Top 5 Albums of the Year

Every year I do this as most people know.  There are a couple of rules.  Cannot be a greatest hits and cannot be a reissue.  This year was probably the toughest year since I have started doing this.

5 - Local Natives - Hummingbird

I had thoughts that this album was going to be number one when I first heard the album.  First of all it was produced by one the guys that does all the National producing.  Instantly you will hear the similarities in the drums and the tones of the songs.  The lead singer has a very distinct voice which has to be warmed up to.  From their first album they have grown leaps and bounds from just a one trick pony to a dimensional band that can rotate in and out of different types of sounds without flinching.  Heavy Feet is a stud of a first single and is far and away the best song on this album.  It will be interesting to see where this band goes next with their sound.  They could even venture into My Morning Jacket territory.  Downloads:  Heavy Feet, You and I, Mt Washington, Bowery

Caveman - Caveman

This band came from out of nowhere.  I had never even heard of them before until Sara and I traveled up to Alleghany State Park and heard one of their singles on XM radio.  They absolutely kill the singing through the tunnel sound matched with the dreamy guitar.  They are a mixture of Depeche Mode and Tame Imapala.  For anybody that knows my musical taste you know that I have ventured deep into psychedelia and I might not be heard from again.  There are multiple singles from this album that have made 4 star and the 5 star category.  One thing that I really look for in a great album is longevity on my Ipod without being skipped over.  This album has been out since early in the year and it never gets skipped over.  Subtle vocals with flowing guitar and drums makes this band best newcomer of the year.  Downloads:  In the City, Pricey, Shut You Down, Never Want to Know

Junip - Junip

Can you say ridiculous expectations?  I ranked their opening album number 5 of all time.   Quite a follow up.  I liked the album from minute one.  When I really started to appreciate the album though was when I was able to see them play live again.  They are able to spark moods with the smallest amount of chords.  Jose Gonzalez is an absolute monster on the acoustic.  The band plays around his beautiful harmonies, and are able to maximize his tone masterfully.  This album has been creeping up the list slowly.  They don't sway too far away from what they are great at, but really there is no need to.  They are masters of the art of musical seduction.    Downloads:  Line of Fire, So Clear, Beginnings, Your Life Your Call.

Arctic Monkey's - AM

Someone wrote in the YouTube comments that this was musical porn.  I agree 100%  I thought the Arctic Monkey's topped out with their opening album.  They were a wonderful punk rock band that fell into the hole that you see so many bands fall into.  Can't top their opening album.  I am not sure if this album is better than their first, but it's so much different.  If you just listen to the lyrics and listen to the ability of Alex Turner to croon to rock music.  There is not a cooler rock band right now than the Arctic Monkey's.  With their 60's greaser look and with their music that send wonderful vibes directly up and down your spine.  This album would be number one with a bullet almost every other year except for this year.  Downloads:  R U Mine,?  Do I Wanna Know,?  Why Do You Only Call Me When You Are High?

The National - Trouble Will Find Me

I cannot rave about this album enough.  This is the best album that I have heard in about 10 years.  More than half of the singles on this album are ranked with more than 5 stars.  You can play this album at any point on any day and it will work. Rock drums, mood guitars, and the best voice and lyricist in the business.  They are currently the best band in the world.  Every single person that I have ever shown this album has fallen in love with it.  Whether you love music or whether you are a radio listener you must own this album.  Albums such as this only come out once a decade.  I don't work for the National, but I feel as though that I should.  If I was able to have surgery to make my voice sound like somebody else this would be the man.  Downloads:  Don't Swallow the Cap, Heavenfaced, Humiliation, Sea of Love, Graceless

Unitl next year.  Keep the vinyl and the wine flowing.