1. Sunset Rubdown – Shut Up I am Dreaming

I cried. There are parts of this album that envoke tears. Like “it’s so beautiful” tears, fucking incredible. Hands down my pick for album of the year.

Sunset Rubdown – Stadiums and Shrines II – Video
Sunset Rubdown – Stadiums and Shrines II – MP3
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2. Hot Chip – The Warning

Hot Chip plays electronic music without any electronic loops. Enough said

Hot Chip – Over and Over – Video
Hot Chip – Over and Over – MP3
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3. Phoenix – It’s Never Been Like That

Phoenix makes perfect pop music. This album bounces all over the place and in the process keeps you bouncing around your room. And the coppolas love it.

Phoenix – Consolation Prizes – Video
Phoenix – Consolation Prizes – MP3
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4. Lo-Fi-Fnk – Boyslife

Two 22 year olds from sweden make dirty funky indie-electro. They are the future. They make some wack videos, but they make some great music so it’s alright.

Lo-Fi-Fnk – Wake Up – Video
Lo-Fi-Fnk – Wake Up – Mp3
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5.Peter Bjorn and John – Writers Block

Peter Bjorn and John put out the best single of the year with “young folks” and probably have the best acronym of any band in the business.

Peter Bjorn and John – Young Folks – Video
Peter Bjorn and John – Young Folks – MP3
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6. MSTRKRFT -The Looks

Everything they’ve ever touched i’ve liked. Well except for maybe the wolfmother remix. But what can you really do with that song anyway. They were 1/2 of the best halloween i’ve ever had. And they are both nice dudes.

MSTRKRFT – Work On You – Video
MSTRKRFT – Work On You – MP3
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7. Cold War Kids – Robbers & Cowards

Cold war kids are from just down the road in Fullerton and put out an album so strong I feel bad to put it at 7. Honest to god on another day it could have been number 2. Whatever, Hang Me Up to Dry is one of my top 5 songs of the year.

Cold War Kids – Hang Me Up To Dry – Video
Cold War Kids – Hang Me Up To Dry – MP3
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8. TV On The Radio – Return To Cookie Mountain

What hasn’t been said about TV On The Radio. The major label hype, the hype beating album. The sweet facial hair. The voices, the synths, the loops, the bad ass attitudes. They’re a perfect band, and they made a rad music video as well.

TV On The Radio – I was a Lover – Video
TV On The Radio – I was a Lover – MP3
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9. Cansei De Ser Sexy – CSS

CSS – Funky and Fun. The whole album is strong and LoveFoxxx is a blast live.

Cansei De Ser Sexy – Alala – Video
Cansei De Ser Sexy – Alala – MP3

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10.SilverSun Pickups – Carnavas

How can you not like this album? I’ve heard all the Smashing Pumpkins comparisons, and they make sense but who cares? This album is fantastic and it touches on the best of the Pixies, the smashing pumpkins, and other greats. Also they cast sara in the Lazy Eye music video so that helped them break into the top 10.

SilverSun Pickups – Lazy Eye -Video
SilverSun Pickups – Lazy Eye – Mp3