1. Good & Evil  - Tally Hall: Easily the best of this year. These guys 
write inventive songs and play a captivating live show. Sadly, and I 
fervently hope I'm wrong about this, this album is likely their swan song.

2. Wire - Red Barked Tree: The three remaining members of Wire could all 
carry AARP cards but you'd never know it from this record. Still 
spitting invective after 3 decades and about as many re-inventions.

3. XX  - Sloan: Worth it for the cut "Unkind" alone, but the rest of the 
record is pretty damn fine, too. If there's a band that has more fun 
together on stage I've yet to see them.

4. Hotel Shampoo  - Gruff Rhys: Super Furry Animals front man puts out 
his 3rd solo record and it's a real grower. Softer than expected but his 
word play is prime. Any man who can write a rock song in Welsh, a 
language rivaled only by Polish in its lack of vowels, deserves a spot 
on this list every time he puts out a record.

5. Spells - The Laureates: Local group's 2nd full length (available for 
free! via their website). Just great crunchy Chicago power pop.

6. Title Tracks - In Blank: John Davis can squeeze more words into a 
three minute pop song than just about anyone since Andy Partridge. 
Guitar, bass, and drums, with a little keys sprinkled in for variety. 
Who could ask for more?

7. Mike Viola - Electro de Perfecto: Mike Viola is just about what every 
guy who picks up a guitar should aspire to. He can write just about any 
type of song, makes a comfortable living doing what he loves, and is 
able to walk down the street without being mobbed. Not only that, but he 
puts out a record every few years, like this one, that contains more 
than a few pop gems.