Number 1: TV on the Radio - Dear Science

This one surprised me. I remember it getting a lot of airplay (the record came out in September), but enough to top the Top Ten of the whole year? Impressive.

WXVU really dug this record. A lot of the guys got to see them in Kansas City, and said they were one of the best live acts they've ever seen. If you haven't checked out the second record, Return to Cookie Mountain, you better get on that - guest contributions from David Bowie and Nick Zinner should be enough to persuade you.

Pitchfork gave this record a 9.2. 'Nuff said.

And if you can't make it to Decemberists? June 6th, Penn's Landing. Do it up.

Number 2: The Decemberists - the Hazards of Love

What more can I say about this record? It might be the most amazing thing this band, a band, has ever done. Go read any review and you'll get the full story. Folk opera. ONe long song. Full costume. My brightest diamond/lavendar diamond. There's so much to tell, and I have no time to tell it. It's kind of a travesty this wasn't number one - oh well. Easily my top record of the year, if you haven't listened to it yet,

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101397853

has info on how you can hear the whole album, performed LIVE. If you want to see it yourself, check them out at the Tower on June 6th! Check their site for details.

Number 3: Miniature Tigers - Tell it to the Volcano

Okay, contrary to the last record, i LOVE this record. It's the most fun thing I've ever heard. Even if you don't like to dance, you will dance. Songs named after animals, ranging from the upbeat drummy pandemonium of "tell it to the volcano" to the droning, gramophone vocals of "hidden pyramid", this record is really a brilliant piece of work from a bright young band.

They'll be playing in Philadelphia with Kevin Devine at the Northstar tomorrow night, also Brian Bonz at that show, member of the Goddamn Band. DEFINITELY an amazing show if you can make it out - if not, look for it in your homestate after finals, myspace.com/miniaturetigers

Kevin Devine - Brother's Blood available in Digital TODAY

Just wanted to put a mini-plug in for Kevin Devine's new record - I'll never get a chance to hype it on the radio, so I wanted to tell you guys it is now available in digital format!!!! IT'll be available next week in physical if you're interested.

http://www.spinner.com/2009/04/16/kevin-devine-brothers-blood-free-mp3-of-the-day/

Brother's Blood, the title track, is the download of the day for aolmusic, and he's a featured artist on myspace.com. Check it out, and check him with Miniature Tigers tomorrow night at the Northstar!

Number 4: Bloc Party - Intimacy

I'll be honest, I'm not huge on this record. It's kind of boring, the sound is almost identical to so many other, better bands out there. I feel like they just got lucky. Whatever, that's me.

If you're interested in the band, they're putting out an album of remixes called Intimacy Remixed on May 11. Mogwai, Villains, Gold Panda, and No Age are some of the guys working on the tracks, so that will definitely be worth a listen.

The record is about a breakup. Aren't most?

Number 5: Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping

They're a band with staying power, but they're an odd band too. Google pictures of them - shit will freak you out.

Skeletal Lamping was "released in ten different formats, including conventional CD and vinyl, as well as t-shirts, button sets, wall decals, tote bags, and a paper lantern, the latter formats replete with a digital download code for the album." Talk about embracing new media.

They also have a shitload of side projects. But doesn't everyone these days?

New Wilco Album!

Pitchfork has announced that the new Wilco record will be called "Wilco (The Album)". It's due out in June - the first single is "Wilco (the song)", and there's a song with Feist. More info at http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2380949426777918876