- Mr. Hudson and the Library A Tale Of Two Cities
Utterly unique, as if you plucked Cole Porter out of the early 20th century and dropped him into our world. He’d still be playing piano on his tracks, but he’d be singing about text messages and DJs. This is classic pop music influenced by hip-hop, but mostly features live instruments with a steel pan drum thrown in for spice. - The Rumble Strips Girls And Weather
This new British band have faithfully channeled the spirit of early Dexy’s Midnight Runners, circa Searching For The Young Soul Rebels. Full of energy, incredible vocal range, and a nice brass section. - Bloc Party A Weekend In the City
Sophomore release from one of my favorite bands was a slow grower until I finally saw them live this year. Now I can’t get enough of these moodier, introspective songs. - Apartment The Dreamer Evasive
Catchy, beautifully-produced guitar pop that reminds me a lot of peak-period Simple Minds (before they thought they were U2). - Athlete Beyond The Neighbourhood
I don’t understand what the “critics” have against this 3rd album. These songs are memorable, uplifting, and meant to hear live (Nashville date, please). - The Twang Love It When I Feel Like This
Attempting to singlehandedly start the “baggy” revival, this new UK group will remind many people of Happy Mondays, only much more talented. - Fields Everything Last Winter
Sounds like The Magic Numbers with feedback and a hint of creeping paranoia. Has its lovely moments too. - The Maccabees Colour It In
This year’s new wiry post-punk entry. Great tunes and a warbly voice that endears rather than grates. - The Hours Narcissus Road
Debut from UK duo who have done time in Pulp, Elastica and God knows what other groups. Melodic, anthemic, indie rock anchored by lots of catchy piano chords, handclaps and four-letter words. - To My Boy Messages
Rock music with a furious pace played entirely by electronics and drum machines. Reminds me a bit of Devo, in that there is absolutely no trace of any soul here. For an electronic artist, that would normally be cause for concern, but they pull it off wonderfully. - The Cinematics A Strange Education
Upbeat, anthemic guitar pop that was an early standout release this year. Nice to see a Scottish band release their debut in the US first, then later in the UK. - Tracey Thorn Out Of The Woods
Everything But The Girl vocalist steps out for her first solo album in 25 years. Mostly dance-oriented tracks, her crystal-clear, melancholy voice remains one of the most recognizable in all music. - Feist The Reminder
The fact that this is a bit far down my list says nothing about the incredible quality and versatility of this Canadian songstress. I expect this to land on nearly everyone’s best of year list. - Pepe Deluxe Spare Time Machine
Wow. Finnish electronic group comes up with a completely unpredictable, (yet easy to listen to) modern psychedelic classic. Who’s up for vacuums, Captain Carter (of Mars fame), and Cloud 6? - GoodBooks Control
New UK indie group composed of teenagers, mostly, who get added bonus points for recording a pop song about WWI (“Passchendaele"). - Roisin Murphy Overpowered
Former Moloko frontwoman returns with her sophomore solo effort aimed at the dance floor. Wild eccentricities toned down to a manageable level. - Von Sudenfed Tromatic Reflexxions
Best taken in small doses, this is the project of The Fall vocalist Mark E. Smith and German electronic duo Mouse on Mars. Challenging, but often amusing, and loveable in a way that is difficult to describe. - The Brunettes Structure And Cosmetics
New Zealand boy/girl duo expand the range of their soundscape exponentially for what amounts to an engaging musical road trip. - Groove Armada Soundboy Rock
UK electronic dance veterans amy have put together their most consistent album yet. - Just Jack Overtones
Faux-Hip Hop from British slackers has become fashionable, but on his singles in particular, Just Jack delivers the goods.
Honorable Mentions: Cortney Tidwell, Underworl, Kate Nash, Bran Van 3000
