Defiance, Ohio - Midwestern Minutes: Missing some of the catchiness I remember them for.

Decemberists - King Is Dead: My favorite Decemberists album, hands down. Less pretentious than previous outings put it over the top.

The Bees - Every Step's A Yes: Folky music for a simpler time.

Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown: Increased accessibility results in decreased enjoyability.

Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts: Not as infectious as their debut but more than solid.

The Drums - The Drums: I tried so hard to dislike it, but it proved irresistible.

Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me: As outstanding as it is it's still hard to reconcile the length at 3 discs.

Eminem - Recovery: So hungry you can feel it. A fantastic return to form.

Various - Fast Music 7: Good to know I'm not missing much.