Music

To present a list like this is to insist opinion as fact, with qualifications and decisions of order so arbitrary. This list has been a constant evolution that reflects mostly what I consider to be the best top 50 albums of this year, along with the advisement of a few friends. It isn’t perfect and no list is but that is expected, solely focusing on genres and styles of music that I enjoy (sorry rap). To me it isn’t really possible to compare across genres, making it easier to compile a list of things to share some similarities. But the impossible perfection is part of the beauty to get people talking, so comment and enjoy!

1. Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes

An obvious choice but a clear-cut winner considering the album in the majestic scope it demands. From start to finish, Helplessness Blues dwells in the familiar domain of the Fleet Foxes but travels so far within that comfortable niche, offering the more subdued on “Blue Spotted Tail,” featuring sprawling, layered soundscapes of anthemic bliss in “Helplessness Blues,” building to the epic “The Shrine / An Argument” and finally climaxing with the up-tempo “Grown Ocean,” wrapping up everything the album has to offer. Sure the crazy horn section in “An Argument” can get a bit trying at times, but otherwise the album is perfection, failing to stray far from the tried and true Fleet Foxes formula but doing it so. A look back on 2011 just wouldn’t be complete without Helplessness Blues.

2. Bon Iver – Bon Iver

With “For Emma” forever ago, Bon Iver put aside the folk, mountain man image of a guy in a cabin and took a slight change of course. He may have alienated a fan or too with this new, chamber pop, experimental sound but what materializes certainly stands toe to toe with the classic For Emma, Forever Ago. The first track “Perth” immediately conveys this switch as it opens with an epic grandeur of staccato snare hits and builds to dramatic highs and crescendos. Unraveling fluidly, Bon Iver takes pit stops in the various cities spotted along North America and touches on what might just be the best song of 2011, “Holocene,” a rolling tune that realizes a momentum of change and departure. Sure, “Beth / Rest” is awful, appearing as a Bruce Hornsby produced cheese-fest circa 1984 but is far from enough to taint the overall product.

3. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming -M83

How many different ways can you say epic and how many times can you say it before you lose all credibility as a writer. Regardless, there is no other way to describe Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. This double album spans the entire 74 minutes by force-feeding the audience a steady diet of immersive, gigantic synth that varies from perfect pop song craftsmanship to moments of crushing, tear jerking beauty. Just like sex and drugs, you can’t accurately describe it; it must be experienced personally. Even the infamous magic frog song “Raconte-Moi Une Histoire” which features a child’s monologue about a perhaps symbolic “magic frog” shines and that’s when you know Anthony Gonzalez can do no wrong. With such a rich score of songs, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming creates its own fairy tale world, a soundtrack to an imaginary movie.

4. Torches – Foster the People

I remember the summer day, sitting in my friend’s apartment when I first heard Foster the People. He was the kind of guy to make outrageous claims and when he said, “You got to listen to this band, they are going to be huge” I took it with a grain of salt. Then “Pumped Up Kicks” came on and we know what happened next. What was once an indie darling has grown exponentially into a monstrous trio selling out arenas and pushing their “indie-pop” wherever they can. Regardless of their popularity, Torches remains an thrilling pop album, stacked with snythy pop hits that inspire dancing and singing wherever they go.

5. Days – Real Estate

Sound tracking an effortless, carefree trip out to the beach on a warm summer day, Real Estate accomplishes so much through the fairly simple means of shimmering guitars and calming vocals. Almost every track on the record screams of summer and tt doesn’t hurt that “It’s Real” is a song of the year contender, featuring one of the most catchy guitar riffs and sing alongs of 2011. In short, Days is lovely, a smooth 40-minute stroll in the sun drenched park.

6.  w h o k i l l – tUnE-yArDs

Caps alternation is usually recognized as an international symbol of idiocy. Here it signals the pounding, off-kilter drum beats meshing with the disjointed rhythms and the powerful, ranging vocals of the tUnE-yArDs, as they amaze through their disregard of traditional song writing that somehow manages sounding so catchy and melodic. Drawing from almost every genre imaginable, w h o k i l l dazzles with a distinctive sound. One listen through may leave you a bit dazed and confused but you will most certainly leave with one piece of knowledge: Merrill Garbus is one crazy cat.

7. The Year of Hibernation – Youth Lagoon

What is the soundtrack to cramming eight people onto your bed and just lying there in a joyful bliss? Youth Lagoon is my tried and true go-to for this unique situation, a record whose beauty can hardly be encapsulated into tangible thoughts. Dream pop has never been done better in my opinion. Trevor Powers follows a simple formula on his lo-fi album, building from the hushed vocals of the bedroom, incorporating slightly melancholic tales of personal narrative with a washed out sound that builds gradually, leaving the minimalism of the beginning in favor of anthems of wordless sing-alongs. dreamy guitar lines and pronounced drum beats. With nostalgia the overwhelming theme, The Year of Hibernation evokes feelings of summer night swimming in a lake with all your best friends. The album is memories, a product so moving it immediately grabs your attention despite its best efforts to remain a subtle testament to what once was.

8. It’s A Corporate World – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

Gliding effortlessly through shuffling rhythms, harmonized vocals, layered backgroundsand perfect pop sensibilities Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. carelessly breezes through the beautiful summer day of an album they created. Like flying in a sweet jet stream of Beach Boys infused melodies and harmonies, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. may fail to produce the dramatics but in turn prove the greatness in the simplicity of just going out there and having fun writing simple love songs. And throwing in an awesome cover of Gil Scott Heron’s “We Almost Lost Detroit” doesn’t hurt either. Melt away and sing along.

9. The King Is Dead – The Decemberists

The Decemberists take on country-folk. That’s all that really needs to be said, because with Colin Meloy and Jenny Conlee, the Decemberists find excellence wherever there travels find them, no matter the genre. With a country twang and a steel guitar or two, Meloy crafts beauty after beauty, intertwining his strong, powerful vocals and involved lyrics into rustic, dirt road adventures. Sometimes this newfound country fried mentality goes a bit far and seems forced on tracks like “All Arise!” but overall the Decemberists deliver as always.

10. Cults- Cults

As my mom will quickly remind me, this is the music of her time. Cults realizes that everyone loves that classic girl group sound and throws in a xylophone and some occasional male vocals for good measure to round out the package. Every song is a short, nostalgic tribute to the 60’s, complete with the child-like vocals of Madeline Follin but usually with a slight twist, an explosion of sound and emotion, which removes you from the idyllic dreams of the past with a touch of the modern. “Go Outside” may have garnered the buzz surrounding the album, but Cults certainly delivered on the rest of their self-titled debut, sliding in with a sleek package that delivers on every bubble-gum sweet song.

11. The Head and the Heart – The Head and the Heart

Pitchfork’s 3.8 out of 10 scoring of the album faults the band for unoriginality, ignoring the fact that just a taste of the Seattle band results in love at first sight. Sure, it is formulaic but oh is it done so well, jam packed with folksy, heart on sleeves anthems of love and life, pairing the beautiful vocals of each member into a pristine, harmonized ecstasy. “Rivers and Roads” is a life changer, a dramatic build that absolutely erupts from its melancholic opening into the overcoming vocals of Charity Rose Thielen. It may not revolutionize, but with such a crowded genre, it must mean something to rise above the rest.

12. Dye It Blonde - Smith Westerns

Sure, the Smith Westerns may come across as jerks whose live performances fall flat on their faces, but Dye It Blonde has nothing to do with that. With studio magic as their crutch, Smith Westerns have left their old, dirty lo-fi sound in favor of a far more polished sound, complete with glowing electric guitar lines and smooth vocals that play right into the summer feel of the album. Every song is a catchy piece of pop writing with choruses and hooks all over the place. It hasn’t popped up on too many Best of ‘11 lists but with the dream-like floating world they established, I can’t see why not.

