BLOGS WHO VOTES :
UN VIOLON UN JAMBON | BLOODSHOT DAWN | CHROMEWAVES | THE TOMORROW BUTTON | MY BREAD | TO DIE BY YOUR SIDE | 7SUNDAY5 | MICKE ORGEL GOES LIVE | POP EN L’AIR | 20 JAZZ FUNK GREATS | ATTAQMP3 | V23 | INDIE INTERVIEWS | BABY BORDERLINE | VILLAINS ALWAYS BLINK | PARDON MY FREEDOM | EACH NOT SECURE | RADIO FREE INTERNET | THE PERM & THE SKULLET | CLEVER TITLES ARE SO LAST SUMMER | REPUBLICUM | ROCK INSIDER | THE ROCK SUCKER | NEILS LIFE | CHINESE RESTAURANT | SOME VELVET BLOG | GREY WILL FADE | SHRUG FESTIVAL | EYESHEARTEARS | COOL HAND BAK | TU VAS VOIR AILLEURS | SWEEPING THE NATION | POUND FOR POUND | FEED ME GOOD TUNES | EARFARM | BETWEEN THOUGHT AND ESPRESSION | BERRY’S BLOG | HITS IN THE CAR | YONNA | IVO ESCOSSIA | NO FROTIN’ | SKATTERBRAIN | DREAM OF HORSES | HEADPHONE SEX | RADIOZERO | BERKLEY PLACE | THE RECORD ROBOT | SONGS AND CIRCUMSTANCES | THE LAWS HAVE CHANGED
#100 - COLLEEN: THE GOLDEN MORNING BREAKS [Leaf] -
"Every song on this release has the hability to seep into your subconcious with subtlety." (Motel de Moka)
"Dimenticatevi della folk-tronica, pensate viceversa a raffinate atmosfere in bilico tra l’ambient e il post-rock acustico, ed avrete trovato l’album capace di accompagnarvi nell’imminente autunno musicale." (IndieForDummies)
#99 - CROOKED FINGERS: DIGNITY AND SHAME [Fargo] -
"A subtle melodic affair with Eric Bachmann creating sincere songs about love and acceptance....." (Grey Will Fade)
"Dignity and Shame, the new LP from Crooked Fingers is more melodic, heartfelt, and confident than anything Bachmann has previously done." (45RPM)
#98 - THE SPINTO BAND: NICE AND NICELY DONE [Bar None] -
"You'll hear bits that will remind you of the Flaming Lips, Zepplin, The Stokes (etc. etc.), but the similarities are just that - this band has synthesized a unique style and sound, which is what makes their music catchy, charming, and satisfying." (MusicForRobots)
"Strokes, Flaming Lips, Architecture In Helsinki, Shins e tutto quello che queste band possano portare alla mente finisce nel calderone di un album che con il solo obiettivo di far trascorrere un’ora in leggerezza, rischia di provocare seria dipendenza." (IndieForDummies)
"Their debut CD, Nice and Nicely Done is one of the more energetic releases you’ll pick up this year." (MOKB)
"If the college kids catch on (as well as the bloggers) and get the word of mouth pumping, these guys will take off." (Test Pilot)
#97 - SAMBASSADEUR: SAMBASSADEUR [Labrador] -
"qui dentro c'è il suono con cui i luminosi sorrisi dell'estate si allontanano, mentre le mattine cominciano umide. Difficile trattenere quella luce. Difficile prenderne congedo." (Polaroid)
"If you're looking for some nice shoegazing pop to hold you over until the new Belle and Sebastian album sees the light of day, Sambassadeur just might be able to fulfill your needs." (You Ain't No Picasso)
"Sambassadeur sound like a merger of Belle and Sebastian and the dreamy, poppier side of Yo
#96 - SYSTEM OF A DOWN: MEZMERIZE [Epic] -
"This is a solid album. If you remove yourself from mainstream modern rock radio stations I’m sure that you’ll experience the same feelings I have towards it. If not, one can only presume how stale it must seem by now." (CultureBully)
#95 - JOSH ROUSE: NASHVILLE [Rykodisc] -
"It's not blazing any musical trails to be sure--it's simply fantastic AM soft rock, bringing me back to childhood. Rouse's voice and soothing guitar-playing continue here alongside his playful songwriting". (Shake Your Fist)
"I suoi dischi sono dischetti, le sue canzoni non comportano nessun capovolgimento emotivo ed è questo ciò che una perfetta canzone pop deve preservare." (LowNoise)
#94 - DEAD MEADOW: FEATHERS [Matatdor] -
"Eccoci al disco più psichedelico, non del solo 2005, ma a mio dire dell’ intero 22° secolo..."(IndieForDummies)
" Listening to Dead Meadow’s newest full-length Feathers is like driving through a thick haze of fog. Every once in awhile, you’ll see the headlights of another car approaching, but those moments are fleeting and rare." (ElevenElephants)
“If Queens of the Stone Age took some Nyquil this is what they would sound like.” (Something About Monkeys)
#93 - THE GO-BETWEENS: OCEANS APART [Lo-Max] -
"The Australian cult band of the 80's is still going strong with this release of pure pop majesty..." (Grey Will Fade)
“I gentiluomini del pop invecchiano graziosamente (nonostante l'ottusità di un mercato che li ignora da vent’anni).” (Rockstar Blog)
“Forse il miglior album di canzoni pop dell'anno. Artigianato di classe immensa. Il miglior disco degli australiani dei tre della reunion.” (Alex Chilton)
#92 - BRITISH SEA POWER: OPEAN SEASON [Rough Trade] -
"Some argue that British Sea Power sold out on this second album, opting for accessibility over art. I think they captured the best of both." (The BM Rant)
"The icy and crisp production creates a gorgeous and fitting glacial atmosphere." (Bows+Arrows)
"At least one thing good came out of the great war..." (Mp3Hugger)
"The best record that The Church never got around to releasing." (Marathonpacks)
“… this eccentric British band break out of the mold of their contemporaries and break free of the union jack feck oaf wanker image. A gentle romp through the fields and forests, yet with such a punk attitude.” (Something About Monkeys)
#91 - THE KILLS: NO WOW [Domino] -
#90 - JOHN VANDERSLICE: PIXEL REVOLT [Barsuk] - 20pt. - 3 + 1 votes
"...enthralling and thoughtful. Vanderslice always is engaging..." (So Much Silence)
"John Vanderslice gets a bit more poppy but remains socially and politically aware. The result is his strongest outing yet, a strong statement from me..." (Largehearted Boy)
"Guided By Voices, Flaming Lips e Pedro The Lion i riferimenti più vicini a “Pixel Revolt”. Sicuramente da tenere d’occhio, soprattutto per chi è rimasto orfano del gruppo di Bobby Pollard." (IndieForDummies)
“He makes wonderful melodies, almost put you in a trance” (Hug Robot Radio)
#89 - KRAFTWERK: MINIMUM-MAXIMUM [EMI] -
"Brani che fanno ancora arrossire tre quarti del dance establishment." (Rockstar Blog)
# -- - OUT HUD: LET US NEVER SPEAK OF IT AGAIN [K7] -
"Out Hud's second full length is THE dance album of the year and it's a shame that not a lot of people are talking about it. Out Hud, like their brother band !!! ditches most of the electronics for a more live-instrumental approach." (Funtime OK)
