Dead Mechanical - Addict Rhythms: Fantastic working class punk that belongs on a Best Of list from last year.

Das Racist - Sit Down, Man: Avant garde hip-hop that requires repeat listens.

David Cross - Bigger And Blackerer: His funniest album yet.

Elvis Costello - National Ransom: A couple of slower tracks detract from an otherwise solid album.

Caribou - Swim: Gave up after 2 songs. I am not the right demographic as I just don't get it.

Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: Almost passed on what is likely the best hip-hop album of last year.

Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo: Infectiously addictive or grating. Time will tell.

Ariel Pink - Before Today: Unsure of where to begin, but 5am is too early to listen to this album.

Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard: Sophomore slump indeed.

Ghostface Killah - Apollo Kids: Is there a more consistent artist in hip-hop?

Fiya - Magic Words: Solid album of Hot Water-inspired punk rock.

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.