PLEASANT SURPRISES:

Loose Fur - Born Again in the USA
I have liked Wilco less and less with each passing album since their peak, summerteeth, largely due to Tweedy's unfocused meanderings. And my understanding from what was said about the first Loose Fur album is it went even further into such undesirable experimentation. But this album rocks, and I like it as much (if not better) than anything Tweedy's ever touched.

Belle and Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
I had always avoided B&S, because I feared they were too nancy-boy for my tastes, but this is a fantastic pop record...no matter what Uncle Monger says!

UNPLEASANT SURPRISES:

Richard Ashcroft - Keys to the World
Because I never got into The Verve, I've always been able to enjoy solo Ashcroft without the weight of any pre-set expectations. But after loving his first album and liking his second, I guess I now have finally developed those expectations...because this blows donkey dick in a most serious way. Worst. Album. Oftheyear.

David Gilmour - On an Island
It had been more than 20 years since his last solo album, About Face, which is one of my all-time favorites. Obviously, this failed to live up to 20 years worth of built-up anticipation. I can imagine maybe liking this after I turn 50, but not on the doorstep of 40.