1. Caspian – You Are the Conductor (Dopamine/Amalagate Records) – This Massachusetts Post-Rock quartet has completely taken over my brain and broken my heart with their debut E.P. Reverb drenched guitars, intricate instrumentals, and a pulverizing rhythm section create fresh, intoxicating music. Warning: you will not want to listen to anything else. Check them out at: http://www.myspace.com/caspiantheband
2. Sigur Ros – Takk… (Geffen) – This is what I listen to in order to cure my broken heart from Caspian – it’s not working. Less of an ode to bleak winters than 2002’s ( ), Takk is filled with atmospheric textures more akin to springtime, with an abundance of soaring melodies and swells of emotionally charged music. Check out “Glósóli” & “Saeglópur”, the finest of a very fine set of songs.
3. Rob Dickinson – Fresh Wine for the Horses (Sanctuary Records) – The debut solo album by the former Catherine Wheel lead singer immediately smacks you in the face with the instant-classic lead off single, “My Name Is Love”, and never lets up in intensity and intelligent songwriting. It’s also a plus that Dickinson has one of the most alluring voices in all of rock music.
4. The New Pornographers – Twin Cinema (Matador Records) – A deeper, slightly darker work than 2003’s Electric Version, Twin is full of the best Indie-pop songwriting on the planet, and Neko Case’s enthralling vocals add inexplicable pleasures to Carl Newman’s sharp writing. Check out “Use It” and “The Bleeding Heart Show” (my personal favorite.)
5. M. Ward – Transistor Radio -– (Merge Records) – This irresistible record sounds like some lost treasure from a long gone, magical, Indie-folk fairy tale. Ward’s ethereal voice, unique production sense, and excellent songwriting make for a consistently compelling listen. “Sweethearts On Parade,” “Hi-Fi,” and “I’ll Be Yr Bird” are particularly good.
6. David Bowie – Aladdin Sane (Virgin Records) – I’ve been obsessed with Mr. Bowie as of late, and this 1973 gem is a big reason why. As fresh and innovative as it was when it was released, Aladdin contains too many pleasures to list here.
7. Nate Gowtham – The New Math – That’s right folks. A little shameless self-promotion never hurt anyone, right? http://www.myspace.com/nategowtham http://cdbaby.com/gowtham