1. Franz Ferdinand/ ST
No other album this year made me come back to it as much as this one
did. I can't ever imagine getting tired of this. They will be as big
as they choose to be.

2. Interpol / Antics
Band disproves the old "sophomore slump" cliche with another album
full of complex rock tunes. Building themselves slowly, to last.

3. U2 / How to dismantle an atomic bomb
Band disproves the "no good music ever came from bands in their 40s"
cliche. Another classic, typical U2 album with your usual 3
all-timers, a couple of so-so's and great musicianship. Their best
since Achtung Baby.

4. Devendra Banhart (rejoicing in the hands and nino rojo)
A time machine brought this hippie and his songs from the 1930s and
transported him to today. Every note is free of irony, cynicism and
grief. A revelation who possesses the most interesting singing voice
I've heard in my life.

5. Air / Talkie Walkie
They took a stab at Moon safari II and this is the result. A welcome
return to form.

6. The Arcade Fire / Funeral
Try to explain why these songs work so well and you can't. They don't
remind me of anyone else, a rarity in today's music business.

7. Earlimart / Treble & Tremble
An album of Grandaddy-esque tunes by that band's friends Earlimart. A
trifle inconsistent but the high marks on this album are legitimately
great.

8. Morrissey / You are the Quarry
Another 40-something with a welcome return to form. Maybe turning 40
isn't the kiss of death anymore for bands ... then again, REM did
pucker up at 40.

9. Walkmen / Bows and Arrows]
Cracks the top 10 more on band potential than this album itself, as
it's apparent this band will drop a top 5 of the year album soon
enough.

10. Blonde Redhead / Misery is a Butterfly
A band with its own sound; they've turned in the Sonic Youth lo-fi
haze for a richer, more melodic sound that's their own. Songs reveal
themselves to you slowly.

Holy duplication, Batman! I think this can best be summed up here!

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