Shutupayouface!

“Top albums of the year” write-ups are a dime a dozen.  That makes mine pretty much worthless, except it’s my only real attempt at being positive.  So, bear with me.

LP3

Ratatat

If a movie were to be made about my rather ordinary life, Joel McHale would certainly play me and Ratatat would provide the soundtrack.  More than any other group, they produce music I could dance, drive, relax, fuck – live to.

Their meld of New Wave and fiery guitar solos on “LP3” strikes a chord with my 80s childhood and love for Rock and Roll.  They push the boundaries of at least five musical genres, teetering on the edge of misclassification; only to reign themselves back in with tracks like “Mirando” and “Mumtaz Khan”.

Must hear track: Mirando

Plagues

The Devil Wears Prada

Taking their name from the book authored by Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada has set themselves up for constant tonal assumption by the general public.  But 18 seconds into “Plagues”, and any confusion about their sound is shattered by lead singer Mike Hranica’s chainsaw vocals.

Groups that employ the scream-sing-scream method are often criticized for being formulaic and immature.  And while their song names might not do them any favors in disproving the latter notion (”HTML Rulez d00d”), “Plagues” packs a knockout body-shot and gives metal lovers a taste of all their favorite musical elements.

Must hear track: Hey John, What’s Your Name Again?

Attack & Release

The Black Keys

The pairing of blues-rock outfit The Black Keys with producer Danger Mouse, of The Grey Album fame, resulted in an unpredictably psychedelic blues album.  The production quality of “Attack & Release” far surpasses previous efforts by The Black Keys, and lends to a heavier bass influence.

A slightly more mainstream feel doesn’t dilute the bluesy improvisation and riff-oriented sound, often identifiable in blues-rock.  Notable in the track “Strange Times” being featured on the soundtrack for the video game, Grand Theft Auto IV.

Must hear track: Lies

This Will Destroy You

This Will Destroy You

In recent years, artists have been ditching vocals and focusing more on their instruments – thus was born the genre of post-rock.  Lead by fellow Texans, Explosions In The Sky, this category focused brooding emotions into crescendoing thunder rolls of non-standard chord progression and feedback.

With low barriers to entry, the genre is filled with hopeful acts looking to find Friday Night Lights success.  This Will Destroy You set themselves apart with electronic influences and the belief that they don’t need 15 minutes per song to make you feel their angst.

Must hear track: Threads

Lost In The Sound Of Separation

Underoath

Underoath is back, and they’re heavier than ever.  Not many fans thought they would outdo their last album, “Define The Great Line”, after all the troubles facing frontman Spencer Chamberlain – making the band a bit of an underdog.  But with “Lost In The Sound of Separation”, they came out swinging, hard.

Aaron Gillespie’s vocals are as sharp as ever, and feature perfectly on tracks like “Anyone Can Dig A Hole But It Takes A Real Man To Call It Home”.  Songs of redemption have never sounded so dark and realistic.  The hype machine has a way of chewing albums up and spitting them out – but this album truly delivers on its promise.

Must hear track: A Fault Line. A Fault Of Mine.