6. SIGUR ROS - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
Sigur Ros are a very mysterious band. For some, they've been life-changing, or simply mind-encompassing. They've provided some of the most intriguing pieces of music in the last 20 years (see the album "( )", yes it's called that). Their last record Takk... was alright, but this album is way beyond that. So many changes for the band in the record. You have some great almost pop songs in "Gobbledigook" and probably my favorite song of the year, "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur." But then you have the traditional Sigur Ros at their best, "Festival." A great album to start out with if you're new to the band. But also a great entry in the Sigur Ros canon. I highly recommend this album for the summer.8.5
5. PORTUGAL. THE MAN - CENSORED COLORS
I am a little embarrassed that I did not like this right away. Not only have I been a long time Portugal. The Man fan, but I originally did not like this album at all. For whatever reason, it did not click with me like it does now. It is very different then the other albums in their discography. But that's almost been their main theme of the music; everything must be different. Last record, it was a very classic rock influenced sound, and before that it was an electronic/mellow/groovy sound. This album is propelled by extraordinary songwriting by John Baldwin Gourley. I cannot praise him enough for his songwriting. He decided to use more chord-based songs; influenced by The Beatles. This idea works out for the record because of the classic vibe and groove. This album is fantastic. The only reason it's not higher is because it's a tad long, and a little unenergetic at some points. But I still like it a lot and can't wait for more stuff from these guys.8.75
4. BON IVER - FOR EMMA, FOREVER AGO
Most will not have this album on their best of lists because it technically was self-released last year. But it wasn't properly released till this year when Jagjaguwar put it out on their label. But technicalities aside, I heard this record this year and was blown away. The story is one that Henry David Thoreau would admire. Man goes into woods to experience catharsis, man unexpectedly writes album, man records fantastic record. This album is a soul/folk masterpiece. Stunningly composed and even more stunningly sounding. Justin Vernon is all alone in the music, and you feel it in the guitar tracks and the lonely voice. He does something very interesting with the vocal tracks by overdubbing them several times. This makes the music so lush and honest sounding. This album is far too short as well.9.25
3. MAPS & ATLASES - YOU & ME & THE MOUNTAIN EP
17 minutes of pure bliss. This EP is not anywhere close to being a full-length record, but it's definitely good enough. The band has changed since their last album, "Trees, Swallows, Houses." It's poppier, and more structured. Gone are the frantic tapping passages found on songs like "Witch." The EP starts out with a polyrhythm that could make any head spin as it launches into the song, "Witch." Awesome melodies are abundant; this really is a pop record. Also please note that this is magnificent driving music. This record will be around my ears for a LONG time. Or until they record their next full-length. Please listen.9.5
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So that's it for this part, check back soon for the last two spots on the list. The next two are incredibly different from each other and are incredible albums. I hope you all keep checking and listening to the music I put up here. I would never put up bad music... so yeah.
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