favorite albums.

Vampire Weekend: This album came to me pretty late in the year, I heard the name tossed around throughout the year, but never looked into them. They appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in later November, which is where I first heard them. With influences of Afropop, Rock, Ska, unique vocals and clean guitar of lead singer Ezra Koenig, and all around awesomeness, this music is fun to listen to, dance with and sing along. Highlighted tracks include: "Mansford Roof" is the Albums first Track, it immediately hits you in the face (in the good way), with a powerful keyboard beat with the drum tom. Soon after you get swept off your feet with a great Orchestra line. Soon following after that, it all pulls together that will have you drumming on the desk, tapping your feet, and singing along. "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" because of the catchy guitar lick, and the African Drums that provide a great off beat rhythm. "M-79" is a great tune that starts out with a harpsichord with a small orchestra, the song builds up with more violins and drums, then drops to a very basic ska rhythm with some snare clicks.. clean guitars and rhythmic lyrics make this song very enjoyable. Finally "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance" This is the song that first hooked me, as they played it Live on Conan. I really enjoy the Bass riff and harsh snare in the beginning. The harmony sung by keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij, and great quick bass-line played by bassist Chris Baio provides a very pleasant listening experience. Vampire Weekend's self titled debut album is my top pick for Best Album of the Year. Buy it here.

Coldplay- Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends: Is the fourth studio album from the popular alternative rock band from across the pond. Coldplay once again repeats the success of some of their previous albums, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and X & Y. A new flair on a familiar sound makes Viva la Vida a great album to listen to. Highlighted Tracks: Lost!, 42, Violet Hill. Buy it here.


DeVotchKa- A Mad and Faithful Telling: Devotchka is a four piece multi-instrumental and vocal ensemble that fuses Romani, Greek, Slavic, Bolero, Mariachi (and many more styles) music with American punk and folk roots.(1) Many people don't know who DeVotchKa are, they contributed to much of the soundtrack to the 2006 movie "Little Miss Sunshine" with songs like "Till the End of Time", "You Love Me", and "How it Ends." Their 2008 release of "A Mad and Faithful Telling" is the Denver's natives 5th album. Highlighted Tracks: Basso Profoundo, A Clockwise Witness, Comrade Z, Blessing in Disguise, and Undone. Buy it here.

Also Check out:
Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs
She & Him: Volume One
Lecrae: Rebel

more reviews coming soon.

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