Gomez- Split The Difference
Style: Brit Popsters, who quite possibly, just maybe, have owned a Beatles album or two.
Fatal Flaw: Bright, sunny but ultimately forgettable.
Try Instead: Ed Harcourt- Strangers
The Streets- A Grand Don’t Come For Free
Style: A Brit-Rap concept album.
Fatal Flaw: A Brit-Rap concept album. Seriously, though- works as a whole, but some of the parts are a bit weak.
Try Instead: Dizzee Rascal-Showtime for the Brit Rap, Sleep Station- After The War for the concept.
The Icarus Line- Pennance Soiree
Style: Loud, Noisy, a little Stooges meets Sonic Youth.
Fatal Flaw: Maybe a bit too loud and noisy for this 37-year old, who listens to most of his music these days while working.
Try Instead: The Stooges- Fun House
Fiery Furnaces- Blueberry Boat
Style: Art-damaged Brother/Sister act crams everything into a five minute song
Fatal Flaw: I never thought I’d say this, but there’s a little too much going on in some of these songs.
Try Instead: The Arcade Fire- Funeral
Volcano, I’m Still Excited!!- Volcano, I’m Still Excited!!
Style: Catchy, poppy, and more than a touch of new wave.
Fatal Flaw: Not enough strong tune.
Try Instead: Dogs Die In Hot Cars- Please Describe Yourself
Beastie Boys- To The Five Boroughs
Style: Aging rappers kickin’ it old school.
Fatal Flaw: A little heavy-handed with the politics, a little light with the humor.
Try Instead: Beastie Boys- Paul’s Boutique
The Radio Dept.- Lesser Matters
Style: Co-Ed Swedish pop that’s not too sweet, eschewing ABBA comparisons
Fatal Flaw: Not the best Co-Ed Swedish pop album this year…
Try Instead: The Concretes- The Concretes
Elvis Costello- The Delivery Man
Style: Elvis gets rootsy in Mississippi
Fatal Flaw: Some strong songs, but not a solid "album" from start to finish
Try Instead: Elvis Costello- King Of America
Next Up: Honorable Mentions