# -- - THEE SILVER MT. ZION MEMORIAL ORCHESTRA & TRA-LA-LA BAND: HORSES IN THE SKY [Constellation] - 21 pt. - 3 + 1 votes
"It's emotional, dramatic, sprawling, infectious, moving, beautiful, ugly, loud, soft, and deeply melodic" (Skatterbrain)
#88 - ACID HOUSE KINGS: SING ALONG WITH ... [Labrador] -
"The music is enjoyable in that it takes you back to the golden age of vinyl pop melody yet it does not replicate it to the point of nausea...only enough to make everything in the world feel nice and wholesome again." (When Apes Rules The World)
"The Acid House Kings are practically the perfect Saturday morning music. Poppy and sunny, they make the Saturdays that you're doing nothing seem like it's all worthwhile." (Dreams Of Horses)
"Sing Along With Acid House Kings, risuona come un irrinunciabile invito per tutti coloro che hanno amato i recenti dejavù musicali a firma Belle & Sebastien, Camera Obscura, Aberfeldy, e a giudicare dalle dodici tracce proposte quello dei re acidi è un karaoke che vale assolutamente la pena provare." (IndieForDummies)
#-- - PERNICE BROTHERS: DISCOVER A LOVELIER YOU [One Little Indian ] -
"If you like Marjorie Fair, you might like thoughtful indie pop of the Pernice Brothers" (Between Thought And Expression)
"This is the Pernice Brothers evoking/mastering that 80's power pop sound. And these guys are from Massachusetts, so they got to be good...." (Grey Will Fade)
"If anyone can conjure up memories and images of sun drenched summer days spent listening to near perfect pop songs it's Joe Pernice." (Indoor Fireworks)
" As for thier music, let me just say that many of their songs seem to have been penned by a countrified Lou Barlow. " (You Ain't No Picasso)
#87 - THE FALL: FALL HEADS ROLL [Slogan] - 21pt. - 4 + 1 votes
“The chuggin punk riffs, the beating onslaught of drums, and Mr. Smith evoking an English talking/singing Johnny Cash..... Nothing better to get the blood flowing........” (Grey Will Fade)
“And over 26+ albums, the Fall are still as oddly compelling and perversely enjoyable as they ever have been.” (Borrowed Tunes)
#86 - OF MONTREAL: THE SUNLANDIC TWINS [Polyvinyl] -
"The Sunlandic Twins is such a groovy album ...., one of the most underrated albums of the year." (EyesHearTears)
"Sounding an awful lot like The Beatles, but with way more electronica, Of Montreal has created one of the finest album of the year." (UponFirstListen)
"Weird noises makes great 60`s pop sounds." (Neileslife)
"Not as good as Satanic Panic In The Attic , but durn close..." (Marathonpacks)
#85 - RYAN ADAMS: JACKSONVILLE CITY NIGHTS [Universal] -
"This is the most Whiskeytown-like record that Ryan has recorded since going solo….If Cold Roses could have been limited to a single disc and allowed to stew for 8 months, it would be Jacksonville City Nights.” (Indie Interviews)
#84 - AMERICAN ANALOG SET: SET FREE [Morr Music] -
"Set Free could also likely serve as a good soundtrack for smooching & groping for those who either wouldn't mind or notice songs about broken hearts and in particular the one called Fuck This... I'm Leaving." (Kofi's Hat)
"Although fans cannot be certain of Amanset’s presence in a decade’s time, they can be confident that, if still creating together, they will remain as cerebral, wistful and charming as ever." (Kingblind)
"Imperdibili per gli amanti degli Yo
#-- - STUART A. STAPLES: LUCKY DOG RECORDINGS [Beggars Banquet] -
#83 - TOM VEK: WE HAVE SOUND [Tummy Touch] -
"Timewarping to Talking Heads and Gary Numan. Vek has enough indie swagger and such a goddamn addictive sound that it will rearrange your DNA and make you wear black." (Feed Me Good Tunes)
"With his groove-y bass lines and playful drumming Vek lets rhythm drive the car--on exhilarating joyrides like Nothing But Green Lights, slow Sunday afternoon cruises like C-C or the almost-out-of-gas, out-of-luck drone poem On The Road." (Shake Your Fist)
"Ostensibly it's an indie-rock record, but We Have Sound's digital touches and robotic production pushes it towards more daring territory." (One Louder)
#82 - FIONA APPLE: EXTRAORDINARY MACHINE [Bmg] -
“Símplemente esta mujer es una virtuosa de la música porque refleja cada sentimiento de su ser en sus piezas, sus composiciones se despliegan en una gama de diferentes estilos, podemos ver por ejemplo cómo el jazz se transparenta en ella, sin limitarla en absoluto.” (Entretiempo Con Musica)
“Such an awesome voice, and an even better album - well worth the wait.” (Mocking Music)
#81 - BRENDAN BENSON: ALTERNATIVE TO LOVE [V2] -
"There is something about the singer/songwriter format I just love: the solitude, the desperation, the honesty. I think Brendan Benson encapsulates it all, with absurdly catchy melodies, to boot. (So Much Silence)
"A pure nugget of pop goodness it's as good an example of what Brendan Benson does so well: craft sing-a-long choruses full of hook and melody." (Bars & Guitars)
"Like Fountains of Wayne, Brendan Benson writes pop songs for an alternate universe, one where hits are still forged out of crisp guitars and Beatlesque backing vocals." (MOKB)
“One of the best power-pop songwriters of this generation.” (Gorilla Vs. Bear)
#80 - COCOROSIE: NOAH'S ARK [Touch And Go] -
"The Casady sisters' followup to their debut
"The sisters Casady are the best reinvention Bjork never made, of course Bjork couldn't possibly imagine her sound as conceived on the bayou." (Motel de Moka)
"Unbelievably enchanting vocals and their processing of music is absolutely amazing. Angelic in a heaven that I would like to know." (The Perm & The Skullet)
#79 - FINAL FANTASY: HAS A GOOD HOME [Tomlab] -
" Owen Pallett is Final Fantasy, a nice pop song writer and a very good and has quite a knack for arranging strings." (EachNoteSecure)
"The cello it’s the kind of instrument that makes every song just a little more elegant than it would have been without it. This is especially true with Final Fantasy, since most of the songs would be largely a cappella without the cello part holding up its end." (Radio Free Internet)
#78 - KAISER CHIEFS: EMPLOYMENT [B-Unique] -
"Their music is fun, they’re great live and the album is pretty good." (Audiography)
"Reminiscent of XTC, out of all the herky jerky dance punk bands out of the UK this past year…” (Something About Monkeys)
“…the similarities to other bands are there, but more than not, you will hear the Kaiser Chiefs and the Kaiser Chiefs only.” (Culture Bully)
