year-end #2

i don't want to bother numbering things this year. what a drag that was. when i did it.

so here's a bunch that lots of people liked (for good reason).

Why? - Alopecia (Anticon / Tomlab)
the most stubbornly catchy record of the year about bowel troubles and masturbation bar none.

No Age - Nouns (Sub Pop)
in spite of a more polished and even (samey) sound compared to the ragged charm found on last year's Weirdo Rippers, Nouns is still a fully worthy follow-up. also, if you think the songs here are a bit lacking, they definitely pack some extra teeth in a live setting. go see.

High Places - High Places (Thrill Jockey)
another album that seems to run on a bit of an even keel, perhaps. however, there is nothing wrong with a totally pleasant and inviting listening experience, especially when a number of the songs have a deeper dance kick compared to earlier tunes.

Beach House - Devotion (Carpark)
how nice it is for a band to totally not try to reinvent the wheel and totally succeed. an engrossing and unashamedly pretty album. also, additional good on them for capping off the year with a winning 7".

more to come...