13. Civilian – Wye Oak

Giving Annie Clark of St. Vincent a run for her money, Jenn Wasner’s crushing vocals and smart guitar work take center stage in Civilian and quite possibly surpass the seasoned veterean. As a duo, Jenn and drummer Andy Stack create such amazingly rich sounds and yes, Andy Stack plays both keyboards and drums live at the same time (crazy right?). Civilian unravels in an interesting manner, drifting slowly and calming through the first two songs before tackling the harsh and in your face attitude of Holy, Holy and the title track Civilian with distorted angst of the guitar and pounding drums a-blazing. The power seen in some of these tracks is awe inspiring at times, with surging blasts of guitar haze erupting from thin air. While every other track may fall a bit short of the magnificence of “Civilian,” it still manages to captivate throughout.

14. The King of Limbs – Radiohead

Sure it may not reach the full potential the world expects of Radiohead at this point in their career but it still manages quite nicely despite its slightly lacking run time and apparent in accessibility. The crazed, schizophrenic like rhythms that King of Limbs latches onto may be the album’s most defining quality, bringing about the necessity of a second drummer in the Radiohead live collective. History will look back on King of Limbs as another solid release, more of a mile marker than a complete exit, lacking that unique world of sound that Radiohead have created for themselves in the past.

15. Strange Mercy - St. Vincent

St. Vincent’s fascination comes from her ability to juxtapose the raw, rough sound of her guitar with the angelic, soothing quality of her voice and calming synths. It doesn’t hurt that her music carries a certain allure through its simple sophistication, leaving you feel like the cool hipster you are. Every time I look at pictures of Annie Clark, I am consistently blown away that such inspired alternative art rock comes from such an innocent, doll-like figure. Oh and the album cover is pretty awesome too, even if I’m not 100 percent sure I know what is going on.

16. Zonoscope - Cut Copy

Almost a guilty pleasure, Cut Copy is structured in bass pounding, dance party mode but with a talent and vision that distinguishes. Zonoscope could easily be just another indie-pop dance record but it does so much more, creating incredible builds up and unleashing them in the most satisfying ways (“Need You Now”). Now, I have never been a huge fan of the 15-minute closing epic “Sun God” but their courage to adventure into different areas is noble if nothing else. The overall message of Zonoscope; jump around and have fun.

17. Ritual Union- Little Dragon

Immediately Little Dragon drags listeners into “Ritual Union” through their head bobbing beats and sexy, got to snap your fingers now, style. When it actually comes down to describing their style, I grasp at straws when trying to pin them down, maybe the best I can do is experimental R&B? As always, Yukimi Nagano’s vocals are a treat, soaring above the pounding rhythm and bass as she delivers hook after hook. Little Dragon defies definition and that may be exactly what is so alluring about this breath of fresh air.

18. Let England Shake – PJ Harvey

Coloring stories of war torn England, PJ Harvey pulls from the torment of war in shaping her world. With her cutting, falsetto vocals and interesting arrangements and instrumentation, PJ Harvey establishes something familiar yet so distinctive. From the opening, catchy xylophone melody you are immediately enthralled in the veterans latest effort where she creates something with such a central theme that is so universal. While she may be singing about WWI, her lyrics bring such an encompassing relationship with the listener in which the message transcends the battlefield. Nothing really stands out on the record but it all flows so well together, making “Let England Shake” so engrossing.

19. Burst Apart - The Antlers

With an atmospheric, spacious despondency, the Antlers build off a shrouded tension that they often exploit in subtle surges of passion. While a bit more upbeat than there previous release, Hospice, the Antlers still realize the dejection and sorrow they are known for. There is the pain but it is manageable, displayed in a completely honest manner. Stripped of over the top arrangements, the Antlers present a sparse field in which Peter Silberman cuts himself open with his clear, falsetto. Burst Apart is beautiful heartbreak.

20. Widowspeak- Widowspeak

On their first try, Widowspeak delivered a solid indie-rock album, a subdued collection of melodies that complement the airy, Mazzy Star-esque vocals of Molly Hamilton. Widowspeak flys under the radar currently, mixing together melancholic lyrics and vocals with a more cheery guitar, a perfect feng shui. It might just be a short outing but it accomplishes what it needs to and gets out. Look for more from these up and comers.