#77 - BABYSHAMBLES: DOWN IN ALBION [Rough Trade] -
"Down In Albion is a brave, unsurprisingly shambolic and distinctive record, but ultimately one would expect more spark from the man some call the spokesman for a generation." (UnaRocks)
"Down In Albion it's pretty great, although it took a couple listens to get into the damn thing..." (Stereogum)
“Ci sento i Clash rimodernati e il missaggio perfetto di Mich Jones, col basso praticamente inutile a volume stratosferico, i pezzi suonati in diretta e poi aggiustati alla meglio, la voce sguaiata e strummeriana di Pete e quella volutamente fuori tono di Kate Moss("is she more beautiful then me?"). (Many In Wonderland)
#76 - COLDPLAY: X&Y [Parlophone] -
"You won't find Coldplay claiming to have the best drummer or the best guitarist, but all the parts go together and the songs just work. The whole album is an overall enjoyable listen..." (M3 Online)
"Album + Concert Sales tell the story" (Neileslife)
“The track "Kingdom Come", a Johnny Cash cover, as well as the other solid ballads on this record will make you weak in the knees, guaranteed.” (The Test Pilot)
#75 - M.WARD: TRANSISTOR RADIO [Matador] -
"Combining amazingly intricate and beautiful instrumentals with songs longing for the 1940s, Mr. Ward proves once and again he is the man." (Crazy Talk)
"M. Ward is one of the finest folk musicians around, and his output is consistent and varied enough to remain interesting" (Bows + Arrows)
"If you haven’t had a chance to listen to any M Ward albums you really can’t go wrong with either Transistor Radio or Transfigurations of Vincent.... It’s really a great album from start to finish." (Muzzle Of Bees)
#74 - SUPERGRASS: ROAD TO ROUEN [Parlophone] -
"The Brits paint a wonderful vibe to listen to while riding in your car late at night on a solitary road.... " (Grey Will Fade)
"Road To Rouen marks yet another chapter in a decade-long Britpop legacy that is smattered with wine stains, cigarette ashes, rocked tour buses, and, finally, a look inside at the folkier things in life." (Scenestars)
"The lads fall somewhere between Sgt. Peppers-era Beatles and Pink Floyd with their latest, and it is shaping up to be a damn fine album on my first couple listens." (45RPM)
#73 - VITALIC: OK COWBOY [Pias] -
"This is what I wanted from the new Daft Punk album - Not that I dislike the Daft album at all, but I needed my fix. Best served shaken and mainlined." (Feed Me Good Tunes)
“…C'est alors que le très attendu album de Vitalic arrivait, replaçant
#72 - WILCO: KICKING TELEVISION - LIVE IN CHICAGO [Nonesuch] -
"Though Wilco sheds the window dressing on Kicking Television, the songs remain, and the audience rightly eats it up." (Music For Robots)
"Whatever your opinion about Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born going in, this album puts them on equal footing and doubles your pleasure. You'll also be longing for a redo on Summerteeth. If you haven't managed to see them in the last couple of years and you like the records, you'll be lining up for tickets to the next tour." (Borrowed Tunes)
“The greatest American band. End of.” (Rockstar Blog)
“Another example of why live music is better.” (Thrasher’s Blog)
#71 - THE CARDIGANS: SUPER EXTRA GRAVITY [Polydor] -
"The band's ability to provide catchy and polished backdrops for frontwoman Nina Persson's angsty, and often very dark lyrics makes this one of the best alternative pop albums of the year." (Indoor Fireworks)
"Their new album, Super Extra Gravity, is a mish mash of styles: guitar driven rock, folk melodies, and who knows what. " (Test Pilot)
#70 - THE LUCKSMITHS: WARMER CORNERS [Fortuna Pop] -
"The lyrics are as smart as ever and the singing as smile-inducing." (Shake Your First)
"Their music is the perfect soundtrack for a lazy fall afternoon and comparisons to Belle & Sebastian and other "twee" artists are understandable." (Moroccan Role)
"...with the increasing vogue for good pop and meaningful twee these days, these guys have a place in many hearts...and counting." (Hello Gina)
"Really good indie-pop! Didn't realize this band's been around forever ..." (UponFirstListen)
"Warmer Corners è forse il più completo album della nostra preferita band australiana. O forse soltanto l'ennesimo concentrato di indiepop e testi malinconici. Dipende un po' dai giorni." (Polaroid)
#69 - THE CLIENTELE: STRANGE GEOMETRY [Merge] -
"Atmospheric dream-pop with great production and melodies. The Clientele have stumbled upon a sound that fits them well and they are also quite fond of..." (Moroccon Role)
"Even though it walks a very fine line between pop and twee--Alasdair MacLean's slight lisp and the song cycle's theme of lost love bait skepticism, if not ridicule--The Clientele acquit themselves very nicely indeed." (Shake Your First)
"...riferimenti al pop più sdolcinato dell’ Inghilterra di un ventennio fa, sono tanto vicini quanto può esserlo una citazione. Disco bellissimo ugualmente." (IndieForDummies)
"E' un disco sussurrato, di immagini inafferrabili e allo specchio." (Polaroid)
#68 - KENT: DU & JAG DOGEN [Bmg] -
"They get plenty of Radiohead comparisons, but they're probably more similar to Radiohead's imitators. Still, for whatever reason, I find myself liking them quite a bit more than, say, Coldplay." (A Plague Of Angels)
#67 - MATT ELLIOTT: DRINKING SONGS [Ici D’Ailleurs] -
#66 - JAMIE LIDELL: MULTIPLY [Warp] -
"A remarkable blue-eyed soul album that sounds more like Terence Trent D'Arby than Stax Records--if only because, c'mon, we're talking Otis Redding here." (Marathonpacks)
"Lidell has an incredible toolbox: great songwriting instincts, a helluva voice, up-to-the-minute production skills, and an ear for subgenre that allow him to shapeshift across the history of the music, from Stax/Volt to the Apollo Theater to Paisley Park and beyond". (Borrowed Tunes)
"British blue-eyed soulsinger Jamie Lidell completely turns it out on his just released albumm Multiply that brings to mind Stevie, Otis, and Marvin. And even Terence Trent. "
“Suono caldissimo, slappate, vocalizzi, cori, ogni cosa è perfettamente riconducibile ad un modello storico evocato ed omaggiato.” (Discheria ElRocco 0.01)
#65 - BECK: GUERO [Polydor] -
"His return to the classic Beck-ransom-note style was a must.” (Feed Me Good Tunes)
