to me this band defines scottish alt-rock, no question. their sound continues to epitomize the outer (and inner?) hebrides. most tracks have more of a slight edge than the previous (equally delightful) 'warnings/promises'. for less of an edge and an even greater gaelic influence, check out roddy's solo album of 06 'my secret is my silence'.

probably have listened to 'hurricane' at least three-thousand forty-seven times by this point. it is an improvement on last two albums, though clearly nothing mind-bottling. this is an entirely solid album from a consistently agreeable sounding, polite brit/indie rock band .

slightly stronger than their debut album, 'the invitation' and the band in general sound as coldplay mightve if they were permitted to continually inhabit 1999-2000. massive.

an ep? sure, i mean it is ryan adams (o, and dont forget the cardinals). tracks like 'follow the lights', 'my love for you is real' and the acoustic of the ever-exceptional 'if i am a stranger' make this seven-songer better than lps of many bands.

it may be somewhat unfair, but ive secretly labeled this band 'spoon jr'. the first few tracks will explain why, but, really, they are that good.

worth it just for 'sorry' alone. this australian acts second lp may have actually been released outside the u.s. in 06, but nevertheless, it winds up here. sure they cover the eighties anthem 'forever young', but, really who gives a fece, as they do it rather well.

some may be upset this is no epic follow-up to the gorgeous 'takk' (thanks). no kidding, its really not supposed to be. its two disks of re-recorded materials and of live performances. its sigur ros- its splendor will speak for itself.

remember the postal service? this is pretty much them/him, but better, and obviously infinitely less popular. 'dictionary' is their 'district sleeps alone tonight'. (but better).

someone relatively famous compared listening to these guys with 'coming down from acid inside a wet cardboard box'. it still pretty much fits the bill, but i suppose the box has grown even more crowded and itchy with the additions of pianist m. drainsy and honorary member (whatever the hell that means) pat sansone of wilco fame. perhaps he was needed for steel guitar tutorials or something.

this is their best release to date, though 'milk of human kindness' does come incredibly close. a great bit of sound with some cute little melodies as well. anyone who has ever heard of 'four tet' would enjoy this also. if you see these guys live, and youre ultra-lucky, they may play for you a slide show of cartoon shore birds.

a quietly lovely album from start to finish. tracks like 'i will call you lover again' are ridiculously charming. you make sweden proud.

first love of 07 campaign. its more focused/condensed than 'mysterious production of eggs'. songs like 'fiery crash', 'imitosis', 'heretics', 'dark matter', 'scythian empires' are absolutely massive.

clearly their best since 99s 'the man who'. their trademark jangly-guitared, melancholic sound exemplifies itself on tracks like 'closer', 'battleships', 'under the moonlight' and 'colder'. though whether they can compose more simplistic lyrics is yet to be seen.

one of the most brilliant of 07. each track on this album would be a severe standout for many other bands. a huge step up from 'a certain trigger'. id compare with an oasis or embrace with much more adrenaline and a more british sound (if the latter is even possible). truly massive.

this album is clearly as great as the infamous 'sesame street' sketch for which the band does/does not take its name. some call them a poor mans radiohead. perhaps, but their sound does stand alone. tracks like 'evil bee', 'wet and rusting' and 'airaid' should be enough to keep the rose city proud (until the blazers make the playoffs again atleast). and worth it for the art work alone.

somehow sort of a hybrid of idlewild and arab strap. obviously not yet as stellar as either of the two, but very good and very scottish nonetheless.

neat. nobody does americana/alt-country better than this british outfit. wilco only wishes 'sky blue sky' turned out as good as this.

this mancunian(?) blues-based rock band seems to randomly release something special every four years or so. this ones comparable in excellence with 'north atlantic drift'. seems to have a slight harder edge to it, which is fine. 'go to sea' (subliminal message excluded) is an outstanding track. its not the only one.

will sheff is pretty much a genius. its possibly even better than 'black sheep boy'. if you like, check out his other bands most recent release, 'palo santo' by shearwater.

alison is somewhat comparable to jenny lewis in terms of vocals (perhaps looks as well?). a completely gorgeous, piano-driven album, and perfect driving music to accompany a trip across michigans northern peninsula. 'minnow and the trout' (sure, i like fishing) is probably the best evolution-themed track ive heard. certainly beats that number done by pearl jam a decade ago.