Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

• Talk about a breakthrough album.  It’s a piece of art, beginning to end.  Easy listening, catchy melodies, intricate compositions, and a unique sound.  The whole CD reminds you of something you heard in the past neatly packaged and delivered to you from the future.
• Key Tracks:  All tracks are key.  This album is a masterpiece.

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

• Nothing else sounds like Animal Collective.  Their infinite loops, shockingly pleasant harmonies, and complex layers set the bar for indie musicians.  They’re the Godfather of all things hip that come out of NYC.
• Key Tracks: Bluish, Summertime Clothes, Brothersport, My Girls

Passion Pit - Manners

• Every track on Manners is its own anthem.  Passion Pit exhibits a perfect blend of electronic music and rock.  It’s that album that makes you sing out loud and bob your head, oblivious to the fact that you look like a nutjob walking down the sidewalk.
• Key Tracks: Make Light, To Kingdon Come, Sleepyhead

Empire of the Sun -Walking on a Dream

• My official soundtrack to summer.  These rookies from Australia take it home for best feel-good album of the year.  Take David Bowie, spice it up with some more weirdness, throw in some Beach Boys and electronic overtones, shake it up (with booze of your choice), and you’ll get Walking on a Dream.
• Key Tracks: Standing on the Shore, Swordfish Hotkiss Night, Country

Melody Gardot - My One And Only Thrill

• I first heard Melody Gardot on NPR two months ago and I haven’t stopped listening since.  I admittedly have a soft spot for female jazz vocalists, and Melody Gardot is the crème de la crème.
• Key Tracks:   If the Stars Were Mine, Baby I’m a Fool, Over the Rainbow