“Sea Change was okay, but now he’s over his ex girlfriend and married to a scientologist as well as reuniting with the Dust Bros for production. You’d think he felt stupid all along for being so bummed out…” (Something About Monkeys)
“Still the funkiest white boy around.” (Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good)
#64 - THE BOY LEAST LIKELY TO: THE BEST PARTY EVER [Absolute] -
"The funnest, happiest, most upbeat albeit cute record of 2005. Too bad they don't tour! Look for more in 2006." (I Guess I'm Floating)
"...these Brits have been listening to The Smile Sessions and The Best of the Vaselines a ton, and managed to present their twee toybox of sound in a solid, assured manner that allows the wonder and magic of their musical reveries to mesh nicely with their obvious musical competence." (MaratonPacks)
"Their dreamy indie pop sound gets to ya before you realize it. They get stuck in your head and don't let go." (Rodeo Town)
"If Morrissey wasn't so sad and would write cute upbeat music, he'd be right along the lines of BLLT." (Dream Of Horses)
#63 - MEW: AND THE GLASS HANDED KITES [Bmg] -
"You know the people you meet who are really hard to get to know, but end up being one of your best friends. Well here's the musical equivalent." (Mp3hugger)
"Sounding femine, and sounding fantastic" (Neiles Life)
#62 - GORILLAZ: DEMON DAYS [Parlophone] -
"Three of the best singles of the year: Feel Good Inc., Dare, and Dirty Harry more than pull Albarn, paired now with Danger Mouse cleanly out of Nakamura's shadow." (Marathonpacks)
"It's very laid back and while eac song is certainly independente, the entire album feels cohesively the same" (UponFirstListen)
"Less accessible than its eponymous predecessor, it creates a darker, less cartoonish world where hip-hop, brit-rock, electronica and Dennis Hopper monologues all seem perfectly at home. " (Kingblind)
#61 - SONS AND DAUGHTERS: REPULSION BOX [Rough Trade] -
"The threat of violence is always implicit in the scrawny, wired and visceral Sons and Daughters." (Lonesome)
#60 - OFFLAGA DISCO PAX: SOCIALISMO TASCABILE [Santeria] -
“Sento / me stesso. Diciotto mesi di luna di miele con l'elettorato, e non è ancora fii-nii-taa” (L’Enoteca)
“Sento la forma dei Massimo Volume, la sostanza dei CCCP, un elettro-shoegaze come dei moderni Lush o dei My Blood Valentine che premono bottoni invece di sferragliare chitarre.” (Many In The Wonderland)
#59 - SMOG: A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE [Domino] -
"I loved this record and "Let Me See The Colts" may be my favorite single song of 2005." (Bars & Guitars)
"Sometimes introspective, other times humorous, you never really know what you’re going to get from Bill Callahan. What you can expect if you pick this album up is a nice solid listen, especially if you’ve never heard Smog before." (Muzzle Of Bees)
“A major return to form which saw Bill Callahan, in reflective mood, produce an album up there with his previous high water mark of Knock Knock” (The Indie Credential)
#58 - CAMILLE: LE FIL [Virgin] -
“Björk, pack your bags!” (Filles Sourires)
#57 - THE RAVEONETTES: PRETTY IN BLACK [Columbia] -
“As they’ve been building momentum with past albums, it’s my opinion that The Raveonettes have succeeded in finally blending past and present into something that can completely succeed.” (Culture Bully)
“the Raveonettes' songs still have a tendency to sound quite alike, but that retro, late-'50s/early '60s guitar work... those slick, disassociated, I couldn't-care-less-if-you-love-me-or-loathe-me vocal harmonies... the stripped yet cinematic production style... all of these things add up to a tight blast of garage rock by way of Ennio Morricone that's just right for the summer driving season.” (A Plague Of Angels)
“Les Danois ont su surprendre leur monde en adoucissant leur son, conservant leur noirceur stylée et élargissant encore un peu leur spectre d'influences rock vintage.” (Tu Vas Voir Alleurs)
#56 - PAGE FRANCE: HELLO, DEAR WIND [Fall] -
“They're delightfully simple, but always innovative.” (You Ain’t No Picasso)
#55 - dEUS: POCKET REVOLUTION [V2] -
“The whole album can be defined in three small words: 'worth... the... wait'.” (Dreams Never End)
#54 - BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB: HOWL [Echo] -
“Johnny Cash meets Jesus & Mary Chain. Acoustic, rockabilly, feedback, goth American rock.” (Thrasher’s Blog)
“…they lost most of their jamc influence and went for a blues/gospel/folk sound that really works well for them.” (Black Balloon)
“Yeah, this is so much better than “take them on, on your own”, that was really unlistenable.” (EachNotSecure)
#53 - JENS LEKMAN: OH YOU'RE SO SILENT JENS [Secretly Canadian] -
“… recognize the references to Morrissey, Belle and Sebastian, and others, but his orchestral pop songs combine what's great about those "bands" and reinvents it into a truely, almost cinematic experience.” (The Perm & The Skullet)
“A young guy, but not afraid to follow his muse like some guys follow their unmentionables. If you listen to his song Black Cab you can hear strains of Stephin Merritt in the vocal and the melancholic lyric.” (*Sixeyes)
#52 - BOARDS OF CANADA: THE CAMPFIRE HEADPHASE [Warp] -
“It’s smooth along the lines of Richard D. James’ Selected Ambient Works Vol. 2, but it doesn’t hesitate to touch on some of the great electronic mayhem that made Drukqs what it was.” (Culture Bully)
“…al di là di definizioni ad effetto e pompose etichette, la musica di Mike Sandison e Marcus Eoin continua ad essere una delle più sognanti ed emozionanti produzioni in circolazione.” (IndieForDummies)
#51 - THE MAGIC NUMBERS: THE MAGIC NUMBERS [Heavenly] –
“Simplemente... es ternura roquera a la quinta potenzia …” (Entretiempo Con Musica)
“The album's greatest strength is its sunny vibe: the songs are almost unrelentingly sweet, and the lyrics are often pablum … “ (Borrowed Tunes)
#50 - CARIBOU: THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS [Leaf] -
“…a great example of an individual continually updating the history of music by discarding it and making it his own at the same time. brilliant.” (tmwsiy*)
“Electronica comes of age, Manitoba who?” (Mp3Hugger)
“There's a warm-blooded, cold weather animal that wanders within the loose borders of this record.” (Shake Your Fist)
#49 - BLACK MOUNTAIN: BLACK MOUNTAIN [Jagjaguwar] -
