The Black Keys - Attack and Release
There is nothing inherently mind blowing about this band, and yet I find this album returning to my playlist frequently. Solid blues rock. Fave song: Psychotic Girl
The Dodos - Visiter
Along the same lines as Vampire Weekend... very rhythm heavy indie rock. Fave song: Walking (though not entirely representative of the album)
The Grand Archives - S/T
Somehow related to Band of Horses, so how could I not love them? More upbeat indie rock, think Seattle/Portland on a bright sunny day. Fave song: Miniature Birds (this was a difficult choice though. Second fave: Sleepdriving)
A.A. Bondy - American Hearts
I love this guy. Both on plastic and in the flesh, he just seems like a genuine soul. The music is blues-driven, dark, and engrossing. An example? "I don't wanna talk about Jesus/ I just wanna see his face. The trees are swinging like hanging men/and I just wanna see his face" from my Fave Song: Rapture (Sweet Rapture)
The Felice Brothers - S/T
Perhaps the most fleeting favorite, I'm not sure what the staying power of this album will be... but the live show is raw and spirited, and the CD lived in my car for a few weeks following. Fave Song: Helen Fry
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Another great album from Sub Pop. Mostly upbeat rock, soaring vocals, strong songwriting. Fave Song: Back To This
The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Graves
Ok, he's skinny, Scandinavian, and finger picks. He wouldn't necessarily have to be talented for me to like him, thankfully he is. Gorgeous guitar playing, unique voice, interestingly abstract (but not obtuse) lyrics. Fave Song: I Won't Be Found
Bowerbirds - Hymns for a Dark Horse
Raleigh locals, inventive sound, gorgeous tunes. Fave song: In Our Talons
Also rans, because I am running out of things to say:
