Top Ten Albums 10-25-09

1. "Sainthood" by Tegan and Sara
Easily the top of my list, another gem from the Canadian twin sisters. After getting it, I could barely listen to anything else. Seems like a fusion of "The Con" and "So Jealous". Grabs your attention immediately with a distorted keyboard rhythm on "Arrow" and keeps it until the chant back reflective "Someday".  After a couple listens I also noticed that I like Sara's songs more and with a quick check at wikipedia I saw that I like her songs more on every album. How did I miss that? But Tegan is no slouch, just not in my same headspace musically. Most played: "Arrow", "Someday", and "Sentimental Tune"
2. "Cassadaga" by Bright Eyes
Feeling a bit more mellow, so I reached for a work staggering genius (lyrically). Conor earned those comparisons to Dylan here (and on his self-titled). Depression-era folk, Guthrie style abounds with that dash of classical Americana. He's grown up here, not angry or near tears like previous Bright Eyes, but still oozing emotion. Most played: "If The Brakeman Turns My Way", "Four Winds", "Classic Cars, and "I Must Belong Somewhere"
3. "Take This To Your Grave" by Fall Out Boy
Bet you didn't expect to see pop-punk here did you? It's how I earned my music loving stripes and still carries good memories, in this case a show in Des Moines in November 2003 with 30 people. A pretty good album at that, lacking production and the instrumental skill that recent years have brought, but making up for it with heart. "Saturday" shows the bands hardcore/metal roots and displays Patrick's amazing voice and feels at home following a near acoustic song. I forgot how timeless this sounds too, if you remember high school that is. Maybe that explains their rise, 3000 at a concert in Sept. 2004 and stadiums by spring of 2005. Most played: "Saturday", "The Patron Saints of Liars and Fakes", and "Chicago is So Two Years Ago" (my first experience with them).
4. "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" by Phoenix
Damn this is a catchy disc. I also realized that Phoenix is basically France's version of Bloc Party, and decided more countries should have bands like Bloc Party. A couple songs sound a bit too similar, but I write that off to have their style down so well. Though "Lasso" is kind of an extension of "1901"...I'd have placed them next to each other. Also I kind of forget they are French, they could easily have been pulled from the Brooklyn scene. Most Played: "1901", "Listzomania", and "Armistice"
5. "Cycles" by Cartel
A reminder of why I loved them in the first place, their 2004 EP has returned sonically.They moved out of the Dr. Pepper bubble/publicity stunt. That album was so over-produced it nearly drowned. The first song "Let's Go" reminds me a lot of "Honestly". Just some really great pop-punk, left raw like it should be. Kind of reminds me of certain Blink 182 stuff. Plus a "we did it live" O'Reilly shot in the lyrics of "Faster Lyrics". Most Played: "The Perfect Mistake", "Let's Go", and "27 Steps"
6. "Red of Tooth And Claw" by Murder By Death
If Johnny Cash made western horror story concept albums it would sound like this. Actually it would sound less good because they have a cellist. Lead singer Adam Turla famous described it as a "Homer's Odyssey of revenge, only without the honorable character at the center." My favorite/most played was used in the trailer for "Inglorious Basterds" as well. Oh and they are amazing live, with black and white westerns projected on the stage behind them. They play New Years Eve shows in Iowa City most years lasting until after 3am Most played: "Coming Home", "'52 Ford", and "Rum Brave"
7. "In Defense of The Genre" by Say Anything
Last week I mentioned his critique of a genre on "Admit It!", well here he does an about face. This was written after 3 mental breakdowns and eventually recovery. To my ear this is among the greatest double discs ever made, in part because its a concept album. It takes a certain skill to put almost 90 minutes of music on 27 songs. More to make it have indie, rock, emo, rap, spoken word, electronic, dance, and industrial songs. There are screams and whispers and even a couple jokes "Sorry Dudes, My Bad" and "Died a Jew" come to mind. The former talks about his breakdowns, the later about race relations:

you say you hate the shade of my face
for my father's sharecrops
my people were slaves, before yours invented hip hop
apologize, but i'm in on the joke
another brother to scoff at the dancing patterns of white folk

