Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below (Vagrant)
It’s strange. You kind of hear Neko Case and you kind of hear A.C. Newman but you don’t hear the New Pornographers. Anyone who has heard “Home,” now has it ingrained in their brain.
Jesca Hoop – Hunting My Dress (Vanguard)
Why waste time listening to Fiona Apple, Björk, and Andrew Bird separately when you can get many elements of their music in one album? Hoop has a beautiful voice and a fun whimsy in her songs.
Beck & Friends – Record Club #1: The Velvet Underground & Nico (Self-Released)
Of course, a cover album is going to be less than the original. “I’m Waiting For The Man,” is perhaps my fave VU song and this collective didn’t do it any favors but I can appreciate the effort and the prettier version of “Run Run Run,”.
Patti Smith Group – Easter (Arista)
Talk all you want about Horses but this is the most complete Patti Smith record. An emotional roller coaster.
Nada Surf – “The Weight Is A Gift,” (Barsuk)
They came a long way from “Popular,” and this is their best.
David Bowie – Live At Santa Monica ’72 (EMI)
Though an official bootleg, I enjoy this live album far more than the Ziggy Stardust soundtrack. And there is a much better cover of the Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting For The Man,” than the aforementioned Beck & Co.
Angelo Badalamenti – Twin Peaks Soundtrack (Warner Bros.)
Badalamenti may not understand what the hell David Lynch’s work is about but his music is just as offbeat and occasionally breathtaking.
Jay Reatard – Watch Me Fall (Matador)
Jay’s last and most catchy. For such a prolific artist, it’s sad to think that his best may still have been in front of him.
Broken Social Scene – Broken Social Scene (Arts & Crafts)
Again, catchy and sing-a-long-y. “Ibi Dreams Of Pavement,” makes me dream of Pavement.
Primus – June Rehearsal EP (Prawn Song)
This can be downloaded off their site. It is exactly what it says it is: a rehearsal for their tour that kicks off in 2 days. Strangely enough, it is also the first recording with original drummer Jay Lane. Not much going on vocally but very interesting arrangements, especially on “American Life,”.
