1. Tamer Animals by Other Lives
Very cool vibe this, kind of a Ennio Morricone potpourri with ghostly vocals and surf guitars. Very original, but best of all, they have great songs. Best Song: “For 12″
No sophomore jinx here, this picks up where the first album left off and tweaks it just right without destroying what was good about the band, lush vocals early 70s cool. Best Song: “Ocean Grown”
3. Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine
The folky years are long gone now as this album with its wide variety and big-arrangements shows. Face it, Sam Beam is just a great songwriter. Best Song: “Rabbit Will Run”
4. The Whole Love by Wilco
With this, Wilco’s comeback is complete. Their best album since “A Ghost Is Born.” A solid effort from start to finish, you can hear traces of all their best records in this one while somehow it stands on its own. Best Song: “Dawned On Me”
5. Deep Politics by Grails
Epic cinematic lush… this all instrumental album in a sea of similar records, actually seems to go somewhere and make sense. Powerful. Best Song: “All The Colors Of The Dark”
6. Kerosene Halo by Kerosene Halo
Old friends Michael Roe and Derri Daugherty just simply nail it with this one. Great covers by Terry Taylor, Phil Madeira, Richard Thompson, Leonard Cohen, Larry Norman and some originals. Best Song: “And So It Goes”
7. Love & War & The Sea In Between by Josh Garrels
Not just a Bon Iver knock-off this guy can write. And he sings very well. Good stuff all-around. Epic, spiritual and moving. Best Song: “Revelator”
8. Candidate Waltz by Centro-Matic
An old favorite of mine for sure, maybe nothing here is that revolutionary or different from early work, but its best moments shine and hold up to the great heights of their past. Best Song: “Shadow, Follow Me”
9. Burst Apart by The Antlers
Simple pop songs with hooks, great arrangements. Overall solidly done. These songs will grow on you. Best Song: “Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out.”
10. Washed & Dried by Melted Toys
Surf guitars meet (somehow) the 80′s. Nice vibe throughout. Best Song: “Come On”
