[madonnas]

Haven't heard any of these Need to hear TNP though....like asap

[minho]

23 A: Karen O A: Crush Songs I love the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s so by default I love Karen O. Her work on songs for various films like Her was brilliant and I was excited to see what she’d come up with for her own album. Instead of the balanced “perfect ballad” that was “The Moon Song” we got what sounds like short gritty unpolished cuts of slow romantic tracks… yet I love it. The raspiness and the unfinished feeling is one of the biggest highlights for me. The songs talk of love and relationships and the raw grit of both her vocals and the production makes the earnest thoughts feel even more genuine. Sample track: Rapt

22 A: Beck A: Morning Phase I’ve heard that Beck’s balladry has its fair share of fans and non-fans. For me, since I generally love slower songs, I definitely fell under the category of absolute fan. This is by far one of my favourite albums lyrically, and Beck’s delivery of the lyrics just strengthens them even further. Some of the songs have some cool quirks to them too with softly twisted guitars and muted drums that makes it feel even more dreamy. I do have to admit however that its an album to be in a particular mood for, hence its somewhat low position. Sample track: Walking Light

21 A: TV On The Radio A: Seeds Rock was surprisingly great this year especially with contributions from the always amazing TV On The Radio. Their album is just so addictive and very well thought out. The first listen had me really enjoy the album but when I heard it a second time I really listened to the lyrics and realized how sad the album actually is, given that its their first release since their bassist died. As a result, I came to appreciate the album even more and the lyrics just hit that much harder for me. Sample track: Happy Idiot

[madonnas]

I didn't like Morning Phase
And again, I need to listen to the others I'm so behind on rock.

[Giliap]

Morning Phase Seeds was so good! I need to revisit their old albums b/c apparently they're even better. Crush Songs sounded so promising to me until I listened...

[August]

I absolutely love Karen O but haven't taken the time to listen to ha album. I should probably get into it. Morning Phase is wonderful and Seeds isn't my favorite TVotR album but it's still great.

[Drowned_World]

I adore Crush Songs but it was so shooooort! Could never get into TVOTR.

[minho]

Originally posted by Drowned_World

I adore Crush Songs but it was so shooooort! Could never get into TVOTR.

Yeah I didn't get why she did that. I wish that at least some of the songs were like 3 minutes long, they were too good but over too fast.

[RatedG²]

YESS @ Beck's album being here. That may or may not be on my list

[Red]

God, you're not kidding when you say that this was a really good year for rock. When I talk about my #1 album, I'm basically going to educate those who don't know that rock is actually in its best state in nearly a decade. The future of rock (mainstream or otherwise) is in REALLY good hands.

My love of Seeds goes without saying.

[AshleeSimpsonFan]

Beck
I love TV On The Radio! Need to check out their new album the first single was great.

[MP2K]

Seeds :cleeps:

I forgot to check out Karen O.

[minho]

Thanks for all of your comments. We're almost at the top 20! I'm hoping to finish albums by Christmas and then I can start my songs list after and then I'll quickly round up my decades list after New Years until I start school again (Jan. 5).

Rough schedule, subject to change

[holyground]

Heard a lot about Beck, but isn't he some 80s dude who had a hit back then? Didn't know he became a hipster darling or something.

[Penk]

I feel like I'm not gonna like the new tvotr album since I didn't like the lead single, but maybe I'll try it.

[Sunderland 4ever]

Karen O Nice to see her here.

[Ronaldista]

I haven't heard most of these, but I love your taste and will use this for when I need new stuff to check out

[minho]

20 A: Owen Pallett A: In Conflict It's funny how albums with great subtlety can end up feeling so big. Owen Pallett flawlessly combines classical elements with electronic elements to create something so stunningly beautiful you're almost breathless after you listen. At least, that's the feeling I got the first time and every time since that I've heard this album. The lyrics are grand and poetic and the style of the album makes it feel almost timeless yet effortless. Its an intriguing listen and I definitely encourage you to try it out! Sample track: I Am Not Afraid

19 A: Lykke Li A: I Never Learn There was an ATRL thread a couple weeks ago about what the saddest album of the year was. In the midst of Ultraviolence mentions were a couple mentions of Lykke Li. The heartbreakingly honest lyrics, the emotional vocals and the short and concise feeling of the album all help it to live up to this mention. Its an incredibly versatile album alternating between moments of sheer vulnerability to wavering strength. * Footnote on my sample track, I decided not to use the amazing Gunshot because I wanted to share this somewhat underrated album closer instead. Sample track: Sleeping Alone

[minho]

Originally posted by Red

God, you're not kidding when you say that this was a really good year for rock. When I talk about my #1 album, I'm basically going to educate those who don't know that rock is actually in its best state in nearly a decade. The future of rock (mainstream or otherwise) is in REALLY good hands.

My love of Seeds goes without saying.

Thinking back, rock was actually really really good this year. You're right though, i'm excited to see the future of rock!

Originally posted by holyground

Heard a lot about Beck, but isn't he some 80s dude who had a hit back then? Didn't know he became a hipster darling or something.

I think you have him confused with someone else. His first album was in like '93 or something.

[Superpower]

Beck and Queen Lykke

[madonnas]

I agree about Lykke Li making the saddest album of the year... that's why I probably couldn't get into it