1. Bruce Cockburn - Small Source of Comfort



Definitely an artist that doesnt get enough love around here, or anywhere for that matter. Another great late career folk rock release by him.

The iris of the world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGn67XdaxgA

2. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes



Great new talent on the scene. Love both of her albums. Shes pretty nice on the eyes too.

I follow rivers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZYbEL06lEU&ob=av2e

3. Matthew Good - Lights of Endangered Species



Another fine artist short of love on Obner. This is probably his best solo work. Great songwriting and emotional singing.

Zero Orchestra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brcmDAMOuDk

4. Bon Iver - Bon Iver



Solid sophomore effort. And acceptable to my girlfriend as bedtime music, so i heard it a lot.

Minnesota, WI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y692d0GPQw

5. The Drums - Portamento



I like this more than the debut. Pretty catchy retro new wave sounding stuff.

Money
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqYgNiZdfh4

6. Kurt Vile - Smoke ring for my halo



Just got this and loving it. Great recommendation from fellow obners.

Jesus Fever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1VmLdZvUlo&ob=av2e

7. LCD Soundsystem - The London sessions



A good intro to their work.

Us vs. Them
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAD52GtRVjE

8. Wilco - The Whole Love



Amazing start to the album, then it falls into slumber a bit. Still a solid effort.

The Art of almost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz6UrYvacQk

9. D. Charles Speer and the Helix - Leaving the commonwealth



I dont usually like countryish music that much, but this is a well crafted and consistent effort.

Razorbacked
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaUFmtt4U_o

10. Ben Lee - Deeper into Dream



Lee's trying something different here, rather than shooting at pop singles like his last few albums. An interesting effort, but the songs still need greater hooks.

Pointless Beauty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v-faJZUH_I

11. The Decemberists - the king is dead



Some strong singles.

Down by the water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR9DjdMrpHg

12. Peter Bjorn and John - Gimme Some



Loving the song and video Second Chance. The album is decent.

Second Chance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZyBmN6hWsk&ob=av2e

13. Lindsey Buckingham -the seeds we sow
14. the Mekons - ancient & modern
15. Tom Waits - Bad as me
16. Joan as Policewoman - the deep field
17. Garland Jeffreys - the king of in between

MEH

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
I dont see the appeal of these guys. This album bores me to tears. Sounds like Simon and Garfunkel. Im happy when it ends.

Matthew Sweet - Modern Art
I keep buying his albums hoping hell regain some of the form of his earlier work, or Kimi Ga Suki. I think ive lost hope.

The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
A Metric, without the memorable hooks.

James Blake - James Blake
Probably a decent album. I just dont like soul music that much.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Im with you
John Frusciante is missed. Nothing i felt like going back to here.

Okkervil River - I am very far
The first couple songs are great. But after that its forgetable.

5440 - Lost in the City
Disappointing. Their last album was so good, but a fairly by the numbers follow up.

Radiohead - the king of limbs
Aside from Lotus Flower, theres nothing here that resembles a listenable song.


Best surprise from the past

Donovan - Beat Cafe
60's legend in fine form here in this 2003 album. Hes got his psychedelic flair here.

As much as I liked that PB&J album with "Young Folks" on it, I don't think I've heard more than one song off the new one. Thought Lykke Li was decent, didn't bother with more than a few listens of that Bon Iver. It didn't resonate.

Props on your #1. He def is getting better with the years and no one hears nor cares.