling dribbling baby boy
The wise men came three made their way' Basically a nice way of saying enter Jesus.

'Not very much of his childhood was known
Kept his mother Mary worried
Always out on his own
He met another Mary for a reasonable fee, less than
Reputable as known to be'  From 12-30 we know nothing about Jesus, keeping Mother Marry worried, and then he runs into Mary Magdalene.

'When Jesus Christ was nailed to the his tree  
Said "oh, Daddy-o I can see how it all soon will be
I came to shed a little light on this darkening scene
Instead I fear I spill the blood of my children all around' Jesus talking with God during his death

'Preparations were made
For his celebration day
He said "eat this bread and think of it as me
Drink this wine and dream it will be
The blood of our children all around' Dave mentions Christmas, and The Holy Communion

'Father up above, why in all this anger have you fill
Me up with love
Fill me love love love' I really love this line by Dave at the end of the song. In a sinners world, Jesus wanted to spread love and joy. 

Merry Christmas everyone.

A Visit From The Ghost Of Christmas Present

Previously I made a post about the joy of old Christmas music, but now it's time to update. Here are a few of my favorite modern Christmas songs, and sorry if a few oldies get thrown in there...they are just too good.


Sufjan Stevens - Songs For Christmas- is running my life right now. Everything this man does is perfect, so why would it be any different with Christmas music? This five disc set includes all the classics, and a bunch of his own Christmas music.
Key Tracks:  Put The Lights Up On The Tree , Come Thou Fount of Every   , Joy To The World

A Hipster's Holiday - This Christmas album is awesome. Composed of both classic, and modern Christmas tunes, this record is the perfect R&B/Jazz Christmas album. Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Mabel Scott are a few of the various artists on it. Each song flows like a set list in a nightclub. I love dancing to this Christmas album!
Key Tracks: ( cant seem to find any youtubes) BUY THIS ALBUM@!@#!!!!


James Taylor - At Christmas Who doesn't like James Taylor? 'Fire and Rain' 'Sweet Baby James' 'You've Got a Friend' claaaaaaaaassics! His voice is soothing to the ears, I love listening to him when i go to sleep. It seems like it never takes too long, i just drift off into a wonderful dream.
Key Tracks: Baby It's Cold Outside , Merry Little Christmas
 
Other Great Songs: Wonderful Christmas Time , Happy Christmas , Last Christmas

Hilarious Posts From Other Blogs

This funny one comes from our friends over at Flavorwire. 'Stereotyping People By Their Favorite Indie Bands' The list is as follows:


The XX
Blog enthusiasts who thought wearing a keffiyeha was awesome.
Passion Pit
Bros vaguely interested in listening to music and very interested in having sex with their girlfriend.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Girls who bought checkered sneakers in the 8th grade.
Fleet Foxes
Hopelessly patchy beard growers.
TV On The Radio
Politically-correct hipsters.
Grizzly Bear
People who think that world hunger could be assuaged with four part harmonies.
Micachu and the Shapes
Chicks with bad teeth.
Wavves
Dudes who think low production value is “authentic” and would go down on Todd P.
Steve Aoki
Alts who don’t “get” Hipster Runoff.
Joanna Newsom
People who have considered befriending a squirrel.
Devendra Banhart
People who have considered becoming a squirrel.
Animal Collective
Guys who make “Best of the Year” lists in January based predominantly on “feeling.”
The Antlers
Boys who enjoy crying more than their girlfriend.
Vivian Girls
Girls who purchase a guitar, buy flannel from the Salvation Army, wear glasses that they don’t actually need, and still can’t get the guy.
Vampire Weekend
Bros who try to make out with girls at concerts by relating to them via old Nickelodeon shows. “Remember Pete & Pete??”
Death Cab for Cutie
Girls who quote lyrics as their Facebook status.
Neon Indian
Gorilla Vs. Bear readers.
She & Him
People who hate Ben Gibbard.
Bon Iver
People with self-esteem issues and probably hate Ben Gibbard.
Washed Out
Those who comfortably accept chillwave as a genre.
Memory Tapes
Those who comfortably accept chillwave as a lifestyle.
The Shins
Premature alts who considered Garden State a life-altering viewing experience.
Radiohead
Everyone.
Tegan & Sara
Lesbians and guys who firmly believe that when there are two girls on stage together, there is a 63% chance of them making out.
St. Vincent
Feminists.
Drake
Indie rap fans who thought Tha Carter III was too mainstream.
Ra Ra Riot
Girls who got their boyfriends to watch Me and You and Everyone We Know.
Bat for Lashes
Girls who wear leggings outside of ’80s-themed parties.
Japandroids
Guys who only read Pitchfork for the ratings and haven’t showered in at least two days.
Kimya Dawson
Chicks who are described by their girlfriends as “sweet” and “really nice” when guys ask if their friend is hot.
Girls
Anyone who thinks The Catcher in Rye is the greatest book of all time.
Kid Cudi
Blipsters who still wear neon shoes and smoke pot.
The Flaming Lips
Self-actualized bros who grow pot.
Antony and the Johnsons
Guys who still cry every time they watch Bambi.
Matt and Kim
Closeted Blink-182 enthusiasts.
Here We Go Magic
Guys who are ‘over’ Gizzly Bear.
Phoenix
People who don’t listen to enough music.
Sufjan Stevens
People who believe in two things: Jesus and Juno.
M.I.A.
Girls who don’t understand politics.
Regina Spektor
Girls who don’t understand boys.
Justice
Bros who, at one point in their lives, have tried to grow a mustache.
Arcade Fire
Frequent transcendental experience havers.
Deerhunter
Avid doodlers.
Wilco
Guys who go to concerts to relax.
YACHT
Someone who, if presented with the opportunity to join a cult, would most definitely join that cult.
Ratatat
Boys who think Ocarina of Time is the greatest game ever made.
Patrick Wolf
Gay guys.
CSS
Girls who throw up at every party.
Woods
Indie dudes who wear beanies and you can see the front of their hair pulled back beneath it.
Spoon
Bros who drink shitty beer without ironic intentions.
Dirty Projectors
People who like way too many toppings on their pizza.

marjor lolz...check the full articile Here

MVP Trax Of '09

Usually I post this at the bottom of my posts, but I feel it gets lost sometimes. you can download all of OA's top 10 tracks-----> FREE DOWNLOAD

December is a month for reflecting. All of the good times with friends, and family.  Being at school and movies, but most of all, looking back on all the MUSIC! OA has already told you the best albums to listen to this year, but are my top 10 tracks of '09.


Phoenix - '1901' - Yea, yeah enough Matt, we know you love this song. I'm sorry I just can't help it. 1901 is the best song of the year no doubt. Bloggers discovered this album early in '09, and by summer, this band was huge in the US. Now you can't go anywhere without hearing 1901, it's on commercials, radio, TV, and internet. Usually that would sicken me, however this song is still fresh as the first day i heard it and that shows longevity.


Animal Collective - 'What Would I Want? Sky?' - This is really two different songs put together to make a perfect song. The first half has distorted drum rolls and distant chants that loop, and the second half is this smart, bouncy, harmonizing, pop song. It's utterly blissful, the lyrics travel and the bass mimics your heartbeat. Everything you could ask from and more from AC.

Passion Pit - 'Little Secrets' -Ahhh the synth's! This is perfect pop music folks. This song makes you dance like your in your underwear and no one is watching. It's got a ton of layers, the bass is LOUD,  wind chimes, little girl voices?? its all over the place! 'Let this be our little secret, no one needs to know were feeling higher and higher and higher" and then you hear the entire crowd singing the synth lines...goosebumps.

