1.) Andrew Bird, “The Mysterious Production Of Eggs” Mr. Bird not only weaves poetic verse in this glorious genre bending disc, but he weaves musical magic as well. Not only is this popular music, but a work of Art. By far the most rewarding disc after repeated listens all year long.

2.) Sufjan Stevens, “Come On Feel The Illinois” Sufjan ups the ante on his fourth disc. Heavily influenced by Steve Reich and Philip Glass, yet totally unique in that Mr. Stevens has created his own style of pop music. God I hope he finds enough time to release one of these State CD’s evrey year

3.) The Guggenheim Grotto “Waltzing Along” Dublin based trio mixes many pop styles on this debut. Hard to find disc. Must be purchased online from Ireland. Nic Hardcourt (KCRW) has championed this band for months now. Here’s hopping it makes the light of day in the states next year. A must buy for Fans of Ed Hardcourt and Damien Rice.

4.) Art Of Fighting, “Second Storey” Australian band released this disc last year down under. This year it was released in Europe, That’s how I discovered the band. First five tracks are an amazing collection of slow core/indie-pop. Loses a little ground in the latter part of the disc. Otherwise it would have been my favorite disc of the year.

5.) The Go-Betweens, “Oceans Apart” Grant and Robert return with their strongest disc since their original incarnation during the 1980’s. If you haven’t discovered this band by now, you’re missing out on some of the great pop music.

6.) Sons And Daughters, “The Repulsion Box” Two cute boys, two cute girls. Mix in a little honky tonk and a little Scottish punk attitude and you have this unique Glasgow band. Franz Ferdinand have been championing this band for years. If I want to feel dirty, I put this lil’ puppy in the box.

7.) Various Artists, “KCRW Sounds Eclectico” There’s this little radio station out of Santa Monica, California that puts out some great CD compilations every now and then. This time Latin-based or Latin-infused Artists get the spotlight. Not a weak track to be found. God, if only Phoenix had radio like this!

8.) Neil Diamond, “12 Songs” What a total surprize this disc turned out to be. Neil’s best collection of songs since the 70’s.

9.) Gemma Hayes, “The Roads Don’t Love You” Irish lass second disc (Import Only) blows her debut out of the water. More mature songwriting and the production and musicians seem to flow better this time around.

10.) Bright Eyes, “I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning” I’m not a fan of Conor’s past work, nor do I believe this is his master stroke to date. For some reason this record spoke to me. I think a lot of this has to do with this past year’s election and the direction our government seems to be leading our country into. And since Dylan, Stipe and Springsteen, won’t get off their arses and write some powerful music, we have to settle for Conor’s songs. They ain;t that bad, either. Though I question the production and the very misguided use of guest musicians and vocals.

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11.) Celso Fonseca, “Rive Gauche Rio” Sexy, laid back, romatic, Bossa Nova heaven. The best Caetano Veloso record made by non-Caetano Veloso..

12.) Toto Bona Lokua, “Toto Bona Lokua” Three separate artists collaboration which evolved from all of them recording their parts and mailing them to each other; finalized in Paris studio. Wide US circulation didn’t begin until this past year.

13.) Sigur Ros, “Takk” If only Coldplay was as good as these guys.

14.) Ulrich Schnauss, “Far Away Trains Passing By”, About time! this long out of print disc gets a release in the States.. Lovely soundscape music performed by German electronic artist.

15.) Franz Ferdinand, “You Could Have it So Much Better” Not as fun as the debut, but no sophomore slump here.

16.) Jose Gonzalez, “Veneer” The best Nick Drake tribute record ever made. Seriously, Jose is wonderful, even though he borrows heavily from Mr. Drake.

17.) Antony & The Johnsons, “I Am A Bird Now“. Antony is a unique soul. An acquired taste and a treasure. Lovely, sad music by transgender jazz, soul, r&b, and cabaret performer, heavily influenced by Boy George and Leah Bowery.

18.) Calexico/ Iron And Wine, “In the Reins” A dream collaboration. It works, though it should have been a full length album.

19.) Various Artists “Sweetheart II” Great cover tunes performed by various talents. Can be found at hearmusic.com.

20.) The Finches, “Six Songs” A little low fi recording done by folk duo from the Bay area. Sweet!

21.) Paul Weller, “As Is Now” Paul almost records another classic. Some killer tracks though.

22.) Dungen “Ta Det Lugnt” What the fuck, could be the best description of this long overdue stateside release from this retro artist and his amazing gift with psychedelic pop sounds.

23.) David Gray “Life In Slow Motion” Solid collection from Mr. Gray. Who I’ve loved since his debut many years ago.

24.) Denison Witmer, “Are You A Dreamer” First half is a strong collection of folk rock ditties on the topic/subject of “dreaming” or “sleep”. The latter half wears thin.

25.) Brendan Benson, “The Alternative To Love” A great collection of pop rock from Detroit’s finest. Next year we will see/hear the collaboration Mr. Benson did with Jack White of The White Stripes. Should propel this little know, but well deserved artist into the limelight.

Bubbling Under- Gravenhurst, M. Ward, The Bats, Dirty Three, Paul Kelly & The Stormwater Boys, Brett Dennen, Kate Rusby, Mark Geary, The Magic Numbers, Aimee Mann and Afro Celt Sound System.

1.) Josh Ritter, “Thin Blue Flame” The most complete song written about the state of this

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country, the political turmoil and so-called moral high ground this administration want to lead us into.

2.) Mary Gautheir, “Mercy Now” The second most complete song on the topics aforementioned above.

3.) Iron & Wine, “The Trapeze Swinger” Epic gem from Mr. Beam who is/has been on a amazing roll.

4.) Shout Out Louds, “Very Loud” Great swooping little pop number from Swedish band.

5.) Neil Diamond, “Captain Of A Shipwreck” Standout track from a standout album.

6.) Sons And Daughters, “Rama Lama” Sick little number bout’ a boyfriend who murders his girlfriend then hangs her out on the laundry line to dry. Just sick, but it rocks!

7.) M. Ward, “Let My Love Open The Door” Best cover tune of the year. Can be found on the “Sweetheart II” collection.

8.) Paul Kelly, “They Thought I Was Asleep” Paul’s got a wonderful way with weaving a tale with so few chords and words. Brings a tear to my eye, every time I play it.

9.) Paul Weller, “From The Floorboards Up” Best riff and hook of the year. Rock on Paul!

10.) Rocky Votolato, “Goldfield” To be continued. Song was leaked to the internet early. From “Makers” to be released early next year on Barsuk Records.

Bubbling Under:

Beth Orton, Brett Dennen, Ray LaMontagne, Antony & The Johnsons and The Magic Numbers.

1.) Orange Juice, “The Glasgow School”

2.) Luiz Bonfa, “Solo In Rio, 1959”

1.) “Wonderfalls” (The complete and only season of the short-lived TV show)

2.) “The Wizard Of Oz” (film)

3.) “A Very Long Engagement” (film)

4.) “64-95”- Lemon Jelly (music)

5.) “Franz Ferdinand” (music)

1.) “First Day Of My Life”, Bright Eyes

2.) “Glossoli”, Sigur Ros

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Best CD Packaging/Artwork-

1.) “64-95”(CD &DVD), Lemon Jelly

2.) “The Glasgow School”, Orange Juice

3.) “Takk”, Sigur Ros

4.) “Waltzing Along”, The Guggenheim Grotto

1.) “Live In Rio, 1959”, Luiz Bonfa

2.) “Waltzing Along”, The Guggenheim Grotto