1. Drake – Thank Me Later

A lot of people hate Drake, but there wasn’t a record I listened to more this year than Thank Me Later. I’ve never had a worse album cover grace my coveted favorite record of the year spot, but despite the bad art, he’s genuine and honest, and more than any other album I heard this year, I feel truly inspired listening to him. He had the gall to put “Karaoke” (below) at track 2 on the record. Beautiful, beautiful burner.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

2. The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

Hard to deny the skill of this band. Piercing yet subtle. I spun this one a lot. Check out “City With No Children” below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

3. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Atop a lot of year-end lists, I had pretty high expectations for this one. I was one of the few who fell head over heels for 808s & Heartbreak, so unlike many, I wasn’t blown away with his “comeback.” That being said, the first half of Fantasy is pretty flawless. The second half loses me a bit with would-be favorites crippled by uber-corny lyrics. Kanye has absolutely solidified himself as one of my favorite artists of all-time. “Monster” below. Minaj kills.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

4. Robyn – Body Talk

Body Talk Part I was an early blossom that had me believing the full Body Talk release would top my year-end list. She’s so alone on the tracks, sad but still cool. I love how she ended the EP releases with stripped future-singles, “Hang With Me” (below) being one of those.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

5. Beach House – Teen Dream

I got my mom this album for Christmas. She’s a hip mom. She has Bjork and Bright Eyes stickers on her Subaru. She’ll love this album and so will you. Lead track “Zebra” below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

6. Marina & The Diamonds – The Family Jewels

This record came out pretty early this year, and I wore it out. She’s got some serious pipes. Saw her in Seattle a few months back and was a little underwhelmed by what I expected to be a knock-me-over performance. She writes some killer pop songs — very excited to hear what she does next. “Oh No!” below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

7. The National – High Violet

Their last release, Boxer, was on my year-end list in ‘07. Matt Berninger’s hauntingly somber baritone melodies stick in my head like darts. Their sound somehow reminds of that great Love Spit Love song “Am I Wrong.” Check out “Terrible Love” below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

8. Steel Train – Steel Train

Big fans of these Jersey boys. They were nice enough to take us out on tour with them in 2008 where I was lucky enough to hear some of these songs played live every night. This band works harder than anyone, and the deserve everything that comes their way. “Soldier In The Army” is my main jam.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

9. Daft Punk – Tron Legacy Soundtrack

I guess this doesn’t technically count as an album but it’s Daft Punk, so I’m counting it. I loved reading that the Frenchies insisted on arranging the orchestrations themselves. A lot of it is very simple, much like Daft Punk, but so so so catchy and effective. I love listening to this album as I walk through the city. Gives my steps a little extra umphh. “Rectifier” below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

10. Big Boi – Sir Luscious Left Foot The Son Of Chico Dusty

Outkast sits right outside my top five favorite artists of all-time, and though Andre is what makes them so special, Big Boi holds his own. He’s so smooth. “Shutterbug” is one of the best songs of the year. Check out “General Patton” below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

Good Old War – Good Old War

Sleigh Bells – Treats

Ratatat – LP4

KiD CuDi – Man On The Moon II

Portugal. The Man – American Ghetto

Best Coast – Crazy For You

Delorean – Subiza

Yeasayer – Odd Blood

Spoon – Transference

4

Unlike