Phoenix- 'Lizstomania' -They're baaack. Phoenix really hit it perfect with the first two tracks off 'Wolfgang'. Liz has a simple guitar lick, a two-note keyboard line, with booming drums (drummer is amazing) and lyrics that are short and simple. Each section of the music compliments each other and makes this amazing beat that is relate able and danceable.

Girls - 'Lust For Life' - 'The lyrics are perfect for the time and the state many of us indie music lovers find ourselves in. Beaten back by unrealistic expectations and the sins of our fathers, we are forced get by.' In this track he hasn't had the easiest of lives, he knows what he wants, and wants it badly, but has no idea how to attain them. It's just the way i feel.


Animal Collective - 'My Girls' - Eerie synths give way to warm, sweet melodies in Animal Collective’s typical way. It has everything we have come to love in an AC song with a little more pop to it. It's the best song they have to date.


Matt&Kim - 'Daylight' - Matt&Kim are a duo out of Brooklyn that crafted the perfect pop song. 'Daylight' features a catchy piano hook, fun lyrics, and the incessant tap-tap of Kim on her drum set. This song is fist pump inducing.


The Antlers - 'Two' - This song is intense. A song about loneliness, sadness, heartache, and the trouble of being in a hard relationship. The lyrics are so chilling. 'I didn't mind you blaming me for your mistakes,
I just held you in the door frame though all of the earthquakes.
But you packed up your clothes in that bag every night,
And I would try to grab your ankles, what a pitiful sight.
But after over a year, I stopped trying to stop you
From stomping out that door, coming back like you always do.'

Discovery - 'Orange Shirt' - An R&B outfit using more electro synth pop to give off a dance/club feel. Play this song at a party and i promise that someone will come up to you and ask where they can get this song. I love the playful lyrics. 'Can I sleep inside I know you're nervous though. So I promise to leave before your mother wakes up in the morning''Texting too fast for me to reply, Never looking when you type T9' 'Sleep on the train to Tokyo,Google yourself when you get home'


Jay-Z - 'Run This Town' - If you know me, you know I want to be Jay-Z. He's the man, no doubt about it. This track features a swampy rock guitar and Rhianna coos those "ay ay"s the radio loves. MVP of the track is producer Kanye, the flow during his verse is the best on the record. 'I bought my whole family whips, no Volvos
Next time I'm in church, please no photo' love it!


Honerable Mentions: Sleepyhead , Empire State of Mind , Two Weeks , Bear , Stillness Is The Move , The Very Best , So Insane , Dear God , Deadbeat Summer

A Visit From The Ghost of Christmas Past

It's that time of year when I like to dust off the old vinyls of Christmas past and listen to classical Christmas tunes that I've grown up on. The crackling of the vinyl and the fuzzy snow-like sound to their voices. There's something about the 'big band' genre of music, the brass I think. All of the different instruments coming together like an orchestra and creating this amazing swing jazz sound. The voices are very distinct. During an era in which radio was the only way to listen to music, the voices are what mattered. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mathis, and Nat King Cole,  really tell a story with the way they each sing. Bing Crosby especially.  He has a very deep voice that mesmerizes me. It truly is of the loveliest sounds I've ever heard. His singing voice is so pure, it's like an extension of his natural speaking voice. He puts little effort into the way he sings and yet it sounds so beautiful. There really is nothing better on a frigged winters night than snuggling up against the fire with a bottle of wine and Bing Crosby on vinyl.

Bing Crosby Key Tracks: I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas , It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas
Andy Williams Key Tracks: Most Wonderful Time Of The Year , Happy Holidays
Frank Sinatra Key Tracks: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas , I'l Be Home For Christmas
Other Key Tracks: Jingle Bells , The Christmas Song  , Baby It's Cold Outside

Tim Reynolds Solo Acoustic Show

This just in! Tim Reynolds (twitter account) will be playing a solo acoustic gig at Mount Snow's Snow Barn on January 9th, 2010. This is the only acoustic show planned for his tour, so if you live in the New England area, be sure to get up to VT for some fresh pow pow and the sweet sounds of Tim on Acoustic! Also check Tim out playing with his band TR3 (upcoming shows) and this summer with DMB.

