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Best of Sub Pop
By an Amazon.com customer
Oh, Inverted WorldOh, Inverted World by The Shins
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $7.88
"This song will change your life". That line from Garden State almost turned the Shins in to a joke, but this album is just too stunning to become such. More intimate and thoughtful than their followups, and my favorite Shins album.
Chutes Too NarrowChutes Too Narrow by The Shins
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $4.90
Critically acclaimed follow up. better production than Inverted World and more energetic, but not as catchy or (in my opinion) powerful.
Wincing the Night AwayWincing the Night Away by The Shins
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $5.32
The first half is incredible, with "Sleeping Lessons", "Australia", and "Phantom Limb" being among their best songs ever. It does kind of fade towards the end, but it was still one of the best albums of '07.
Apologies to the Queen MaryApologies to the Queen Mary by Wolf Parade
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $4.73
Probably my favorite Sub Pop album. This is just two talented song writers trying to top each other with song after unbelievable song.
At Mount ZoomerAt Mount Zoomer by Wolf Parade
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $3.79
Not as immediately powerful as their debut and not nearly as uplifting, but still very good. I also think it lacks that competitive tension between Krug and Boeckner.
Plague ParkPlague Park by Handsome Furs
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $4.62
It's easy to lose track of all of Spencer Krug's side projects, but Dan Boeckner just has the Handsome Furs. Not all of it is great, but a few tracks here contain his best song writing.
Face ControlFace Control by Handsome Furs
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $4.27
Another solid album.
Give UpGive Up by The Postal Service
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $7.08
Overhyped? Probably not. I just have a knee-jerk reaction to all things Death Cab (I wasn't crazy about them to begin with, and I definately don't like where they are now). I can't be saved, but most people can find a great album here.
The Creek Drank the CradleThe Creek Drank the Cradle by Iron & Wine
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $5.00
So freakin' pretty. See him live, play his albums for the chick you have a crush on.
Our Endless Numbered DaysOur Endless Numbered Days by Iron & Wine
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $5.31
After this album, a number of Sam Beam knock-offs popped up, but there's no comparison.
The Shepherd's DogThe Shepherd's Dog by Iron & Wine
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $5.30
Sam Beam has stopped whispering? And he's rocking? He still has his beloved style, but he's changed things up for the better.
Everything All the TimeEverything All the Time by Band of Horses
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $9.41
I honestly can't believe how much this album has grown on me. It's become one of those desert island cds for me. I can't be without it. And no, the fact that "Funeral" was used in a car comercial does not ruin it's effect.
Cease to BeginCease to Begin by Band of Horses
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $8.00
Maybe a little more enjoyable, but not as emotionally powerful as Everything.
Drums and GunsDrums and Guns by Low
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $2.89
There's a few awesome Low albums, but unfortunately this is the only one I own and have listened to multiple times, so it's the only one I feel comfortable recommending. Lyrically it can be a little clunky, but musically it's always impressive.
Superfuzz Bigmuff (Dlx)Superfuzz Bigmuff (Dlx) by Mudhoney
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $6.10
I don't know if I would call it a forgotten classic (it never really broke in to the mainstream), but it's definately one of the more important grunge albums.
The Lucky OnesThe Lucky Ones by Mudhoney
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $2.50
And unlike most of the great grunge bands (yeah, grunge used to have great bands) from the late 80s, early 90s, they're still around.
The Body, the Blood, the MachineThe Body, the Blood, the Machine by The Thermals
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $6.15
Stay gold, Thermals. Don't ever change.
Nouns (W/Book) (Dig)Nouns (W/Book) (Dig) by No Age
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $7.48
They have a distinct punk style, but No Age is better classified as a shoegaze band, as they hide their vocals and hooks behind a wall of sound. It's a short listen at just over 30 min., but you'll be listening to it a ton.
Fleet FoxesFleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $8.49
This is one of the most gorgeous albums I've heard in a while. There are easy comparisons to make, but I'd rather not make them, since these guys have made an album that should be taken as it is and not ruined by pretense.
SaturnaliaSaturnalia by Gutter Twins
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $6.99
I knew organs would come back in to style. See them live if you can.
Wild Mountain NationWild Mountain Nation by Blitzen Trapper
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $5.32
Great band that should get more attention. Not as hyped as Band of Horses or My Morning Jacket (who are similar in style and sound) but arguably just as good.
FurrFurr by Blitzen Trapper
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $6.28
I haven't had the chance to give this a detailed listen yet, but it's been getting solid reviews. Wait, Wild Mountain Nation wasn't released on Sub Pop. Whatever, it's a good album so I'm leaving it on the list.
Burned MindBurned Mind by Wolf Eyes
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $2.60
How the hell did Wolf Eyes end up on Sub Pop? Creepy noice album that split critics, though the "loved it" side outnumbered the detractors. It's worth hearing, but if it's not your thing, don't force it. It can be rough.
Human AnimalHuman Animal by Wolf Eyes
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $1.38
Considerably more accessible than Burned Mind. That's not to say it's not dark and occasionally scary, because it is. There's just more for non-noise fans to hold on to.
Keep Your Eyes AheadKeep Your Eyes Ahead by The Helio Sequence
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $5.86
Elegant shoegaze.
Tight KnitTight Knit by Vetiver
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $4.35
Sub Pop certainly has a thing for folk rock.
Grand ArchivesGrand Archives by The Grand Archives
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $4.40
Kind of a spin off of Band of Horses.