After a couple of listens and despite the darker tone, this album has quickly become one of my favorite DCFC CDs and also a front-runner for top album this year. My favorite tracks as the moment are "I Will Possess Your Heart", "Cath..." and "Your New Twin Sized Bed."

One part The Strokes, one part Arcade Fire, Islands is Canada's latest brilliant musical export. This album is full of catchy, well composed tunes that easily endure repeated listens. My favorite songs include "Creeper" and "In the Rushes".

Jewish indie rock hip-hop at its best (though possibly only)! Why?'s latest CD is an interesting mix of genres that I can't seem to stop listening to, melding these sounds into a superb cohesive whole. Give a listen to "The Hollows."

Another strong, though perhaps slightly unoriginal, outing by Snow Patrol. If you like their previous albums, then you should like this as well. SP sticks to the same formula without delivering anything surprising. Best track is "If There's A Rocket Tie Me To It".

After a brief hiatus, Portishead roars back with their best album yet. Eleven years since their last studio album, Portishead doesn't miss a beat. Personal favorites are "The Rip" and "We Carry On."

Chan Marshall's soothing crooning once again delivers a pleasure-trip for the ears. While I enjoyed her covers, the best material is her own "Metal Heart," a reworking of an older song. Also totally worth your time is the cover of Bob Dylan's "I Believe In You." If you like her last album, The Greatest, then this one is sure to please.

I had heard rave reviews that this album is Coldplay's return to rocking form. They exaggerate. While not a bad album, I feel like it lacks the energy of their previous albums (yes that even includes X&Y). There are good songs, but Chris Martin sounds a bit lethargic. Don't get me wrong; I liked the CD, but it could have been better. Give "42" and "Viva La Vida" a whirl.

Another mediocre release from a band I expected more from. While there are some good songs, Hot Fuss had more fun and Sam's Town felt more musically mature. Not that's this is bad, it's just...meh. I'd still recommend giving this a spin, but try to keep your expectations in check so you're not let down like me. Best songs are "Human" and "Neon Tiger".

After a couple of lackluster albums, REM returns to their rock roots with Accelerate, by far their best album in years. If you had lost faith in REM, then tracks like "Supernatural Superserious" and "Houston" should restore them back to your graces.