So, it looks like this blog has essentially become simply a place for me to post my top albums each quarter. Once my dissertation is over, I plan to get back into writing reviews and posting music. With that being said, this has been a great quarter for music. It was really hard to rank these albums and there are a number of worthy albums that didn't make the cut.
1. David Bazan- Strange Negotiations: David, since his days in Pedro the Lion, can always sing what I never have the nerve or the words to say. His music has always spoken to something deep in me. Like anything else from David, Strange Negotiation is lyrically challenging and musically direct.
2. The Cults- The Cults: The Cults have been blog darlings since they started releases their poppy and infectious singles about a year or so ago. This record is flirty and light girl-group pop that is filled with reverb and synth. Perfect summer record.
3. We are Augustines- Rise Ye Sunken Ships: We are Augustines are the remnants of arguably my favorite unknown band of all time; Pela. They recently broke up and some of the guys reformed as We Are Augustinves. Think of Sunken Ships as the last Pela record. This album is just good old anthemic rock 'n roll. It's fun and not to be missed.
4. Handsome Furs- Sound Kapital: As you may now, Wolf Parade is on a indefinite hiatus. But its component parts are still pumping out great tunes. Guitarist, Dan Boeckner, and his wife Alexei Perry perform as Handsome Furs and have just released their third album; it is a collection of great, great electro pop with a rough, rough edge.
5. WU LYF- Go Tell Fire to the Mountain: This is a record that I probably have too low on the list. Their name makes me uncomfortable (LYF=Lucifer Youth Foundation) but the music does not. This is a near-perfect collection of loud and anarchistic rock. It's both abrasive and listenable at the same time.
6. BOAT- Dress Like Your Idols: This band is just fun. I always describe them to folks as "bro rock" or "frat rock". It's just really fun and energetic music that borrows heavily from 90's rock icons such as Weezer, Built to Spill, and Pavement.
7. EMA- Past Life Martyred Saints: EMA is the musical vehicle for Erin Anderson, a songstress from South Dakota. This record is dark and mysterious yet melodic electronic music and Anderson's voice fits it well.
8. Bon Iver- Bon Iver: I have a sneaking suspicion that this record will factor much higher into my final list of the year. I really can't decide if I hate it or think it might be an absolutely genius album; this is actually an important musical quality in my mind. For those of you looking for the "old Bon Iver", you will be disapointed. This record is highly produced and at times feels like cheeseball Bruce Hornsby music...but its good I promise.
9. Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues: Here's what I have to say, "Yep...it's a Fleet Foxes album. It's good...I guess."
10. Crystal Stilts- In Love with Oblivion: Crystal Stilts always deliver solid post-punk tunes. This record is no different.
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