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Bon Iver: For Emma, still getting used to the Volcano Choir, though.
Every once in a while, an artist or album will pop out of the background and renew your love of music. Which single album has really stood out for you recently?
Jenny Lewis' Acid Tongue. I'm a fan of contemporary rock acts who really revel in the music of the 1970s (M. Ward, Neko Case, Josh Rouse, Wilco, etc). Acid Tongue takes this to an extreme that is a joy to listen to, down to recording in the studio where Rumours and After the Goldrush were created. The album was recorded quickly and has a real live-in-the-studio sound, but still uses some fun stereo effects to let you know that it's an invention. Exciting performances all around.
One each from different genres: Wussy—a great underground rock band from Cincinnati, OH. Two songwriters, male and female. The new album is self-titled. Don't be afraid of the band name. JD Allen: The Shine. Great young-ish tenor saxophonist in a trio. Oumou Sangare: Seya. Mali's Aretha Franklin—she's always made great records, but this one's really a step up.
It's not like that they aren't any excellent albums (or artists) are out there, it's just that these albums usually do not measure up to past recordings in the different genres. No offense to the current crop of artists—the bar has long been raised and it's rarely achieved with the music currently available.
Porcupine Tree: The Incident. It's a modern progressive rock masterpiece, exquisitely recorded and engineered with the double vinyl version and 5.1 mix in mind. Throw in the gorgeous packaging and art work and it adds up to an an album I'll treasure for many years.
Chickenfoot's debut Chickenfoot. Finally, some rock for a 40 year old! No track deserves less than a 6 on a scale of 10. Hagar's rejuvenated! Harmonic vocals with Michael Anthony spot on. Smith brings raw energy, and it's about time that Satriani has been exposed to the masses! Long live rock!
If you fancy some cool electronic music, check this album out: Waldfreakquenz 3. This is progressive, psychedelic trance. This is great for some late night listening sessions. You won't find this in a shop though. Here is a link: http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/waf/waf1cd003.html Lot's of great psychedelic elektronika here.
MewithoutYou: It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright What was once a screamo band with remarkable lyrics has become an amazing amalgam of sounds, with I think, the richest lyricist in the business. The album previous to this was fantastic and this continues the evolution.