The amazing thing that as different as the two discs are, they aren't that great alone. Most played: "No Soul", "Died A Jew", "Have At Thee!", "We Killed It" and "The Church Channel"
8. "Sleep Is For the Week" by Frank Turner
What have I not said about this album already? Most played: "A Decent Cup Of Tea", "Romantic Fatigue", and "Once We Were Anarchists"
9. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack" by Various Artists
Everything about me tells me not to like Twilight, but the author is a music junkie like myself. A really great soundtrack, and I might just see this movie to see where these songs end up going. All songs were written specifically for this, except the Muse song (which is a special remix, so it's a toss up). A collection of indie all-stars and a feat that in an album with Bon Iver, Muse, Grizzly Bear, and Death Cab For Cutie my favorite song is my someone I've never heard before (Anya Marina). Most played: "Satellite Heart" (by Anya Marina), "Roslyn" (by Bon Iver and St. Vincent), "Meet Me On The Equinox" (by Death Cab), and "A White Demon Love Song" (by The Killers).
10. "Sing The Sorrow" by AFI
There is something pure about this album. Maybe it is just what I feel about that point in my life. Here AFi shook off most of their hardcore punk roots and traded it in for a more alt-rock feel. The first time I ever heard synthesizers and rock music and dammit if I wasn't hooked. One of the deepest albums I've ever heard, just listen to it with headphones in a quiet, maybe dark place. Still 6 years out I hear new things, especially on the last epic-poem style track. Most played: "Bleed Black", "The Great Disappointment", and "...But Home Is Nowhere" (that epic last track, all 15 minutes of it)

Top Ten Albums 10-12-09

1. "The '59 Sound" by The Gaslight Anthem
I came across this review and seems like the best way of describing them, since I actually didn't like them at first.

To go about explaining the appeal of this band seems to me like having to tell someone sex is an enjoyable act. It should be common knowledge. As was the case of several people I've discussed the band with, the attraction wasn't instant. Like when you meet someone but think they're ok, possibly a bit boring but become friends after you've had a long talk over tea or a memorable experience together. That's how me and Gaslight were introduced.

Most played: "The '59 Sound", "Old White Lincoln", and "Mile Davis and The Cool"
2. "Superioryouareinferior" by Rae Spoon
Based solely on "Come On Forest Fire Burn The Disco Down" being the best song I've heard in at least 6 months (I get some 200 albums a year, so that's as far back as I am willing to go with risking hyperbole). It's the kind of song you hear and think "oh yeah, THAT is what music should sound like. It's the type of album that defies genre. It has bits of country, folk, and indie that leap out. It also has that "Bon Iver vibe", only instead of sounding like a cabin it sounds like the rolling plains. The lyrics are so damn good that you get lost in them only to realize the wavering of his voice is stunningly beautiful as well. Oh yeah, when you listen you'll no doubt hear a female voice, that's because Rae is transgendered, born female. Most played: "Come On Forest Fire Burn The Disco Down", "My Heart Is a Piece of Garbage (Fight, Seagulls, Fight!)", and "If You Lose Your Horses" (sounds like it was stolen from Woody Guthrie himself)
3. "By The Throat" by Eyedea and Abilities
Maybe the best fusion of rock and rap in a decade. Many rappers dabble in rock, because there is a common love of power chords and something archetypal of electric guitar. But Eyedea, being among the best in the business having won Scribble Jam, shows here he understand that you can't just replace beats with guitar. Again he shows raw emotion and oozes peronsal stories in his music. Most played: "Burn Fetish" (with it's great "empathy is the poor man's cocaine" line), "Spin Cycle" (channeling Led Zeppelin), and "Junk"
4. "Terror State" by Anti-Flag
A return to my roots. This was in my CD player regularly for a year. Absolutely essential during those Bush years. Enough said, right? Most played: "You Can Kill The Protester, You Can't Kill The Protest", "Mind the G.A.T.T.", "Operation Iraqi Liberation (O.I.L.)" and "Wake Up!"
5. "The First Three Years" by Frank Turner
When you are Frank Turner you can put out a retrospective of new and old stuff after 3 years. Because putting out an album and an EP a year that makes you prolific enough to get away with it. This is a collection of stardards and songs that missed the cut due to being covers or too angsty. And when you can cover "Dancing Queen" with only an acoustic guitar and make it sound like you wrote it, you get the point. Most played: "Thatcher Fucked The Kids", "Heartless Bastard Motherfucker", "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" (Postal Service cover), and "Dancing Queen" (ABBA cover)
6. "Monsters of Folk" by Monsters Of Folk
I tried not to like it, but it is undeniably good. It's "Conor Oberst" (album) with different singers, and a dash of "Outer South". Most Played: "Temazcal", "Man Named Truth", and  "Whole Lotta Losin", and "The Sandman, The Brakeman, and Me"
7. "...Is A Real Boy" by Say Anything
A staggering work of genius if I've ever heard one. A harsh indictment of an entire genre of music and maybe of the way music is made in general. "Admit It!" shouts down hipsters on their perch and "Alive With The Glory Of Love" tells of a ghetto love story during WWII, add a song about cats fighting, one about rough sex and you'd think the album would implode. But like it's maker's disease, the bipolar nature here just fits. You wouldn't want it any other way. Most played: "Admit It!", "Belt", and "Chia Like I Shall Grow"
8. "The Sufferer and The Witness" by Rise Against
One of my favorite albums, by one of the all-time great progressive bands. Check out their music videos and see they are music's Alan Grayson. Sort of. Anyway, on this album they manage to make a spoken word track a standout on a hard-rock album. A must have for a progressive too. Most played: "The Approaching Curve" (that spoken word song), "The Good Left Undone", and "Behind Closed Door"
9. "Crash Love" by AFI
Through not as great as "Sing the Sorrow", it's in that same vein. And it shed that whole glam-rock bullshit of "DecemberUnderground". They are better when they stick to their East-Bay (SF) Hardcore punk roots. But with better production. Here they include old-school sing songs and clap along, which are one of my many musical weaknesses. Most played: "Beautiful Thieves", "Too Shy To Scream", and "Veronica Sawyer Smokes" (which could have been pulled any of their Nitro releases).
10. "Repo! The Genetic Opera Sountrack"
Who'd have thought that a soundtrack to movie with both Paris Hilton and the girl from Spy Kids singing would make my list? Then again it also has real musicians, like Sarah Brightman, the best selling soprano of all time. And it was produce by the singer of X Japan and has some other industrial accents. Plus, it touches on just about every genre of music. Most played: "Zydrate Anatomy", "Chase The Morning", and "Things You See In A Graveyard"