21. On The Water- Future Islands

Never has the distraught anguish of a broken heart been given so much life or in such a unique way. It doesn’t take long to account for lead singer Samuel Herring’s unusual vocals, a combination of over the top theatrics and a rough, husky grating voice that can elevate into high wails just as quickly as it can descend into spine tingling growls ala Tom Waits. His indescribable vocal manner joins with his personal narratives of despair, lyrics replete with the simple images of reality, a symbiotic relationship that gives a true human feeling to each song. Future Islands makes you feel each heart break and at no cost to the brilliant synth dominated accompaniments.

22. El Camino - Black Keys

The band has discussed about how on El Camino, Danger Mouse acted as a third member and this influence is the force that rudely shoves aside a more relaxed soulful sound in favor of a in your face, kick out the jams sort of way, with the clean production of a mainstream release. It may be no Brothers but if you don’t find yourself rocking out to “Lonely Boy” or “Little Black Submarines” the Black Keys will never be for you. Sure the formula can get a bit tired at times but in the end what we are left with is a solid rock album.

23. Father, Son, Holy Ghost - Girls

Tapping into the retro as so many bands have recently, Girls’ Christopher Owens gives a different interpretation of the rousing, Pink Floyd gospel singers and organs of the 60’s and 70’s with his vocals. Instead of trying to pass himself of as a controlling singer, Owens relaxes and presents himself as he is, an imperfection of nasal and weakness that says so much more than perfection ever could. It carries a certain insecurity and weariness about it, cracks in his vocals and missed notes which tie in wonderfully with the color of the album, telling the story of someone finding themselves through song, with truthful, forlorn lyrics. Honesty rings true here.

24. The Big Roar - Joy Formidable

The Big Roar is best defined by “Whirring,” where the trio combines such a compelling melody at the beginning and then just throws it out the window in favor of an epic jam that drags on and on at the end, faking endings left and right that leave you thinking “ah here it is” over and over again before finally resolving in a bombastic distorted fade out. Joy Formidable takes such catchy hooks and melodies and turns them into arena anthems through an immense heavy rock sound of off the wall drumming and feedback heavy guitars, a “Big Roar” if you will. The Big Roar is simply a fist pumping good time that consistently inspires rock out-freak outs of head banging and air guitars.

25. Tell Me - Jessica Lea Mayfield

A cute, innocent girl singing of heartbreak, combining the minimalism of the singer-songwriter’s tragic lyricism with the backbone of country folk. She reaches such peaks of emotion, the bone crushing loneliness of “Sleepless” to the care free joy of “Blue Skies Again.” With her overcoming vocals she is able to express heartbreak, a theme which dominates the album in such a convincing way. On Tell Me she does her best to make you worry about checking her into a mental health institution in fear of something terrible.

26. Smoke Ring For My Halo - Kurt Vile

Kurt Vile returns with his witty lyricism and down to earth man with his guitar mentality. fgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

27. Parallax – Atlas Sound

Bradford Cox’s Atlas Sound returns, crafting a Deerhunter sound that carries a slight minimalism, accurately reflecting his troubled mindset that inspires his music. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a ss fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

28. Unknown Mortal Orchestra- Unknown Mortal Orchestra

A rough, lo-fi mix of fun melodies, shuffling drum beats and a taste for some funk that comes together into a short, enjoyable first try for Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof afd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

29. Metals - Feist

About as far from 1,2,3,4 as Leslie Feist could take us, Metals abandons pop almost completely, striving for something far more, rustic and rough. The sweet bubble gum hooks of “Mushaboom” take a rest with furied outbursts of coarse male vocals, pounding drums and dramatic strings instead. I can’t say I was the biggest fan of Feist before, but Metals embodies an honesty and artistic integrity that wanders from the beaten trail, following where her life and the music take her. dsfalsdkfjas;dlkfj adsf adsjf adsf aksdf adlf adf alsdfs

30. The Rip Tide – Beirut

Possibly the most accessible Beirut album to date, toning down the Balkan and going for a more traditional indie-sound. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

