Numbers 25-21

25. Voxtrot's Self Titled
Yes, while very disappointing, it was a solid effort. It’s difficult as a young band to live up to the nothing short of daunting pressure these guys were under to knock one out of the park. Hell, I certainly had all my bets on ‘em. But realistically, just because you’ve written a bunch of totally sweet songs doesn’t mean you’ll just keep it up and even translate them to an album, no less. But forgetting everything I know about them, this is a nice listen.
24. St. Vincent's Marry Me
I’m sorry, I’ll admit this group would be much higher in the count down if there was a male vocalist. I can’t help it. I do really like her as far as female vocalists go for me, but I don’t know. The music is definitely above average and fits nicely behind Annie’s lead, but the sing a long factor is high with me. And if I don’t have it, it’s much harder for me to get into an album. An inconvenient truth, perhaps, but there you have it.
23. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!'s Some Loud Thunder
You know, a friend of mine who worked at a CD store told me that a lady returned SLT because she thought it was “messed up,” to which my snarky colleague replied, “no, that’s how it’s supposed to sound.” Feh. As stupid as that may be, the album, and band, are rather recognizable for their bare bones sound and their perfunctory swagger. I love it. They’re beyond hipsters. It’s a great album. Not as great as their first, but I’m not returning it. (Once I buy it, I mean.)
22. Minus the Bear's Planet of Ice
For a while I felt like I was the only one who liked these guys. Then I met someone who liked them even more than I did. I tell you, I’ve seen them live after each album was released. Back in ‘03 at a hole in the wall bar in Philly with maybe a dozen other people, in ‘06 at The Troc in Philly where they tore the roof off, and earlier this year in Buffalo where they were more electric than ever. It really just seems like they keep getting better. Highly Refined Pirates may still be my favorite album, but these guys are as good as they’ve ever been. And thank god they’re not doing the stupid track name thing anymore. Now they have funny ones like "Double Vision Quest". See, my theory was that in attempts to downplay themselves and elude fame, they purposefully handicapped themselves with ridiculous track names that nobody would ever want to admit that they’re listening to. “Hey man, this is a good song, what’s it called?” “Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!” It’s just awkward. And this is my theory because if you just forget all that nonsense and listen to the music, it’ll really blow you away. And I think they just want people to focus on that. Also, I’ve witnessed their imperturbable stoicism first hand. They mean business. I think the ideal format for this one is giant headphones in bed or a chair or somewhere you can just close your eyes and let go. It just doesn’t quite have the highs that HRP does.
21. The Shins' Wincing the Night Away
If The Shins released an album and it wasn’t somewhere in my top 25 for the year, then something would have had to gone horribly wrong. I will forever be in love James Mercer’s singing/songwriting. One would be hard-pressed to find a handful of people who were more in sync lyrically and melodically. That being said, it is rather tragic that they didn’t even crack the teens. They should have been Top 10. Top 10, I say!