Mike Freed

1. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga
I suspect this will be the consensus Album of the Year on this page. And why not? I can't get enough of it.

2. Radiohead - In Rainbow
So, I thought it wasn't cool to like Radiohead anymore.

3. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
I'm not sure how many listens it takes to fully absorb this album. I haven't reached that number yet, and I hope I never do.

4. Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
Sam Beam's best work to date.

5. New Pornographers - Challengers
Pop music doesn't get much better than the NPs, and this album shows why. Great song after great song. I've said it before on this blog and I'll say it again - Dan Bejar is a genius and "Myriad Harbor" proves it.

6. Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
Some dissed this album. I don't get it. Nels Cline has added a whole new dimension to the band that I really enjoy.

7. Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna
I tried hard not to like this album but failed miserably.

8. MIA - Kala
I was a late comer to her first album. I know I'm in the minority, but I like this one even more.

9. Elliot Smith - New Moon
Best album of the year by a dead guy.

10. Panda Bear - Person Pitch
I think this album is good.


Songs
"Rhythm & Soul" - Spoon
"Myriad Harbor" - The New Pornos
"Keep the Car Running" - Arcade Fire
"Resurrection Fern" - Iron & Wine
"Paper Planes" - MIA