“The music is smoky, subdued and crafty; and is presented with that strictly Canadian love-in/hootenany style that make amazing songs like "No Satisfaction" and "Modern Music" (neither of which the Canuck bastards played when I saw them live) sound like political protests.” (Marathonpacks)
#48 - JOSE' GONZALEZ: VENEER [Peacefrog] -
“The best acoustic album of the year, in the vein of Nick Drake.” (I Guess I’m Floating)
“Scarne ballate quasi interamente eseguite con voce e chitarra acustica, liriche sussurrate e immancabilmente incentrate sul rapporto di coppia, abituatevi presto all’idea di sentir parlare di Josè Gonzalez come l’ennesima incarnazione vivente, credibile o no deciderete voi, di Nick Drake.” (IndieForDummies)
#47 - BROADCAST: TENDER BUTTONS [Warp] -
“Tender Buttons is a mysterious sonic experience full of space-aged minimalist soundscapes, warbling, ghostly shrieks, chirps and synth distortions.” (MYOKB)
#46 - THE RAKES: CAPTURE/RELEASE [V2] -
“… with Capture/Release they have crafted a hard-hitting mix of punk and pop. with lyrics that delve into everyday life in london, they create a quirky commmentary on the daily grind.” (tmwsiy*)
“The Rakes are very laddish and sometimes irreverant. Their songs are quite infectious and catchy, but of course that doesn't mean they're silly and meaningless…” (Kofi’s Hat)
#45 - NADA SURF: THE WEIGHT IS A GIFT [Barsuk] -
“Taken as a whole, the writing is earnest – and sometimes borders on corny, but never really crosses that line.” (So Much Silence)
“…Blankest Year is an overlooked pop-rock gem, as is the entire album.” (Culture Bully)
“Testi semplici ma irriverentemente sagaci, melodie pulite e ritmate, quasi tra Punk Pop e Pavement, sono la forza di questo ensamble, che riesce nel difficile compito di bissare il successo del precedente Let Go.” (IndieForDummies)
#44 - THE HOLD STEADY: SEPARATION SUNDAY [French Kiss] -
“This is one solid rock album. Riff after riff, they kick my ass over and over.” (Yeti Don’t Dance)
“Separation Sunday is an epic concept album exploring Catholic edcuation, guilt and redemption in the lives of down-and-out drug kids - opiates, both of the underground party scene and of the masses.” (Borrowed Tunes)
#43 - IRON & WINE: WOMAN KING EP [Sub Pop] -
“This is the album Iron & Wine grew up, got electric, got exciting and frenetic, and they only did it for six songs. Not even half an hour.” (Radio Free Internet)
#42 - STEPHEN MALKMUS: FACE THE TRUTH [Matador] -
“Ex-Pavement frontman rediscovers his knack for the shambolic.” (Mp3Hugger)
#41 - BONNIE 'PRINCE' BILLY & MATT SWEENEY: SUPERWOLF [Domino] -
“Folk sanguinante!” (Alex Chilton)
“…this album rarely takes a mis-step offering listeners a unique and ultimately rewarding sonic experience.” (Moroccan Role)
“The combination of Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and Matt Sweeny on an album is a match made in heaven.” (Muzzle Of Bees)
#40 - ART BRUT: BANG BANG ROCK AND ROLL [Fierce Panda] -
“Pezzi veloci, anzi velocissimi, e testi adolescenziali molto vicini alla tradizione punk, ma con un ironia affatto banale, anzi ricercatamente beffarda nei confronti del pubblico più impegnato …” (IndieForDummies)
“A catchy and clever indictment of popular culture and modern rock 'n roll. Post-modern art punk for the masses.” (Moroccan Role)
#39 - BRIGHT EYES: DIGITAL ASH IN A DIGITAL URN [Saddle Creek] -
“… this rockier, slightly electronica, LP is far superior; it never descends into soppy mush (like some tracks on I’m Wide Awake…) and Take It Easy (Love Nothing)'s greatness far outweighs that of Lua's.” (Bloodshot Dawn)
#38 - LIGHTNING BOLT: HYPERMAGIC MOUNTAIN [Load] -
“Providence, RI's dynamic duo yet again prove they are not to be fucked with. See for yourself at one of their shows.” (I Guess I’m Floating)
“… in a genre filled with bands that normally come across as pretentious, lightning bolt proves to be a diamond in the rough.” (Black Balloon)
“Do you know when you take so many drugs your vision goes into full Matrix glitch mode? The only time that's happened to me stone sober is when I saw Lightning Bolt live. Yep, psychedelic punk that's what they do.” (20 Jazz Funk Greats)
#37 - THE MOUNTAIN GOATS: THE SUNSET TREE [4ad] -
“To write an entire album about one's childhood with an abusive stepfather could be a recipe for disaster, but John Darnielle's pen is just too sharp to allow it to slip into melodrama. Instead, he draws on those experiences for emotional fuel in crafting another masterpiece.” (Chromewaves)
“Lyrcially powerful, musically interesting, Darnielle is a special musician.” (Bars & Guitars)
“The stories in his songs are powerful and informative. Lyrically, I think this album may be one of the strongest out this year.” (Muzzle Of Bees)
#36 - THE WHITE STRIPES: GET BEHIND ME SATAN [Xl] -
“The bi-colored duo create their most musically experimental album, and it still fucking rocks.” (I Guess I’m Floating)
“Sure, they have made better records, but a mediocre White Stripes record is still heads and shoulders above the vast majority of shit out there.” (Moroccan Role)
#35 - DOVES: SOME CITIES [Heavenly] -
“Canciones melancólicas que impactan rotundamente en las entrañas, estos hombres de Manchester consiguieron realizar su mejor disco de toda su carrera.” (Entretiempo Con Musica)
“Cemented their reputation as a must-see live act, and at least the first four songs on this record are a must-hear.” (Mp3Hugger)
“Close on the heels of their Euro bros. Coldplay….Snowden is perhaps the most beautiful heard all year” (The Test Pilot)
#34 - M83: BEFORE THE DAWN HEAL US [Labels] -
“Like a soundtrack to a nightmare, this concept album unfolds like a slow dreamscape that scares the crap out of you then grants you emancipation from the grips of hell.” (Something About Monkeys)
“Whereas their last album was very involved with nature and outdoors, this one has a tight late-night city lights atmosphere.” (Bows + Arrows)
#33 - ELBOW: LEADERS OF THE FREE WORLD [V2] -
“The songs are subtly layered and stirringly epic at times.” (Shake Your First)
“There's a bit of everything here: great writing, tight instrumentation, political statements. They deserve a lot more credit.” (So Much Silence)
#32 - FIERY FURNACES: EP [Rough Trade] -
“La classe, et aussi stimulant que sifflotable. ” (Un Violon Un Jambon)
“Eleanor Friedberger's voice is an ancient healing method, I am sure of it. And her brother's synth riffs are robots' heartbeats.” (Kill All Artists)
