This album has been a big surprise for me. I was already a pretty solid fan of this group, and the new direction taken on this album came as a welcome, new sound. Although the old, more rocking Yeah Yeah Yeahs' tracks are fewer and far between, the song crafting on this disc is a interesting new dynamic to this group. Try: "Hysteric"

Debut album featuring ex-Unicorns' frontman Alden Penner. Clues doesn't necessarily sound really similar to the Unicorns, but it is certainly in the same ballpark. This album packs a fresh, weird rock / pop sound that improves with multiple listens. Try: "Remember Severed Head"

The latest from Peter Bjorn and John is, in many ways, a departure from 'Writer's Block.' This album is a bit more experimental in the direction of synth, yet minimalist pop. This album doesn't seem to be very well received thus far, but it is great to see the direction that they are going currently. Try: "Stay This Way"

This album has been hyped and hyped, but it truly does deliver (at least mostly). The wonderfully soothing and grooving tracks of this disc mesh together very nicely and include some extremely catchy hooks. Try: "Brother Sport"

The latest album, and second this year, from Kurt Vile is the one that I have been waiting for him to release. This feels more like a proper album and is an extremely consistent listen from beginning to end, which was not the case with some of his previous releases. Give this wonderful DIY-style rock a try. Try: "Monkey"

The latest from Tortoise is a somewhat significant shift in their sound. They maintain the experimental and shifting time signatures, while pumping up the volume relative to 'It's All Around You'. However, they still maintain some of those ambient qualities. Just listen to this one. Try: "High Class Slim Came Floatin' In"

Although only an EP, the quality on this disc is something I didn't see coming. All of the original songs on this EP could have very easily made the 'Viva la Vida' album. Try: "Now My Feet Won't Touch the Ground"

Tons has already been written about this one. It's certainly a good listen. Try: "Two Weeks"

After Modest Mouse's most recent album, I was about to abandon any hope for future quality releases. However, this disc certainly gets rid of that thought. This is somewhat of a 'return to form' effort, in my opinion. Try: "Autumn Beds"

Luke Temple's latest project / vessel, is a step toward the pop path. This album is more solid than his last solo album, in my opinion, and this project seems like a move in the right direction. Try: "Tunnelvision"

The Faint bassist Joel Peterson's anticipated follow up (at least by me) to 2005's wonderful "Inside/Absent." This album is more of a departure from the electronic dominated elements of earlier Broken Spindles. More live, raw percussion is found on this disc, while still maintaining the type of sound that Joel Peterson has established with Broken Spindles. Try: "We All Want To Fit In"

This album is the debut from Jason Lytle formerly of Grandaddy. The album is about what I expected stylistically, but it is a rather solid listen of sort of spacey / pop songs. Try: "Rollin' Home Alone"

Pronounced 'Double-U, Double-V, Double W, Z," this debut from Lincoln's own is a promising effort. The style here is sort of an indie spastic rock that is pretty accessible. Try: "Green Starred Sleeve"

The latest from Lincoln, NE based one-man machine Darren Keen adds a new dynamic to his already hefty catalog. While previous efforts seem to had sections that lagged a bit at times, this disc is rather solid and displays some of his best tracks thus far in his career. Try: "Who He Says He Is"

This seems to be this year's album out of left-field so far. Although I feel it has gained a bit of an inflated reputation, it is still a very solid listen. Try: "What Dogs See"

A very interesting project in which a different vocalist guests on each song. Styles tend to range from song to song, which makes for an enjoyable listen. Try: "Toe Jam"