Cover charge is $20.00 and you gotta be 21+... you can buy tickets online-----> Here


Key Tracks: Betrayal , All You Need Is Love , Buffalo Soldier

The Year Of Phoenix

There can be no doubt that 2009 is the year of Phoenix. The French pop-rock sensation is living the hi life off their recent release 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix'. This album appeals to everyone from Lady Gaga lovers to the biggest indie snobs. They're pleasure-pushers, filling tunes with riffs, phrases, and beats a five-year-old could love. If you haven't checked out their back catalog, make sure to get your hands on 'Alphabetical' and 'It's Never Been Like That'.

Thomas Mars has a very soft, crisp voice that you know as soon as you hear it, very pleasing on the ears. This album has a ton of listenability with the epic 1-2 punch of Lizstomania/1901 and songs like 'Fences' 'Lasso' and 'Girlfriend'. There is no doubt that 1901 is my favorite song of the year. The beat is infectious. The lyrics, catchy, and the synths have enough hooks to land a 10lb large mouth. They hit it big in the USA this year having stops at Bonaroo and SNL. Also playing a lineup of gigs to support their album with the popular band Passion Pit opening for them. PP/PHX could be the best concert of the year, they are two absolutely electric bands. Wolfgang continues to get play in my ipod despite its early 09 release, its an album i can't stop listening to...so listen up!


Alphabetical Key Tracks: Run Run Run , Victim Of The Crime , Everything Is Everything
Never Been Like That Key Tracks: Napoleon Says , Long Distance Call  ,   Consolation Prizes
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Key Tracks: Lisztomania 1901

Acoustic French Set (amazing):  La Blogotheque

LOCAL MUSIC ALERT!!!!

The Mclovins are a group made of three teenage rock prodigies from Connecticut that made it famous on YouTube. They posted a popular cover of Phish's 'You Enjoy Myself' here that was circulated on Phish message boards. These kids can jam! Phish phans claimed the guitarist looks like Mclovin from Superbad. He really does...and so the name was born.

Last night 'The Mclovins' dropped their 'Virtual Circle' EP featuring two new tracks and clocking in at almost 15 minutes. These songs are bound for a full length album planned for Summer 2010, a quick follow-up to their August '09 debut 'Conundrum' which you can buy here.
If you are in the Hartford area, be sure to check them out at Sully's Pub this Saturday

Dave&Tim - A Weekend In Vegas

Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds busted out their acoustic guitars for a three night weekend at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. This would be the first chance for a lot of fans to hear Big Whiskey material acoustically. All three nights had their up's and down's with night two clearly taking the cake. With songs like 'Little Red Bird' 'Grace Is Gone' 'Loving Wings' and 'Typical Situation' all fans in attendance got what they paid for. However, once you hear the opening chords of arguably the bands best opener, 'The Stone' you know you are in for a special evening. Busting out cover song 'Angels From Montgomery' for the first time since '01 and rarities like 'Little Thing',  'Lover Lay Down', and 'I'll Back You Up' this is the one show I am really upset I couldn't get to. Hanging out with Tim just five days before his first show in Las Vegas, he is a very down to earth man, and never has too much to say, he doesn't need to say much. He speaks through his guitar, and when he plays acoustically, his soul really shines through. You can download the entire N2 show in FLAC----> Vegas N2 FLAC


Key Tracks: Kashmir (Tim Only),Christmas Song  ,Shake Me Like A Monkey

DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome, this is Oxygen Ashtray. This is the first post in my blogging career so if you are here for this first one, consider yourself part of something epic. I love music, and I need music in my life at all times in order to survive. I know there are others out there like me, so be sure to check out OA for the latest and greatest in music. Skies are the limit.