# 31 - DEERHOOF: THE RUNNERS FOUR [Kill Rock Stars] -
“The Runners Four has an incredible sound, with rich, slashing guitar chords and a compressed, warm and slightly fuzzed drum sound that demonstrates how a great, thundering drummer needs only the simplest recording treatment to sound better than the most meticulously miked hack.” (Borrowed Tunes)
“Deerhoof continues to recreate themselves with every record, and The Runners Four continues their run of great albums with a collection of pop tunes.” (Largehearted Boys)
#30 - EELS: BLINKING LIGHTS & OTHER REVELATIONS [Dreamworks] -
“33 tracks over two discs. Some are brilliant, some are merely very good. This is easily E’s best work to date and I seriously doubt that he’ll ever top it.” (The Indie Credential)
“E - Mark Olivier Everett's personal and emotional masterpiece....” (Grey Will Fade)
#29 - KANYE WEST: THE LATE REGISTRATION [Roc-A-Fella] -
“It's one of the most solid and thorough albums of
“Kanye's job is hard; not anybody can do it. On this album, you can feel his meticulous laboring, wanting you to know. The good thing is, it mostly doesn't matter.” (Borrowed Tunes)
“What sophomore slump? Class is back in session. And I don't even like rap.” (Kill All Artists)
“This time with Jon Brion (fuck yeah), Kanye creates the best rap album of the year.” (I Guess I’m Floating)
#28 - ROGUE WAVE: DESCEND LIKE VULTURES [Sub Pop] -
“The acoustic numbers shows a clarity of a singer/songwriter and quickly is followed by elaborate full pop songs showcasing the tight entity that Rogue Wave has become.” (Indie Interviews)
“Buy everything you can get from Rogue Wave, it's all extremely good. No less than that...” (For The Eardrums)
“This album is less immediately loveable and accessible than their debut, Out of the Shadow. It's also more nuanced, fuller, and better.” (Gorilla Vs. Bear)
“Out of the Shadow was good, but Descended ... whew, we're tapping into some serious potential here.” (So Much Silence)
#27 - CALEXICO + IRON & WINE: IN THE REINS EP [Touch And Go] -
“This is definitely the most unique album of the year, combining the quiet Southern charm of Sam Beam ’s Iron & Wine and the Southwestern twang of Calexico.” (Radio Free Internet)
“It's beautifully percussive and crisp, with the sounds woven together loosely so the space between instruments is palpable.” (Bows + Arrows)
“Malinconiche ballate di frontiera, incantevoli perle di cantautorato folk-country dalle frequenti incursioni jazz, se non siete mai stati amanti del formato EP ecco servita l’occasione per ricredervi.” (IndieForDummies)
“Sam shines as usual, and Calexico adds a new level of comfort to his already soothing voice and lyrics.” (EachNotSecure)
#26 - EDITORS: THE BACK ROOM [Kitchenware] -
“Few new bands these days can do loud and quiet on separate songs but Editors manage to capture both intense anger and vulnerable melancholy on a really really strong debut.” (The Indie Credential)
“The Back Room is actually one of the year's best albums, laying squarely at the intersection of Bloc Party and Interpol, combining Joy Division-esque gloom with irresistably catchy, danceable hooks -- meaning, as the line goes, that there's substance to all the hype.” (I Heart Music)
“Copycats these blokes are not! Editors lay down the dance beats themselves, and thus in my eyes beat Interpol at their own game.” (Yeti Don’t Dance)
#25 - ANDREW BIRD: ANDREW BIRD AND THE MYSTERIOUS PRODUCTION OF EGGS [Fargo] -
“This is the musical testimony of the long path Bird has walked.” (Motel de Moka)
“If you’re looking for a new artist to monopolize your ears for a few months, check out Andrei Bird.” (Muzzle Of Bees)
“… & The Mysterious Production of Eggs leads you on an irresistible journey of Thai butterflies, calcium, GPS, monsters and more.” (Indie Interviews)
#24 - SLEATER-KINNEY: THE WOODS [Sub Pop] -
“Rock & Roll at its finest; play it loud and play it often” (Muzzle Of Bees)
“The Woods est un album de rock agressif qui secoue toujours méchamment la table mais qui n'oublie pas non plus d'être ambitieux et imposant.” (Asylum)
#23 - LOW: THE GREAT DESTROYER [Sub Pop] -
“Another band benefitting from a change of direction, though they’ve been threatening to turn their amps up to 11 for a few years now. And, hey, it worked.” (The Indie Credential)
“Si reinventano la forma, ma la sostanza non fa altro che consolidarsi su standard altissimi.” (Alex Chilton)
“Everything you expect from Low is present and correct. Beautiful melodies carry gorgeous vocals. But this time, there's something else…” (To Die By Your Side)
“…this husband and wife duo have smashed their old sound to bits by hiring sonic technician Dave Fridmann and reincarnating themselves as a wall of sound.” (Something About Monkeys)
#22 - DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE: PLANS [Atlantic] -
“Full of the intimate lyrics and beautiful melodies that Death Cab is known for.” (Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good)
“It’s accessible, well produced, and expertly executed by the band, even despite a few missteps like Someday You Will Be Loved.” (The BM Rant)
“…even though this album wasn’t their best, it still manages to claim a spot on nearly every year-end list I’ve seen so far.” (Radio Free Internet)
#21 - DEVENDRA BANHART: CRIPPLE CROW [Xl] -
“Un viaggio nella musica popolare, un abbraccio totale ed appassionato ai generi del continente americano, una credibilità emotiva/emozionale più che stilistica.” (Discheria El Rocco 0.01)
“With the Cripple Crow his arrogance is obvious, he's self-assured more than ever delivering probably his best album up to now.” (Indie Surfer Blog)
“Banhart's voice is so frail and wonderful - he really does sound like a child sometimes. And I know that is the biggest compliment he would ever want.” (Kill All Artists)
#20 - ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI: IN CASE WE DIE [Moshi Moshi] -
"In case we die è un manuale per confusionari organizzati, un musical che si snoda in strade di rotonde e fantasmi, in cui vale la pena un ballo.” (Polaroid)
“… melodie, colori, casinismo, pastiche. peccato averli persi live.” (L’ Enoteca)“
“Destructurée et sans complexe, la pop enfantine des Australiens d'Architecture In Helsinki représente la face la plus hédoniste de l'indie music.” (Interprétations Diverses)
“Impossible de se lasser des chansons de la bande de Melbourne.” (La Blogothèque)
