Flap_jackson (Level 32)

Alex & Rorie have posted their favorite regular non-movie related album of the year, so I thought I join in on the fun with my indie/alternative/hipster music sensibilities. 

10. Get Sharp by The Limousines:

Think a less artsy version of MGMT and you have these guys. Flying way under the radar, what people have heard them love them, and for good reason. Their lyrics are a mixture of sunny darkness and profound commentary, and their music is the best parts we love about Electropop. In both 2009 and 2010 they've made major waves in the Alternative community with their singles, and for good reason, the debut album the songs came from is pretty good too.
  

  

 

9. Self-Titled by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals:

 There aren't a ton of great female vocalists fronting rock bands today, but what we do have is a pretty solid crop. Take Grace Potter for example. Take the great 70s rock vocalists of the 70s and 80s and you get Grace. And the music is nearly as solid too. It works better when it sticks to the rock anthems, but it's still a great work overall
  

  
 

 

8. Self-Titled by Broken Bells:

 Broken Bells doesn't exactly stick to the pop formula, or indie formula, or alternative for that matter, but that doesn't mean this album isn't as pleasing as all get out. Mercer's vocals and Danger Mouse's producing/music just compliments each other so well, and the results are pretty pleasing for all. 
  

  

 

7. Come Around Sundown by Kings of Leon:

Their last album that launched them into the stratosphere may have had more classic songs, but this is their best overall effort yet. They tread a lot of the same lines as they always have, but they cement their place in the current rock scene perfectly. Although I would have liked some nice wave sound effects to go with the theme...
  

  
 

 

6. Infinite Arms by Band of Horses:

 Striking a good feel between their more rock infused efforts and atmospheric ballads, Band of Horses rides gallantly in this effort. It's by no means a departure from their previous material, but it's never sounded quite as good as it does here. Plus, they have great beards. 
  

  

 

5. The Lady Killer by Cee-Lo Green:

 The fist thing that struck me about this album was the sonics. It just sounds SO good! Secondly, Green's voice is a modern rarity, and it's put to better use than it ever has before here. Thirdly, the music is a perfect throwback to motown, while still acting as a stupendous modern R&B plus Pop album. Plus, his Band of Horses cover is simply fantastic.
  

  
 

 

4. Volume 2 by She & Him:

 Releasing in Spring, I called this the perfect Spring album. Then came summer and I called it a great Summer album. But guess what, it's also great in the fall and winter. Basically, it's a great album, and Zooey Deschanel has a fantastic voice, matching the indie sunny 70s pop so well. 
  

  

 

3. Brothers by The Black Keys:

 The Black Keys has found its rock groove, and sort of perfected it. Not all their songs may reach as high as their singles, "Tighten Up" in this case, but dang if this album doesn't hit that Bluesey Rock spot. 
  

  

 

2. American Slang by The Gaslight Anthem:

 If Springsteen and Tom Petty had a child, it would be Gaslight Anthem singer Brian Fallon. American Slang is a tribute to that heritage, but in addition to its harkening back to the good old days, it also urges that we press on. Each song is simply an all-American story set to the beat of a great rock tune. And it's fantastic.
  

  
 

 

1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West:

 Kanye may have the biggest ego in music, but never before has it been put to such great use. Firstly, he's kind of perfected Autotune. Secondly, he made an 35-minute music video, which is kind of good in that whacked out, kind of jaw-dropping way. Thirdly, the more I listen to it, the more I love it, and I already thought it was a work of art when I first heard it