31. Within and Without – Washed Out

Washes off echoing synths, dreamy vocals and everything you come to expect from Ernest Greene and chillwave. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

32. Go Tell Fire To The Mountain – WU LYF

Bombastic sound from the mysterious foreigners that really defines what “Heavy Pop” would sound like. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsfsdlfkgmsdfgslkdfgsf;dkgsdfgdfsdf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdj adf adjf adsf ajdf

33. Smother – Wild Beasts

A sparse electronic sound that plays up the interesting vocals and unique arrangements, givin it a foreign sound. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

34. Tamer Animals – Other Lives

Lush arrangements of vivid sound that comes across so naturally. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

35. English Riviera – Metronomy

An easily accessible 80’s inspired mix of the upbeat and the uptempo that lightly dances around the room. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

36. New Brigade – Ice Age

A rough and tumble album of an aggressive punk sound full of angst and raw energy. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

37. The Whole Love - Wilco

A confident blend of Americana sprung from the genius of Tweedy that builds on the Wilco catalog. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

38. Kaputt – Destoryer

Easy listening jazz/soft rock with sweet, sweet sax licks and calming vocals as it skirts cheesy elevator music as best as it can. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf ads

39. Portamento – Drums

Instead of “Let’s Go Surfing,” a dark Smiths-like collection of upbeat pop tunes that focus on the pains of reality. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdfasdf asdf

40. Slave Ambient – The War On Drugs

A rustic blend of easy, rock molded in a classic manner without former member Kurt Vile that has a clear flow throughout the album. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

41. Sun and Shade – Woods

Psychedelic folk that takes turns delving into short, folk-pop tunes and lengthy experimental sound odysseys. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf

42. Circuital – My Morning Jacket

Epic as always, delivering in most places but falling short on a few tunes and of other MMJ releases. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

43. Codes and Keys – Death Cab for Cutie

More Death Cab, this time with an upbeat attitude. No “What Sarah Said” instead more “Crooked Teeth.” Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

44. In Heaven – Twin Sister

Soft, intimate, indie pop lounging back lazily. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdfasdfasdf asdf asdf adsfa dsf adsf fsf

45. Era Extraña - Neon Indian

A short offering of more chillwave, taking over where Psychic Chasms left out, sounding exactly like you think it would. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf sf sf sf sf

46. Magic Place – Juliana Barwick

As chill as it comes, an ethereal mix of the outdoors bathed in ambience. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdfasdfasdfadsf adsf

47. Yuck – Yuck

90’s inspired indie rock that goes heavy on the hooks. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf

48. Belong – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Some more 90’s inspired music, with an alternative flair, upbeat tempos and subdued, unconfident vocals. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf asdf adsf a

49. Mirror Traffic – Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

Beck produced with a casual elegance that combines elements of Malkmus’ past. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdfasdfafgsfdg sfg asdf

50. Take Care, Take Care, Take Care Explosions in the Sky

The token post-rock album, another solid release from Texas rockers Explosion in the Sky that reminds us that it is three times better than Drake’s Take Care. Who knows how to compare this with the rest of the pack. Asdfgh asdf asdfg asdfh asdfk asdfl aof asdf iasdf hasdf ausdf asdfo asd foadsf adfadsf nadsf aslfadsfa sidf asdf aof asd faosdf adf aidfad ffasof asf asdf asbf adsf adfb asdf sdf d bd a fbs fd bs adslkfjsdfg dh dg gdg dgdgdg dgjdl ;kjsdf gs;foidgj sfdg sfhdg sfdgj sdfjg sfg jsfg sjfg dfj  sf sf a sfjasldkfja asdjfsf ahf sfh s sh fsh fsfsf s fsh sf sf hs fsh fs fhsf sf sf  asdfasdfadsfasdf jjgjgs asdoiajos;ifj ghsgsh ga wofo wfjao ghdg dhg sfh sf s asdfajdsf asdf jsf asdf asdf as shf sfajf s fasdfj adf adjf adsf ajdf