Amiina is the femme string quartet that plays strings on many Sigur Ros songs. Paired with Sigur Ros, they help create a musical experience that is completely organic, yet complex and wonderful. Without Sigur Ros, they still know how to write good music, albeit different music. It's kind of hard to explain how it's different, but they aren't quite as bound to the sound Sigur Ros makes. Therefore, I'd say their music sound a little more quirky and even folkish in an icelandic kind of way. Tis a fun record to play while you have to study or if you just want to listen to some good background music.
9. Fake Noise From A Box Of Toys, The Autumns
When I first listened to Fake Noise From a Box of Toys, I wasn't sure what to think. Had the Autumns released an album that could somehow be better than their previous self-titled album, which is such a wonderful recording. Well, after a few more listens, I came to realize that Fake Noise was more a slight derivation from their previous record. I still enjoy it, though, but I'd recommend listening to it before you listen to their self-titled release, because if you do, you'll probably be more impressed with it. Favorite Songs: "Boys," "Clem," "Killer In Drag," and "Only Young."
8. Our Love To Admire, Interpol
I haven't quite given this record enough time, but I do like what I hear on it, although it's not quite as enticing as their previous record Antics. However, this album doesn't fail to disappoint with such catchy songs as "Pioneers To The Falls" and "The Heinrich Maneuver." Favorite Songs: "Pioneers to the Falls," "The Scale," The Heinrich Maneuver," and "The Lighthouse."
7. A Weekend In The City, Bloc Party
Though a bit more conceptual than their debut Silent Alarm, A Weekend In the City does not fail to delight, at least in my opinion. Most of the songs on this album are more contemplative and strive to ask deeper questions than those on their previous album. You can be the judge of whether this is for the better or worse. Nevertheless, Bloc Party has put out a pretty nice sophomore release, even if it isn't quite as fun as their debut. Favorite Songs: "Hunting for Witches," "The Prayer," "Kreuzberg," "I Still Remember," and "SRXT."
6. We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, Modest Mouse
When I first listened to We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, I was slightly disappointed. I had been expecting something similar to Good News For People Who Love Bad News. After listening to Modest Mouse's most recent release enough, though, I've come to like it better than Good News For People Who Love Bad News. As a whole, WWDBTSES is much more consistent than Good News. Favorite Songs: "Fire It Up," "Parting Of the Sensory," "Little Motel," "Invisible."
5. Armchair Apocrypha, Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird plays violin and guitar. He also whistles and sings. You can hear all this in his album Armchair Apocrypha, which is so cool. I think one of my favorite things about this album is the lyrics. Bird has a real talent for writing songs with such intellect, yet they are so full of art as well. "Imitosis" and "Armchairs" are perfect examples of this.Favorite Songs: "Imitosis," "Plasticities," Scythian Empires," and "Yawny At the Apocalypse."4. Wincing The Night Away, The Shins
I think I'm doing a rash thing by giving this album fourth place, because I only purchased it a week ago. But what can I say, It's so cool. I don't know if it will stand the test of time for me, and that's one of the reasons I didn't give it second place, but for now, I'm way into it. Favorite Songs: "Sleeping Lessons," "Sea Legs," and "Black Waves."
3. Kismet, Jesca Hoop
I haven't really spent enough time with this album in order to know how to dissect it properly, nor do I have a broad enough understand of the genres it uses. However, I do know that I really, really like it. From listening to this album, i can tell that Jesca Hoop is talented, innovative and honest with the music she writes. I guess the best way I know how to describe Kismet is that folk is the backbone, but it's fleshed out with styles like funk and trip-hop. Favorite Songs: "Seed of Wonder," "Dreams In The Hollow," "Love Is All We Have," and "Havoc In Heaven."2. American Doll Posse, Tori Amos
I hadn't really gotten into Tori Amos until this year, and their are probably some sound reasons for this. She's definitely not for the faint of heart, yet at times, when one's heart is faint, she has some songs that can so perfectly relate. Anyway, American Doll Posse is her newest work of art, and it's amazing. I've been listening to it since May, but I hadn't listened to it as much until lately. I don't know what it is about American Doll Posse, but most of the songs are so great and enjoyable to listen to. There are 23 tracks on this album, so it's hard to listen to the whole record all in one sitting. However, if you can get through it all, you'll realize the how good this work is, especially because the best songs seem to be on the latter half of the album. Favorite Songs: "Bouncing Off Clouds," "Father's Son," "Roosterspur Bridge," "Beauty of Speed," "Smokey Joe," and "Dragon."1. In Rainbows, Radiohead
I love Radiohead. I love the way they seem to be able to craft music so wonderfully. I love every album they have released since the Bends, and In Rainbows is no exception. I love In Rainbows. I'm not sure how to describe this record correctly, but that's probably because it's so innovative and original, just like all the other Radiohead albums (with the exception of their debut Pablo Honey). It's a bit more stripped-down than their previous masterpiece Hail To the Theif, yet it is still equally as brilliant. A couple of the songs here on this album take me back to OK Computer, but I still wouldn't consider In Rainbows to be the offspring of the ten-year old OK Computer. All in all, In Rainbows is brilliant and beautiful, and I love it. Every song is wonderful, but my favorite tunes are probably "All I Need," "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi," "Reckoner," and "Videotape."
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