It's December, and what better way to kick this bitch off then with a recap of music in the year of 2009. It has been quite the year, with a lot of debuts and many smaller groups getting brought into the spotlight. Without further adieu here is a list of Oxygen Ashtray's: Albums O' The Year

1.The Antlers- Hospice
    One of the most moving albums I've ever experienced, Peter Silberman perfectly places lyrics that sink into your inner soul. I was downright depressed after listening to this album, and sometimes that's exactly what you need. Its a piece of art really, every sonic force made on this record seems to strike a chord emotionally in me. I haven't enjoyed an album from start to finish this much in a long time.
Key Tracks: Sylvia  Bear  Two

2.Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
    Phoenix reminds us that while French people might suck, French pop music is AWESOME. Wolfgang would have been the #1 album if Hospice wasn't perfectly put together. Phoenix isn't a new band either, Alphabetical and Its Never Been Like That are both fantastic albums. But Wolfgang beats them all. It's a non-stop dance party from start to finish, its music that just makes you feel happy. There is no doubt that 1901 is the song of the year! Follow them on Twitter Here
Key Tracks: Lisztomania 1901  Lasso


3.Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion
   8th and best album put out by this always evolving band. Animal Collective continually re-invents themselves with each album they put out. Merriweather is their most accessible album with sharp melody's and bolder lyrics, AC hit the nail right on the head with this one. Twitter them Here
Key Tracks: My Girls    Summertime Clothes 


4.Passion Pit- Manners
  This is what pop music should sound like. The debut album from PP was huge this year, catchy synths, infectious beats, and non-stop grooving, this album would be the perfect soundtrack to a movie about a night out with your friends. Little Secrets is in contention for song of the year. Perfection! Tweet it up Here
Key Tracks: Little Secrets  Sleepyhead  Seaweed Song


5.Animal Collective- Fall Be Kind EP
   AC brought it yet again in 2009, releasing Fall Be Kind. With a short 5 tracks, they continue exactly where they left off with Merriweather. However FBK is different, it doesn't exactly fit the mold of Merriweather with a 1 minute crazy flute section. But Graze is an amazing track despite its funny midsection. What Would I Want? Sky? is the perfect song, hands down.
Key Tracks:  What Would I Want? Sky?  I Think I Can


6.Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest
      There is an unbelievable clarity of sound and vision to Veckatimest, it is very pleasing on the ears. With intense melodies, complex lyrics, and beautiful vocal harmonies this band is leading the way for indi-pop groups in the next decade.
Key Tracks: Two Weeks   Cheerleader  While You Wait For The Others

7.Discovery- LP
   Vampire Weekend front man Ezra Koenig heads this record of crazy digital pop songs. They are perfect. High-spirited synth riffs and toe-tapping beats make this record undeniably catchy. Think MGMT meets Vampire Weekend meets Cut Copy= awesome.
Key Tracks: Orange Shirt  So Insane

8.Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
   This album is easily the best effort by this band yet. Bitte Orca is one of the more purely enjoyable indie-rock records made in a long time. Not only does it have Zeppelin like guitar licks, it also has beautiful ballads. Practically any song could be your favorite.
Key Tracks: Stillness Is The Move  Cannibal Recourse  Two Doves


9.Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz!
    Will you marry me Karen O? pleeeeeeeeeeeease?? Her voice is like no other and there is no doubt that this album is one of the best of the decade. Karen doesn't show much with very vague lyrics and sometimes gets lost in bursts of craziness. This is pop-rock folks, just excellent.
Key Tracks: Zero  Soft Shock  Runaway


10.Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk
   Super group of 09 made up of Jim James(My Morning Jacket) Conor Obserst, Mike Mogis(Bright Eyes) and M.Ward. These four played together a few years ago, and finally got around to getting into the studio. They did not disappoint. Dear God has a hip hop vibe to it, with soft lyrics that float over top the beat. Its a wonderful track. His Master's Voice is another stunning track with Jim James's powerful voice behind a soft acoustic guitar.
Key Tracks: Dear God   Say Please   His Masters Voice


