I'll Meet You Halfway......

"She gets dressed up like a pillow, so she's always in bed."

Where'd All The Time Go? by Dr. Dog

Since 2010 is about half gone, I thought I'd throw out a list of albums that I think are amongst the best this year, in case you're tired of Led Zeppelin IV and feel like picking up something new to listen to instead. In alphabetical order then:

Home Acres by Aloha (see post below)
Highlights: Microviolence, Blackout

Infinite Arms by Band Of Horses
Highlights: Factory, Laredo
This is their third album. This Seattle band features the Neil Young-ish vocal stylings of Mr. Ben Bridwell.

Teen Dream by Beach House
Highlights: Silver Soul, Walk In The Park
This dream pop duo is fronted by Victoria Legrand, niece of French composer Michel Legrand. They are based in Baltimore, but likely don't live in the neighbourhood where The Wire was filmed.

The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night by The Besnard Lakes
Highlights: Albatross, This Is What We Call Progress
A husband and wife team from Montreal, this is their second album with a dramatically long title. I saw them open for My Morning Jacket a couple of years ago and they are loud! They take turns on lead vocals and the guy can sing just as high or higher than his missus.

Destroyer Of The Void by Blitzen Trapper
Highlights: Destroyer Of The Void, The Tree
The second record from the Portland, Oregon group. It is folky, melodic and full of great harmonies.

The Sea by Corinne Bailey Rae
Highlights: Are You Here?, The Blackest Lily
This chick from Leeds has a gorgeous voice. She has overcome the overdose of her husband to make a brilliant second album.

Shame, Shame by Dr. Dog
Highlights: Station, Where'd All The time Go?
These dudes from Philly have a way with a melody. Their sixth album is a very solid affair from front to back.

Total Life Forever by Foals
Highlights: Miami, Total Life Forever
Out of Oxford, England, these guys will get your feet moving with a sound like Fear Of Music era Talking Heads. This is their second album.

Maintenant by Gigi
Highlights: Some Second Best, The Marquee
This is a Vancouver-based collective who recorded this debut using old-school techniques. It really works, and if you like the sounds of the early 60s, this is for you. A contender for album of the year in my books.

Congratulations by MGMT (see post below)
Highlights: Flash Delerium, Siberian Breaks

High Violet by The National
Highlights: Sorrow, Conversation 16
Hailing from Cincinnati, these Kings of Sadcore are back with their fifth and most accessible record yet. Beautiful, haunting music.

Together by New Pornographers
Highlights: Crash Years, My Shepherd
Once again, these purveyors of Power Pop have made a great record. One of my favourite bands around, led by writer extraordinaire Carl Newman and featuring the distinctive vocals of Miss Neko Case.

Wake Up The Nation by Paul Weller
Highlights: No Tears To Cry, Aim High
The Modfather still has it! What a great record! I was hesitant about this at first as I was disappointed in his last couple of records, but this psychedelic masterpiece proves that the old geezer still has fresh ideas.

Innerspeaker by Tame Impala (see post below)
Highlights: It Is Not Meant To Be, Lucidity

Mojo by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Highlights: First Flash Of Freedom, I Should Have Known It
Another geezer who still has it. The guitars on this album are magnificent. Echoes of Zeppelin, Dylan and maybe even a little Brooce.

Expo 86 by Wolf Parade
Highlights: Palm Road, Ghost Pressure
These Montrealers continue a great run with their third record. I wish I had half the energy of these guys. An exhilarating listen for sure!

Well, what are you waiting for? Get thee to a record store!