Dear Conor Oberst

WHAT. THE. FUCK?!

So Bright Eyes is officially dead in 2010, I kinda figured that. But thanks for clearing it up once and for all. I'm glad we get one more album. It better not suck.

Now I hear that the Mystic Valley Band is also dead. I thought you were this weird Mexican/southern troubadour now. You not like it? Or was it the whole letting other people sing and write thing. I can see how that would get to you.

So you are in Monsters of Folk now, but that can't last. M. has three albums to work on for She & Him with Zooey. Jim will be going back to My Morning Jacket next year. But you are working on Bright Eyes then any way. So that works out fine, except that his band is exploding and a tour for their follow-up would last until the end of 2011. So that's out too.

You and I both know you can't go a year without releasing an album. And it's good to see you working with Mogis again. He is the Paul to your John.

So you better buck up buster. You were once at the top of my song-writers list, but now not so much. Rolling Stone may have praised you, but not me. Brian Fallon (and his Gaslight Anthem) has taken your place. Frank Turner is fast approaching. And we both know that John K. Samson from the Weakerthans has always been your equal.

With age these three just seem to be more focused and cohesive, you more distracted and disparate.

So step it up, you've been at this for 16 years now...

Top Ten Albums 09-17-09

If I could, this list would just be all three Frank Turner albums. But I figured I should at least try to listen to other stuff. As such this list includes a bunch of new releases or pre-leases. Let's call this one "Acoustic British Super Fun Time"