11.Matt and Kim- Grand
  2009 was the year for Matt and Kim. The pop/punk/synth/pop duo out of Brooklyn, Grand picks up right where their self titled left off. They hit gold with the smash hit 'Daylight' and continue to make people dance with their upbeat music. Got to see them live in Oct, they love playing for their fans, and playing music live. Kim met with each fan that wanted an autograph, major props! follow them on twitter Here
Key Tracks: Daylight  Good Ol Fashion Nightmare


12.Bon Iver- Blood Bank
   Even though BB is only 4 songs deep, they are impressive... Justin Vernon knows how to put emotions into his singing voice. It's very simple music, but it moves you. Woods is a very interesting track that expirements with auto tune, but it works because its not over used. Even though it only clocks in at 16 minutes, Blood Bank carries its own weight, and deserves to be this high on the list
Key Tracks: Blood Bank  Woods


13.Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures
   Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones leads this super group alongside Dave Grohl and Josh Homme, and they are here to rock! Instantly you notice Grohl on the drums, and he smashes away on every track. JPJ has bass lines that rival Black Dog from the early days! Just good ol fashioned rock and roll!
Key Tracks:  Reptiles Elephants

14.Deertick- Born on Flagday
   It's time to listen to some good folk music people, and Deertick delivers. Hailing from Providence RI. Very nasal sounding vocals and warm guitar chords carry from song to song. Its the type of album i love to listen to on a nice fall day walking around looking at the leaves.
Key Tracks: Song About a Man   Little White Lies

15. Umphreys McGee- Mantis
   More than two years in the making,  Mantis is the first completely in studio album this band has made. And it doesn't represent a departure from the balanced mix of meaningful material. It gives the feel of the album more of a real focus, and the sound that they give off sounds much fuller.
Key Tracks: Mantis  Made To Measure


16.Volcano Choir - Unmap
   Bon Iver side project, this album is very different from his usual efforts. Experimental lyrics don't mean much and Justin uses his voice as a tool to bring the songs more focus. Hyper-repetitive keyboard pulses from modern classical tones, looping drums, this LP sounds like a mix of British and American post rock
Key Tracks:  Island Is   Sleepymouth


17.Julian Casablancas- Phrazes for the Young
   The Strokes front man branches out on his own for his first single debut, and he continues to follow the 09 craze with upbeat, synth heavy, catchy hooks, and drum loops...and it works! Nothing like what The Strokes sound like, he changes up the formula by giving it a 70's disco vibe, but also making it sound oddly futuristic.
Key Tracks:  11th Dimension   River of Lights


18.Dave Matthews Band- Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King
   Some of you may know, or you will soon find out...DMB is my shit. My band to follow around every summer, and you may be shocked that its this far down on the list. Big Whiskey is no BTCS, but it is a good record, and they served Roi right. However i have high standards for this band and i gave this album a solid B. Tim Reynolds makes this the most electric DMB record yet, and even though the album isn't perfect, there are standout tracks. Alligator Pie is a southern swamp rock song from New Orleans, and Danny Barnes banjo is perfectly adding layers in your left ear. Squirm brings the band back to their middle eastern roots, a snake charming sax solo ensues.
Key Tracks: Shake Me  LITHOG  Squirm


19.The Decemberists- The Hazards of Love
    Failed musical turned rock album, this is nothing like The Decemberists have ever done before. 'Isnt it A Lovely Night' has a Nashville vibe to it with extra strings that add layers on top of the faint electric guitars. Jim James also has a guest spot on the album too.
Key Tracks: The Crane Wife   The Rake Song


20.Girls- Album
   Owens reminds me of Buddy Holly mixed with Paul McCartney mixed with Elvis Costello. He sings songs about heartache, and most of this album was written after a bad break up. With titles like Laura and Lauren Marie, you cant help but think there is someone in mind. The music sounds simple like, early Beach Boys tunes. Glorified lofi rock.
Key Tracks:  Lust For Life  Summertime