#19 - FRANZ FERDINAND: YOU COULD HAVE IT SO MUCH BETTER ... [Domino] -
“Franz Ferdinand are an addiction, a selfish exercise in the art of pomposity. Aren't I so cool for loving them?? Huh? I am, aren't I? I've gotta make somebody love me....Well do you wanna?” (Slapchar’s Journal)
“I repeat, no one can deny "Do You Want To"'s insane ability to be stuck in your head.” (Hug Robot Radio)
“Franz Ferdinand have fulfilled the expectations and confirmed that they rule the new brit-rock scene.” (Indie Surfer Blog)
“Another sophomore effort that is at once a disappointment and a success on its own terms. The band's coolness makes up for it though.” (Bows + Arrows)
#18 - MAXIMO PARK: A CERTAIN TRIGGER [Warp] -
“Another heavily-rotated limey love-fest. Jangly guitars and high-octane harmonies make my knees buckle.” (Feed Me Good Tunes)
“Si balla, si cantano le parole, ci si mette la camicia appropriata, si fanno citazioni, si eccede con misura, si ama e abbandona: every sentence has its cost.” (Polaroid)
“Musically, they fit somewhere between The Futureheads (sans vocal harmonies) and Franz Ferdinand (but more danceable).” (UponFirstListen)
“Their near-flawless first single from A Certain Trigger, Apply Some Pressure is a frantic test of endurance, featuring a central guitar riff that's catchier than anything you'll hear all year.” (M3 Online)
#17 - M.I.A.: ARULAR [Xl] -
“Il suono di un intrigante gateau culturale, tra strada e accademia d'arte.” (Rockstar Blog)
“M.I.A. es un bizcocho exotico y ademas hace una musica super prendida, guerrillera, sound system, hip hop, sepa que madres, definitivamente debes ser muy amargado si no llegó a mover tus huesitos.” (Sonorama.NET)
“More than rap, hip-hop and all that, MIA created her own style here…” (Dream Of Horses)
“M.I.A.'s debut record is both intensely urban and aggressively modern.” (Kingblind)
#16 - LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: LCD SOUNDSYSTEM [DFA] -
“Coming on like the soundtrack to the coolest party in town, it kicks off with a bang and rarely lets up.” (To Die By Your Side)
“Murphy of DFA records helped increase the sales of converse as people everywhere danced through the soles of their shoes while playing this record at max volume.” (tmwsiy*)
“Dance punk is back! Dance...Punk.... Think about it. Awesome tunes to throw on a party, any party, anywhere.” (I Guess I’m Floating)
“The new material on disc one was filled with songs bound to become dance party faves for years to come…” (Dream Of Horses)
#15 - SIGUR ROS: TAKK [Emi] -
“A story told from the first to the last song. Simply an unique and a beautiful release.” (Indie Surfer Blog)
“Sigur Ros managed to remain true to what they do while becoming more accesible at the same time.” (Skatterbrain)
“…joyous, inspirational, awe-inspiring.” (Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good)
“…music is still carried with power and beauty…highly recommended.” (Motel de Moka)
#14 - THE NATIONAL: ALLIGATOR [Beggars Banquet] -
“The lyrics are serious one moment, and a few seconds later have me grinning because who wouldn’t grin at a line like, I’m a birthday candle in a circle of black girls, God is on my side.” (Muzzle Of Bees)
“Alligator est effectivement un album cyclothymique à la dramaturgie tourmentée, tout en tensions, en frustrations, en torsions contrariés sur le point de céder, évoluant de fracas cathartiques en relâchements vénéneux.” (Asylum)
“Un disco capace di far soffrire….Matt Berninger è una invincibile vittima, nessuno mai lo lascerebbe uscire da solo into America. Mai..” (Polaroid)
“Energie, mélodies et beauté au programme.” (La Blogothèque)
#13 - ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: FEELS [Fat Cat] -
“This is their most mellodic and accesible work yet. A tasteful and inventive release from a band with a quite unique sound.” (Motel de Moka)
“They have a rather unique sound but you can hear traces of Neutral Milk Hotel in the yelps and woos of the vocals, while the music mixes in the big (collective!) sound of The Polyphonic Spree and the psychedelica of Mercury Rev, with extra sprinkles of 60s pop.” (Bloodshot Dawn)
“The Animal Collective’s latest release, Feels is rich and strong and I don’t know what to say about it really.” (BigStereo)
“Animal Collective is weird: Good. Animal Collective is catchy: Better. Animal Collective is accesible: Best.” (Skatterbrain)
#12 - OKKERVIL RIVER: BLACK SHEEP BOY [Jagjaguwar] -
“… the strength of these songs and scope of the project are undeniably powerful.” (Shake Your Fist)
“Complex entertaining, quiet, loud. Will Scheff's voice is a broken music box full of nails and feathers.” (Bars & Guitars)
“The album is dark and poetic, filled with angst and longing.” (Dream Of Horses)
“Will Sheff pleading over dissonant and emotional music...” (Grey Will Fade)
#11 - BRIGHT EYES: I'M WIDE AWAKE IT'S MORNING [Saddle Creek] -
“Conor Oberst's best constructed music ever, continuing to prove his songwriting genius. First Day Of My Life could be the best love song this year.” (Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good)
“… classe pura, singalong, giovanetà, grande backing band, viva le pose” (L’Enoteca)
“…some of the finest examples of Americana in recent memory and the sound of one the of most talented young songwriters maturing make this album important.” (Moroccan Role)
“C’mon folks, if this album was just released, folks would be all over it. Sometimes you have to let an album sink in. You can’t just jump all over everything you just heard and call it the best of the year.” (The BM Rant)
“I pezzi, mai banali, ti tengono lì fino alla fine, coccolandoti e riscaldandoti senza mai farti perdere il contatto con le note. Ammaliando e colmando l’aria di poesia spicciola.” (Many In Wonderland)
#10 - BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE: BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE [Arts & Crafts] -
"Soundwalls built out of energy…ah, what should I say? I hope you love them too!” (You Got Confusion)
“Broken Social Scene do what they do best: Rock our socks off with as much power as they can muster.” (Funtime OK)
“Ibi Dreams of Pavement is not only one of BSS's best songs, it's one of the best songs of this year.” (Gorilla Vs. Bear)
“I'm still picking my way through the many many many layers of sounds, but I think I like it. A lot.” (Chromewaves)
#9 - ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS: I AM A BIRD NOW [Rough Trade] -
