Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit manages to nail classic Americana better than most domestic musicians. Soft, ethereal harmonies and warm production give the perfect boost to the excellent songwriting and musicianship.
Favorite Track - "Emmylou"
9. for King & Country - Crave
Christian rockers for King & Country were heralded as Australia's answer to Coldplay leading up to their debut release in February. I find them a little closer to the Fray than Coldplay, but their music does an excellent job of mixing a positive spiritual message with widespread pop-rock appeal that just might land them as a crossover success.
Favorite Track - "Light It Up"
8. The Shins - Port of Morrow
I was a big fan of the Shin's first full record Chutes Too Narrow, but they started to lose me with their next releases. Port of Morrow is the perfect mix of the band's early, stripped-down style with their later progressive leanings.
Favorite Track - "Simple Song"
7. Punch Brothers - Who's Feeling Young Now
The Punch Brothers blend traditional Bluegrass instrumentation with a curious mix of classical chamber music and almost jazz-like improvisation. Band leader Chris Thile lets his grass roots show through in many cases, but cuts it with dark dissonance throughout and a fascinating cover of Radiohead's "Kid A."
Favorite Track - "Patchwork Girlfriend"
6. The Vespers - The Fourth Wall
The Vespers' second record is a curious mix of upbeat pop, ("Flower Flower"), back-country spiritual ("Instrument For You") and Bluegrass ("Will You Love Me"). The breathy, sweet vocals from the Cryar sisters is at times refreshing, others dark and vulnerable.
Favorite Track - "Will You Love Me"
5. Zeus - Busting Visions
In a music scene dominated by either folksy, old-time styles or bass-heavy electropop, a band that explores early 70's classic rock is amazingly refreshing. Canadian group Zeus twists vintage rock radio with a contemporary songcraft, falling somewhere between Badfinger and Weezer.
Favorite Track - "Are You Gonna Waste My Time?"
4. Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
Kathleen Edwards' Voyageur is dark, vulnerable and beautiful. Edwards manages to take the pain, uncertainty and vanity that accompany the end of a relationship and arrange it with a haunting intensity. Producer Justin Vernon's (Bon Iver) touch is definitely recognizable.
Favorite Track - "Soft Place to Land"
3. Fun. - Some Nights
Fun. It's that simple.
Favorite Track - "Some Nights"
2. Delta Spirit - Delta Spirit
I didn't quite know how to approach Delta Spirit's third album. It's not quite a departure from the sound of their previous two releases, but it certainly takes a couple steps into new territory. I think it's a good thing when great bands take a risk, and it largely pays off for Delta Spirit.
Favorite Tracks - "Empty House," "Otherside"
1. Jack White - Blunderbuss
I hear echos of every one of Jack White's collaborative efforts in Blunderuss, from the heyday of the White Stripes to the all-out rock of the Raconteurs and the dark moods of the Dead Weather. There is even at times an echo of Rome, last year's spaghetti western-themed collaboration with Danger Mouse.
Favorite Track - "Love Interruption"
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