Top Ten Albums 07-28-09: The Return

It's back! And from now on only new albums from week to week will get a description, though I may change the best songs.

1. "Swoon" by Silversun Pickups
The soundtrack to the San Diego portion of my vacation, a revisit thanks to lots of time in Danielle's car. I thought it sounded like Kill Hannah, and thought  Silversun was a more folky band. A new favorite of mine for sure, with just the right amount of angst. But why do they have to play in Des Moines the same day Bon Iver plays in Omaha? Best Songs: "Panic Switch" and "The Royal We"
2. "Masterpiece Theatre" by Marianas Trench
The soundtrack to the Los Angeles portion of my vacation, I really love the staccato and rhythm of their singer. Plus they are Canadian and we know I love that. Best Songs: "Celebrity Status" and "Perfect"
3. "The Gleam" by The Avett Brothers
The soundtrack to the Colorado portion of my vacation, due in large part to the harmonica...and their being in Iowa City in Ocotober. Plus, I just love their respective voices. This would be a near perfect album if "Sanguine" was replaced by "Murder in the City" from The Second Gleam. Best Songs: "When I Drink", "Yardsale", and "Backwards With Time"
4. "Killed or Cured"by The New Amsterdams
The best album from the frontman of The Get Up Kids. Even though I have the reworked "Cured" disc, it is still among my favorites and dare I say rivals the work of Mr. Oberst even if it sometimes sounds more forced like a Dashboard Confessional bit (I blame them both being on Vagrant Records) Best Songs: "Wears So Thin" and "Watch the World Cave In"
5. "Here, Here, and Here" by Meg and Dia
This makes the list because of the wedding I think. A dark, melodic indie pop album. No sophomore slump here, even the choice of the singer from Plain White T's on "Bored of Your Love" works. Best Songs: "Bored of Your Love", "Hug Me", and "Black Wedding"
6. "Kiss/Kick" by Broken Spindles
Did I mention this is an amazing album from a dude in the Faint? That alone should make you listen to it. It features all the droning and melodrama of some of those faint songs on which joel sings. Best Songs: "Introvert" and "I've Never Been This Afraid"
7. "Take It To The Floor" by Cash Cash
Something about summer just makes me want to listen to electronica and power pop. And this is a powerpop band with mad synth skills. Need I say more? OKay, they are damn catchy too. Best Songs: "Radio" is heads and shoulders above anything else, among the best I've heard all year.
8. "Fantasies" by Metric
Yada Yada, they are super great. And so is this album. I love it. Best Songs: "Sick Muse", "Gold Guns Girls", and of course "Help, I'm Alive"
9. "Under A Killer Blue Sky" by Jupiter Sunrise
Another one I've been listening to all summer. A revisit that had a lot of break up pain associated with it that only recently has gone. And like the Jealous Sound they need to release a second album!!!! WTF? Best Songs: "Josie's House" and "Kaye"
10. "Heart" by Stars
Been moving "backwards with time" through their albums as to which is my favorite. This is the current leader. Like all of Stars LPs every song is a winner. Best of the best songs: "Elevator Love Letter", "Time Can Never Kill the True Heart", and "Don't Be Afraid To Sing"
Dishonorable Mention: "Smarmymob" by Neonhunk
Awful, Awful, AWFUL!!!! I got this on a whim at a thrift store in California for 2 dollars and sounds like everything you would expect from that. Most of the noise rock songs have cat references and is even dedicated to cats, as cats must be the only creatures that even tolerate this non-tonal shit. Only one song is even tolerable "My Unicorn: My Ride"