It seems to have been one of those years where either:
a) I haven't given enough of a toss or there been sufficient quality new releases i've been turned onto to buy/check out and/or been sufficiently taken with it, or...
b) quality reissues/listening to old faves on good ol' vinyl have dominated my listening for one reason or another.
I hear great individual songs, download, then faithfully check out the album only to end up disappointed and less 15 bucks. Radiohead was a "buy without listen" obvious choice that didn't disappoint, likewise with PJ Harvey on the strenght of hearing a single track.
The 1900s from Chicago were "my" discovery of the year, thanks to Chicago Public Radio's weekly Sound Opinions show, and live they reinforced my view as well as reminded me of the halcyon days of NZ alternative music back in the 80's and 90's of bands like the Able Tasmans, Straightjacket Fits and more recently Goldenhorse.
The Kings of Leon delivered another solid album that's still growing on me, and Liam Finn overshadowed Dad's Crowded House album with his first post-Betchadupa solo effort. Choice mate!
Top 5+1 Albums:
1900s - Cold & Kind: great melodic psychedelic pop from Chicago, very reminiscent of the Able Tasmans in some ways, The Zombies in others, and Goldenhorse for good measure.
PJ Harvey - White Chalk: Polly switches from guitar to piano, but the feeling remains...
Kings Of Leon - Because of the Times: solid 3rd album from the Tennessee family, just as incendiary live as the earlier material and dealing with more mature issues along the way.
LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver: gets to me like Moby's "Play" did back in the 90's. Melodic, pumping, lyrical, great.
Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning: great live in concert solo, Finn the Younger delivers in abundance in studio. "Second Chance" song of the year in New Zealand.
Radiohead - In Rainbows: it's not OK Computer 2, but elicits the disparate moods in a cohesive manner from previous albums in a way only Radiohead could, yet leaves room for albums to come...
Top 5 Reissues:
Joy Division - Closer Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures Gram Parsons & The Flying Burrito Brothers - Live at the Avalon Ballroom, SF Split Enz - The Rootin Tootin Luton Tapes Young Marble Giants - Colossal Youth
Top 5 Gigs:
1900s - The Metro, Chicago Joanna Newsom & Milwaukee Symphony - Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee Patti Smith - Lollapalooza, Chicago Elvis Costello & The Attractions - House of Blues, Chicago Kings of Leon - Riviera Theatre, Chicago
My Trusted MOGs
An admirable list - thanks for the recommendations.
I hope you'll be kind enough to forgive this nitwit here who thought you were talking about the band "1990s" from Glasgow, UK who've released a nice album this year also.
My Trusted MOGs
Nice list; I like the 1900s, though I haven't heard the whole album. PJ Harvey and Radiohead are good as well. I have to say I've given LCD Soundsystem a spin and it didn't grab me, but perhaps I should give that one another shot. I'll be seeing Liam Finn open up for Pela in March.
I saw Patti Smith at Lolla this year as well! I was right up in front with our fellow mogger Blair (satisfiedmind2). She really was great; and Elvis Costello was a show I enjoyed a lot here (in Colorado) too.
I posted my list here, you might find some other worthy releases in the bunch. Cheers!