1. "Sleep is for the Week" by Frank Turner
This week it's Sleep's turn at the top, the most raw his music, also the easiest to play at home, another reason for its place here.  Then again I have a certain weakness for retrospective acoustic music. Most every song could make my list of favorites, and when you scrobble 300 plays on last.fm in week (of my usual 1200-1500), you know they are good. Most played: "The Real Damage", "The Ballad of Me and My Friends", "Romantic Fatigue", "Once we Were Anarchists", "Fathers Day" and "A Decent Cup of Tea.
2. "New Leaves" by Owen
Another introspective singer-songwriter, this time from Chicago instead of London. He puts on a terrific live show as well. This is more orchestrated than his previous works, but still good. Though the first time I heard "Good Friends, Bad Habits" I accidentially opened a second window after 20 seconds, the background was AMAZING like that. Most played: "Good Friends, Bad Habits" and "A Trenchant Critique"
3. "La Roux" by La Roux
Hits that synthesizer spot right in the brain, you know the one, right above the base of the skull, the reptilian music center if you will. Another case of English showing us how it's done. The whole thing is catchy as hell. Most Played: "Bulletproof", "In For the Kill", "Tigerlilly", and "Colourless Colour"
4. "Three" by Joel Plaskett
Not really a fair fight, since this is three albums of 9 songs each. But the OCD involved in repeating titles and three throughout the album make this my new odds-on favorite for the Polaris Prize (since "artistic merit" the basis for the award) Think of it as electronic-country from Canada. A gift of sorts. Most played: "Pine, Pine, Pine", "Every Time You Leave", and "Deny, Deny, Deny"
5. "The Resistance" by Muse
Muse was once described as "your favorite band's favorite band" and with the thumping cadence and bopping lyrics you can see why. With this album they shed most all the slow stuff, and expanding the atmospheric spacey stuff. Genius. They even pull off a Queen impersonation and an explanation of psychological warfare during Veitnam. Most played: "Uprising", "United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)", "MK Ultra"
6. "Dead FM" by Strike Anywhere
Another one of the political melodic hardcore bands I listen, those these guys are tad more radical than Rise Against. After all the band's symbol is the anti-fascist circle and their most recent album references the Nazi resistance Iron Front. Most played: "Sedition", "Two Thousand Voices", and "How To Pray"
7."Masters of the Burial" by Amy Millian
Really wished she would have worked on a new Stars album, but this will do for now...along with Torq solo stuff. Strangely enough the best song is a cover of a Death Cab song, just something about the combination of her voice and Ben's words. Most Played: "I Will Follow You Into The Dark", "Bruised Ghosts", and "Towers"
8. "Straylight Run" by Straylight Run
John Nolan is coming to town on my B-Day and then they are here in a few weeks, so I figured I'd brush off an old favorite Most Played: "Tool Sheds and Hot Tubs", "Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway), and "Existentialism on Prom Night"
9. "xx" by The XX
If Metric had a male/female singing duo like Stars it would sound like this. Good, but leaving a dry taste in your mouth. They just don't quite have the lyrical chops of either those bands. Most played: "Heart Skipped a Beat", "Crystallized", and "Shelter"
10. "Daisy" by Brand New
Same reasons as last week. Most played: "In A Jar", "Noro", and "Sink"

Top Ten Albums 09-11-09

1. "Poetry of the Deed" by Frank Turner
Maybe my album of the year, buy it and thank me later. Frank Turner is Morrisey as sung by the Flogging Molly, with the folky infusion of Against Me! In short he rocks, and on his third album he adds organ to an acoustic song like it's no big deal. And for him it isn't. Okay I take that back, maybe not Against Me! maybe The Pogues...or Billy Bragg "Try This At Home" just makes you want to pick a guitar and write, now THAT'S talent. After all, if he was hand-picked to open by Gaslight Anthen, who was just handpicked by Springsteen to open for him at Glastonbury, he's gotta be good, right? Most played: "Live Fast, Die Old", "The Poetry Of The Deed", and "Try This At Home"

2. "Daisy" by Brand New
They're baaacck...At first they were emo, then post-hardcore, then indie, now I'm not really sure but it sure sounds amazing. This deifinitely pulls together the best pieces of "Deja Entendu" and "God and the Devil Are Raging Inside of Me", with just enough new style to make this epic. After all how many bands can pull off a opera/screaming intro track and end with a 6 minute plus track with groans in the background and doppler effect like buzzing and have it be their most compelling work? Jesse Lacey may be an egotistical ass, but he has earned a renewal on that here. Most Played: "Noro" (that 6.5-minute opus), "Bed", and "Vices" (the intro).

3. "Yes!" by K-os
This is what hip-hop would sound like if rappers listened to jazz and lounge music instead of drum and bass. A couple songs keep it bumpin' but mostly the album just flows like a hip-hop jam session in a coffee place. And k-os' lyrics sound more like that of a beat poet than anyone you could mistake for being gangsta. Once again proving the Toronto, Canada scene is miles ahead of what everyone else in the genre is doing. Most played: "Eye Know Something", "Burning Bridges", and "Uptown Girl"

4. "The Blueprint 3" by Jay-Z
This has three songs so good, I've barely listened to the rest of the album none which is a current single. And none features superstars like Kanye and Rihanna like some of the other tracks. All of which will most likely be top 10 singles, if not number ones.  They. Are. That. Good. So which songs are these? Most played: "A Star Is Born (feat. J Cole)", "Reminder", and "Young Forever (feat. Mr Hudson)"