21.Island- Vapours
   This is the 3rd full album for broken pop project formally known as Unicorn, and it has it all. Immediate hooks, grabbing choruses and and an electric feel to it that makes you want to listen to it on a nice summer day.
Key Tracks:  Vapours   No You Dont


22.Wilco- Wilco (The Album)
   I must admit, i didn't listen to a whole lot of Wilco and i thought this was a great album, and i stand by that. But it doesn't live up to that raw sound that Wilco has in their old records. This is more pop rock then anything they have put out yet, but it's not really a bad thing. This record made me feel comfortable rather then get me really excited. Its a good listen.
Key Tracks: Wilco  You and I


23.Tegan and Sara- Sainthood
   Canadian indie-pop/indie-rock lesbian identical twin sisters put out their 7th studio album this year, and I must admit I didn't know anything about them until a friend of mine put them on a CD for me. They are quiet pleasant and enjoyable. This album is infectious, and i really connect with it.
Key Tracks: On Directing  Alligator


24.M. Ward- Hold Time
   M. ward who collaborated last year with Zooey Deshchanel (She & Him)the title track remind me of The Long & Winding Road, he touches on all the big subjects: love, god, death, heartache. This album is very well constructed from start to finish and is a perfect place for new comers to start.
Key Tracks: Hold Time   Oh Lonesome Me


25.Beirut- March of the Zapotec/Holland EP
    The first half of this EP is influenced by a trip to Mexico, and you can hear it directly in the music. They may sound kind of melancholy, but they also sound of joy. Horns are all over the place! The second half of the EP turns more electronic. Drum machines, beeps and boops, and ambient sounds make it different from the first half but they go so well back to back.
Key Tracks: The Shrew   My Night


26.Real Estate- Real Estate
27.Miike Snow- Miike Snow
28.Iron & Wine- Around the Well
29.Flight of the Conchords- I Told You I Was Freaky
30.Japandroids- Post-Nothing
31.Modest Mouse- No One's First and You're Next (EP)
32.The Drums- Summertime! (EP)
33.Andrew Bird- Noble Beast
34.Neon Indian- Psychic Chasms
35.The xx- The xx
36.Dan Deacon- Bromst
37.Neko Case- Middle Cyclone
38.Toro y Moi ~ My Touch
39.Local Natives ~ Gorilla Manor
40.Conor Oberst ~ Outer South
41.Karen O and the Kids    - Where the Wild Things Are (OST)
42.Fever Ray- Fever Ray
43.Memory Tapes- Seek Magic
44.Jim o' rourke ~ The Visitor
45.Wavves- Wavves
46.Sufjan Stevens ~ BQE
47.Deerhunter ~ Rainwater Cassette Exchange [EP]
48.Coconut Records- Davy
49.Brand New ~ Daisy
50.Sonic Youth- The Eternal
51.Flaming Lips- Embryonic
52.Blitzen Trapper    Black River Killer (EP)
53.Phish- Joy
54.Yim Yames    Tribute To (EP)
55.jj- no.1
56.The Dodos ~ Time to Die
57.Dinosaur Jr- Farm
58.Pete Yorn & Scarlet Johannson- Break Up
59.Jay-Z- The Blueprint3
60.Bob Dylan- Together Through Life
61.Pearl Jam- Backspacer
62.State Radio- Let it Go
63.Avett Brothers ~ I and Love and You
64.Arctic Monkeys- Humbug
65.Muse    The Resistance
66.Bruce Springsteen- Working on a Dream
67.Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon: End of Days
68.The Whitest Boy Alive- Rules
69.Franz Ferdinand- Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
70.Silversun Pickups- Swoon
71.Hudson Mohawke- Polyfolk Dance (EP)
72.U2- No Line on the Horizon

Shit I Forgot: The Very Best- Warm Hearts of Africa
                         Freelance Whales- Weathervanes
                         The xx- XX
                         The Sandwitches- How To Make Ambient Sadcake
                         Smith Westerns- Smith Westerns