“Even with Lou Reed, Devendra Banhart, Rufus Wainwright and others adding their estimable talents, Antony Hegarty's rich voice and heartfelt lyrics are the soul of this record.” (Largehearted Boy)
“There is a spiritual element to the sound of Antony's music -- music which worships piano cabaret ballads, string laden chamber pop, and gospel-fired soul -- gospel heard in a church that will soon find new parishioners, I am sure.” (*Sixeyes)
“Just the fact that this beautiful record evokes so much emotion and opinion (both postive and negitive) is truly an astounding task.” (Kingblind)
“Strongly filled with emotions and beautiful sounds this album is the must for everyone.” (Indie Surfer Blog)
#8 - THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS: TWIN CINEMA [Matador] -
“Tout s'entrechoque dans le cortex (voix masculines, féminines, mélodies, motifs de guitare...) avant que, comme par miracle, ne jaillisse une pop idéale au fort parfum de classique.” (Interprétations Diverses)
“Catchy hooks, strong arrangements, Neko Case. What more do you need?” (So Much Silence)
“This is a great album start to finish, with an All-star cast of musicians. If you have been waiting on checking it out, wait no more.” (Muzzle Of Bees)
“Is It what it is. And what it is: good. The bands is on a roll.” (Kill All Artists)
#7 - SPOON: GIMME FICTION [Matador] -
“… a legendary band living up to their reputation with a stellar record of rock songs and brilliant lyrics.” (tmwsiy*)
“Disco arguto con liriche dissacranti e pungenti almeno al pari degli Art Brut ma con una sbilenca vena pop più vicina al indie Americano.” (IndieForDummies)
“Its got just the right amount of predictable Spoon songs with the perfect mix of experimental thrown in.” (Against The Grain)
“If The Beatles had lopped off Paul MacCartney and his Tin Pan Alley-isms, and then been signed to Berry Gordy's Motown back in the early sixties, their sound would likely have very closely resembled Spoon's.” (*Sixeyes)
#6 - MY MORNING JACKET: Z [Bmg] -
“Z is just plainly beautiful.” (BigStereo)
“It's a gem, a piece of art that would be hard to repeat.” (Indie Surfer Blog)
“MMJ's Z is definitely not causing Zzzzzz's. While Jim James doesn't like to be compared to Neil Young, we still like him because he reminds us of Neil.” (Thrasher’s Blog)
“A delightfully post retro album that seems entirely genuine. It cannot be shoehorned into any genre.” (The BM Rant)
#5 - WOLF PARADE: APOLOGIES TO THE QUEEN MARY [Sub Pop] -
“… believe the hype. this album is that good. superb.” (tmwsiy*)
“Apologies to the Queen Mary is a diamond in the rough - though the rough is duly eclipsed by the shine of the diamond.” (Kingblind)
“The indie rock (the genre) album of the year.” (Gorilla Vs. Bear)
“The Lennon and McCartney type co writing from Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug makes for a two faced album that is an aggressive, raw introduction to this next big thing from Canada.” (The BM Rant)
#4 - BLOC PARTY: SILENT ALARM [Wichita] -
“The first song on the Silent Alarm album, "Like Eating Glass", kicks you hard in the crotch, especially Matt Tong on drums.” (The Test Pilot)
“Best Brit album by a long way. Great guitars, great tunes and great integrity. Much needed antidote to the ills of The Kaiser Chiefs.” (The Indie Credential)
“Every song is designed to be sung by a stadium-size crowd going apeshit.” (Yeti Don’t Dance)
“Nothing groundbreaking, but really exceptional for what it is.” (Gorilla Vs. Bear)
#3 - THE DECEMBERISTS: PICARESQUE [Rough Trade] -
“An album chock full of epic tales of mariners, infantas, footy players, barrow boys, train drivers etc. The usual Decemberist’s fare, then, only more so.” (The Indie Credential)
“Storytelling at its best, and the best band ever to feature an accordian.” (Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good)
“Ora acustica ora corale, l'orchestrina folk-rock più ispirata degli States non sbaglia un colpo, è uno spettacolo perdersi in questo picaresco mondo fatto di infanti, spie e balene.” (Indie For Dummies)
“…Picaresque differs from the first two full-lengths in that it carries itself with a greater confidence than its predecessors. This is a record that struts home in costume after drama club, jocks in the hallway be damned.” (Chromewaves)
#2 - CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH!: CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH! [-] - 
“This band is the reason I will always defend Pitchfork for they brought me the delight of CYHSY.” (Agains The Grain)
“…riprende, reinterpreta, arricchisce quanto di meglio abbiate ultimamente ascoltato e se in più ci mettete quella vocina che tanto ricorda David Byrne capirete del perchè di così tanto clamore.” (Indie For Dummies)
“An an engaging and energetic album, 'Clap Your Hands Say Yeah' pulls listeners into its charming world where things sound instantly familiar, yet strangely indescribable and unique.” (Regnyouth)
“…Clap Your Hands Say Yeah have established themselves as an integral part of music's future, both musically and commercially.” (Marathon Packs)
“It didn't deserve all the hype it got, but it's still a very solid debut.” (Skatterbrain)
“… everything comes together - the voice and the music and the intangibles - that they capture some real magic, something unique.” (Bows + Arrows)
“Going on music alone, this album is already a masterpiece. With Alec Ounsworth's unique vocal style and a more than capable band behind him, the group has become responsible for a modern classic of indie rock.” (Funtime OK)
#1 - SUFJAN STEVENS: ILLINOISE [Rough Trade] -
“Sufjan is a great musician and songwriter!” (Muzzle Of Bees)
“Believe the hype, Stevens manages sincerity, spirituality and humor seemingly effortlessly.” (Largehearted Boy)
“…la folle ambition de Sufjan Stevens, la cohérence de l’ensemble, un concert tout en joie, l’envie d’en entendre toujours plus... Il aura marqué mon année.” (La Blogothéque)
“An Instant Classic !” (Gorilla Vs. Bear)
“The verdict? Taken on its own, for sheer ambition, scope, and accomplishmen, this is Stevens' best album, and you should start here if you've never heard him.” (Borrowed Tunes)
“L'album incontournable de 2005. Si chargé de superbes chansons (Wayne Gacy Jr, Casimir Pulaski Day...) et d'émotions qu'il en deviendrait presque trop dense.” (Tu Vas Voir Alleurs)