5. "The Sufferer and the Witness" by Rise Against
Maybe the deepest, most personal album for the best melodic hardcore band around. (For you old timers, that means they rock hard and actually sing well) And it's political too, the first single "Ready To Fall" has the band in a clearcut forest with scenes of ocean pollution and the second "Prayer Of The Refugee" is set in a big box store telling stories of the exploited workers. So give them a try, or at least look up some lyrics ("Hero of War" is a good start). An essiential band for progressives. Most Played: "Survive", "The Good Left Undone", and "Drones" (with it's excellent line; "If strength is borne from heartbreak, then mountains I could move")

6. "I Told You I Was Freaky" by Flight of the Conchords
The second album from the New Zeland musical comedy duo. But here instead of racist dragons they talk about sad rappers and time travel. "Rambing" is a love song with a bunch of put downs to the imagery (she looked like Parisian river "What? Dirty?"). Most played: "Hurt Feelings", "Rambling Through The Avenues of Time", and "Petrov, Yelyena, and Me" (a song about being cannibalised and poisoning your captors)

7. "(Breach)" by The Wallflowers
The masterwork from Jakob Dylan, son to Bob Dylan. Might not have gotten the airplay of their debut "Bringing Down The Horse" but it should have. Most played: "Hand Me Down" (about being Bob's son), "Some Flowers Bloom Dead", and "I've Been Delived"

8. "The Works" by Jonatha Brooke
Ani Difranco style lady covers love songs written by Woody Guthrie. Most played: "My Sweet and Bitter Bowl", "All You Gotta Do is Touch Me", "The Sweetest Angel"

9. "Sirens and Condolences" by Bayside
It rained a bunch last week and for whatever reason this album is my favorite thing to listen to in the rain. Most played: "Alcohol and Alter Boys", "Poison in My Veins", and "Masterpiece"

10. "More Betterness!!!" by No Use For A Name
A flashback to my more punk rock years, but still enough depth for another listen. Most played: "Let It Slide", "Chasing Rainbows", "The Fairytale of New York"

Top Ten Albums 09-01-09: More Mellow Stuff

1. "Aim and Ignite" by fun.
The new band from Nate Reuss of The Format. Imagine that band with orchestration, sexy right? You're damn skippy it is. It has some great syncopated rhymes, especially in "The Gambler" Most Played: "The Gambler" (violins!), "Walking the Dog", and "Take You're Time (Coming Home)"
2. "Manners" by Passion Pit
My new synthesizer band of the now. But deeper than most of the other ones. Not just bubble gummy fun, but good for you too. One of them went to Emerson and the other Harvard. Organic bubble gum maybe. Most Played: "Little Secrets" (give it a listen, thank me later), "Eyes As Candles", and "Folds in Your Hands"
3. "Lungs (Disc 1)" by Florence + the Machine
The only thing that bested this album in the UK for it's first five weeks was a single Michael Jackson. And it's nominated for the Mercury Prize. It came out in July, and is that good. Laura Marling style (that's female crooner style). Most played: "Kiss With a Fist", "Drumming", and Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)
4. "Always a Bridesmaid" by The Decemberists
Technically three EP, but I'll let it slide. New Decemberists, whats not to like? And they put in political commentary like "16 Military Wives", only this time commenting on the Valerie Plame/CIA scandal Most played: "Valerie Plame" and "I'm Sticking With You"
5. "The Process of Belief" by Bad Religion
I finished reading The God Delusion by Dawkins, so I felt like rocking the BR. Classic rationalist/secular humanist punk rock. Most played: "Materialist", "Destined For Nothing", and "Sorrow"
6. "The War on Errorism" by NOFX
Can't have a political punk rock flashback without them, and the 18-minute super song "The Decline" wasn't cutting it. Most played: "Franco Un-American", "Idiots Are Taking Over", and "Regaining Un-consciousness"
7. "Reunion Tour" by The Weakerthans
After all that punk rock I needed some more chill stuff. Most played: "Utilities", "Reunion Tour" and "Big Foot"
8. "No Really, I'm Fine by The Spill Canvas
Do I even need a reason? Fine, I was feeling some angsty love songs. Plus his voice is cool. Most played: "Reckless Abandonment" (duh!), "Connect the Dots", and "Lullaby"
9. "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" by Oasis
One of the quintessential albums of all time, even though Liam is an asshole and kicked Noel out...again last week. Most played: "She's Electric", "Don't Look Back In Anger", and "Wonderwall" Dammit I tried to avoid including the last (and Champagne Supernova) but they are just too enticing.
10. "Troubadour" by K'Naan
Even though he's been promoted by MTV, he still rules. He's on the shortlist for the Polaris Prize, so it's gotta be good. Most played: "Bang Bang (feat. Adam Levine)", "Take A Minute", and "Wavin' Flag"

