The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place. Sheer beauty produced by one of the best, most underrated bands in the world. This is perfect for both background study music or intent listening. It never gets old and has more than twice as many plays as any other CD in my music library. I can always listen to this, no matter what.
Armchair Apocrypha. Any time I listen to Andrew Bird, I'm automatically transported into a cerebral world of irony and beauty. The music on this particular album matches his wonderful lyrics perfectly; it's just solid. It's a unique listening experience, too, and I can't seem to find a mood where I don't want to listen to it. Another album I can always fall back on, this CD will be stuck in my stereo for a long time.
At Dawn. Oh, my gosh, its close to country! It doesn't matter, though, because My Morning Jacket here makes some of the most solid, catchy, enjoyable songs I've ever heard. I can't explain why it's so good, but it has a sort of lovelorn, sadly content feel that makes it irresistible. It's a well-balanced album, too, running the gamut from acoustic guitar or banjo-only songs to full-blown classic rockers. I love it.
Little by Little. Harvey Danger snuck up on me with this one. When I first heard it, I really liked it at face value, but recently, its true brilliance has hit me. Musically, it is full of indie-pop gems, and Sean Nelson's voice is to die for. War Buddies is one of the smartest protest songs I own, and Little Round Mirrors may be one of the three most perfect pop songs I've ever heard. This is essential, and it's a shame it isn't better known. For now, I'll continue my addiction to this wonderful little band.
The Moon and Antarctica. I don't know what it is about Modest Mouse, but I just "get" them. I normally have a bit of an aversion to swearing in music, but Isaac Brock's lyrics are so down to earth and relatable that I find myself not minding the profanity. I'm still not sure whether that's a good thing or not, but nonetheless, I absolutely love this CD. The music is organic, yet cerebral, beautiful and edgy. It's probably their most meandering album (which is really saying something for a band that always has at least 15 songs on a full-length CD), but it's supremely addicting. Like I said, it strikes a chord with me, and it doesn't get old.Also of note:
Centuries Before Love and War by Stars of Track and Field
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco
The Lonesome Crowded West by Modest Mouse
Cotton Teeth by The Snake The Cross The Crown
The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me by Brand New
Redeemer by Norma Jean
