Making Tough Choices - My Personal Top Ten

1. The xx – The xx

The xx deserve the deafening buzz bestowed upon them by the zines this year. Ironic considering they’re such a quiet, introspective and minimalist pop band.



2. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a treasure chest spilling over with delectable pop gems. Thought long and hard about whether this should be my #1.



3. Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

With smart, observant lyrics, wistful tones and overall very solid song construction, the RRA is a band who’ve clearly listened to their fare share of Neutral Milk Hotel tunes. See them live at the West End in February (we'll have a beer together)!



4. Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer is easily the most accessible Sunset Rubdown offering to date, yet is still a challenging and rewarding set of musical suites.

5. Japandroids - Post-Nothing

It’s amazing what you can still do with the economic drums-n-guitar setup.

6. Volcano Choir - Unmap

For the second year in a row, a Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) joint makes my best-of list.



7. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

After being lukewarm to their opening set for TV on the Radio back in May, Bitte Orca surprised me with its impossibly successful marriage of art-rock eccentricities to warm glee club harmonies. “Stillness is the move” is brilliant.

8. Yo La Tengo – Popular Songs

The grandparents of the indie scene still know their way around a song.

9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!

For the longest time, I thought this record was called “It’s Bliss!” since, well, it comes pretty damn close.

10. Timber Timbre – Timber Timbre

Expect great things from this singularly talented singer-songwriter and his spooky, alluring voice.


Special Jury Prize aka Honourable Mentions:
Kings of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence
Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms
Still Life Still - Girls Come Too
Au Revoir Simone - Still Night, Still Light
Dan Mangan - Nice, Nice, Very Nice

Favourite EP:
Delorean - Aryton Senna EP
Favourite Local Release:
Todd Hunter - Star

***
On Boxing Day, Haunter, The Angry Dragons and Mike B. help The Lo Pub celebrate its 2nd anniversary.

Jenn Grant is at the Park Theatre on February 9th.

Still to come: my favourite songs and shows of this decade-ending year.

Infinite Playlist: Au Revoir Simone - Still Night, Still Light