Top Ten Albums 08-24-09: British Synthesizer Babies Dance

1. "Hot Mess" by Cobra Starship
Still my guilty pleasure band. Just plain fun, and outrageous. Songs about dancing and girls and dancing with girls, and songs as jokes, whats not to like? Some of the best synthesizer music around, even if Gabe does stretch his vocal range a bit too far (just like when he was in Midtown). And "Living in the Sky With Diamonds" may be the catchiest dancepop song this year. Most played: "Living in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Move Like You're Gonna Die", though the album has about 20 plays this week.
2. "Hello Fascination" by Breathe Carolina
Friends of mine from Boulder. I almost went on tour with them last winter. And they kick out the electronic/dance/hardcore beats. The whole thing drips of happiness. My trio of most played just make you want to close your door and dance like a maniac in your room. And really what more can you ask for in life? Most played: "Dressed up to Undress", "Welcome To Savannah" (great sing-a-long chorus), and "Take Me To Infinity"
3. "Hideaway" by The Weepies
A late edition. Have that great 60s/70s pop sound with the fold attitude. Plus they were the music in some of those awesome Barack Obama ads. If the president like them should you? From poignant love songs to simple reflections on the past this rocks. Most played: "Can't Go Back Now", "Hideaway", and "Wish I Could Forget"
4. "Salvation is a Deep Dark Well" by The Builders and the Butchers
Imagine if Decemberists' singer Colin Meloy sang to the tunes of Murder By Death, with maybe a tinge of recent Brand New. It would sound like this. Amazing that is. Simple americana/folk music. Lyrics are great too "Nothing last forever in a god-forsaken town, the pocket books are empty 'cause the priest is back in town" Most played: "Down in This Hole" (lyrics above), "Vampire Lake", and "Devil Town" (most MBD like)
5. "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" by Phoenix
French alt-pop group, signed to Arts & Crafts (same label as Stars and anything related to the Broken Social Scene, which is about everything awesome in Canada). That alone should be enough for you listen to this. Butif you need more convincing, they make chill electropop, with a catchy bass line and soothing, staccato vocals. Definitely picking their previous albums soon. Most played: "Lisztomania", "Lasso", and "1901" (which has a very cool music video)
6.  "Fantastic Playroom" by New Young Pony Club
A great running album as I learned this week, especially "The Get Go". I can run about 2 miles longer with this. Listening to it makes you want to bob your head and tap your feet. Sounds like the 80s all grown up. Most played: "The Get Go", "Tight Fit", and "The Bomb"
7. "Ocean Eyes" by Owl City
I feel lucky to call this guy a friend, in large part to me hearing his first album when he only had 3,000 views on myspace. He has over 9.5 MILLION now. This is his major label debut, for fans of the Postal Service. Most played: "Dental Care", "The Bird and The Worm", "Vanilla Twiight", and "Umbrella Beach"
8. "Myths of The Near Future" by Klaxons
I heard about their label denying their new record for being too experimental and psychedelic, so I traveled back to their first album. After some re-listening I can only imagine how insane that must have been. The quintessential New Rave album (think New Wave 2.0, with more indie/guitar parts). "Golden Skans" is still among the catchiest songs EVER (and based on a book, extra cool points). Most played: "Golden Skans", "Atlantis to the Interzone", and "Magick"
9. "Common Reaction" by Uh Huh Her
If Metric had the lesbian angle of Tegan and Sara, it would sound like this. Female fronted electropop, though sadly not from Canada, from Los Angeles (in the vein of Bird and the Bee). Most played: "Not A Love Song", "Common Reaction", "Explode" (most Metric sounding)
10. "LP" by Discovery
That really is the name of their LP about Japan basically. They only get a pass because it's so damn catchy. A supergroup of members from Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot, playing mainly on synthesizers. Most played: "Osaka Loop Line", "Orange Shirt", and "Swing Tree"