12. The White Stripes – Icky Thump

Another solid album from the Whites. Jack’s vocals are stellar and emotive as usual, while Meg’s drumming has improved. Standout tracks include “Rag & Bone” and “You Don’t Know What Love Is.”

11. Caribou – Andorra

Gorgeous, beautifully constructed ambient/electronica. My best friend and I agree that this is the perfect album to listen to while under the influence… Check out “Melody Day.”

10. Black Kids – Wizard of Ahhs

My friend introduced me to this, and it reminds me of a rougher, less instrumental version of MGMT. It’s pretty sweet, and I love the clever track names, ie “Hit the Heartbrakes.”

9. John Mayer – Continuum

I love John Mayer. Enough to risk my rep as an indie savant… This is one of the most mainstream albums I’ve ever heard. But its gorgeous. Mayer’s voice is smooth and enticing; listeners can tell that he means every word he sings. And with this album, he proves that he is here to stay with songwriting chops that cannot be questioned – I cannot wait to see how his music develops over the years. My favorite tracks include “Vultures” and “Belief.”

8. The Shins – Wincing the Night Away

I swore I wouldn’t listen to The Shins – with the popularity of Garden State, they were way too mainstream for me. But with the release of this album, I broke my word and loved every minute of it. Wincing the Night Away is a peppy, dreamy, psychedelic lovefest which makes me smile every time I listen to it. My favorite songs include “Split Needles,” “Phantom Limb,” and “Australia.”

7. Of Montreal – Sony Connect EP

Some critics claim Of Montreal is too reliant upon editing, electronic synth, and crazy samples. This EP makes them eat their words. It shows that Kevin and the crew can go acoustic, completely unplugged and impromptu, and sound impeccable. It took me months to find this EP, but it was completely worth every moment. This EP features two stellar covers, along with acoustic renditions of two OM favorites. I adore the rendition of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” which shows the softer side of Kevin’s vocal range.

6. Beirut – The Flying Club Cup

Zach Condon is a god. With The Flying Club Cup, Condon successfully matches the gypsy character of Gulag Orkestar, while adding a twist of French anachronism. This album defies the stereotype of a sophomore effort – it is completely cohesive and fresh. Get your daily dose of Eastern Europe with “Nantes” or “Forks and Knives.”

5. Los Campesinos! – Sticking Fingers into Sockets

This album is so much fun that it should probably be illegal. The Los Campesinos! sound can best be described as a bizarre twee lovechild of Architecture in Helsinki and Spoon. “You! Me! Dancing!” and “We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives” will have you dancing and whistling along.

5. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular

Ahh, MGMT… what can I say? An amazing album… It’s tough to believe that it is their debut. Every track is great; I am particularly fond of “Electric Feel,” which is also my favorite ringtone of the year. The album’s sound is huge and grand. It recalls the good old days when rock’n'roll was serious business and psychedelics were part of the creative process. I saw these guys live and nearly passed out from dancing…

4. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver

This album has topped many end-of-year countdowns. There’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said. It is a masterpiece of dance/ indie rock that caught everyone (myself included) off-guard. “All My Friends” is an epic track that completely merits seven and a half minutes.

3. Stars – In Our Bedroom After the War

The only thing that is less than perfect about this album is its semi-ugly cover art. Everything else – the lyrical content, instrumentation, and vocals – is sublime. Set Yourself on Fire is one of my all-time favorite albums… I expected to be disappointed with the follow-up. Yet, Torquil and the rest of the band delivered a magnificent album. In Our Bedroom is a multi-faceted description of love, desperation, hope, and morality during wartime. “Genova Heights” will get your foot tapping, while “Barricade” and “Take Me to the Riot” will have you shouting passionately at the top of your lungs. I also saw these guys live, and it was an incredible incredible incredible show. The highlight was Torquil looking me in the eye, pointing at me, and singing the “I lo-o-ove you” part of the chorus from “What I’m Trying to Say.” My heart skipped a beat, I must admit.

2. Jens Lekman – Night Falls Over Kortedala

Jens Lekman is my favorite scandinavian – and I’m not exaggerating. He secured this distinction with his new album, Night Falls Over Kortedala. It is one of the most unique, funny, and poignant albums ever compiled. His humorous descriptions of real life, accompanied by fun samples and disco-esque beats, will not fail to make listeners grin. And try to restrain from snapping your fingers or tapping your toes – it is impossible. I will never get tired of listening to this album; it is impossibly great. “Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig” and “I’m Leaving You Because I Don’t Love You” are phenomenal.

1. Of Montreal – Hissing Fauna Are You the Destroyer?

A short and sweet description: the best album ever. It seems like my entire musical life was meaningless and shallow until I found this album. Kevin Barnes’ personal sorrows translate into 50 minutes of danceable, steamy, catchy, psychedelic nirvana. If I had to choose between Hissing Fauna and oxygen, I would probably choose Hissing Fauna. No joke. I saw OM perform this album twice this year, and I had the time of my life belting out the lyrics and dancing madly. However, a disclaimer: most people will find this album incredibly strange. Especially those of, ahem, the elderly persuasion. It is impossible to choose favorites from this album… Every song is amazing. “Cato as a Pun” is the steamiest song, while “The Past is a Grotesque Animal” is superintense. “We Were Born the Mutants Again with Leafling” will grow on you with every listen, and “She’s a Rejector” will have you hopping up and down like a mental patient on crack. Believe me, this album changed my life.