Sonic Outpost

I saw them about 2 years ago opening for Metric. I thought they had something quite interesting if they took a slight bit of the edge off. This album does more than that. They move slightly more to the pop spectrum bringing in some disco and shoegaze influences. Strong album overall. Looking forward to what they do next.

Highlights:

• Baptism
• Empathy
• Vietnam
• Pap Smear

LCD Soundsystem led by the ultimate hipster, James Murphy who embraces the "I'm so uncool, it's cool" estethic, returns with their signature electro-funk-soul sound. I love this band because their sound always gets you swaying to their music. Album doesn't feel as strong as their last "Sounds of Silver" (one of the best albums of the 00's), but I find their songs always get better with more listens.

Highlights:

• Dance Yrself Clean
• One Touch
• Drunk Girls

This band has created some of the best songs of the decade and they return with their most complete album to date. Dealing with the uncommon topic of long term relationships (marriage, brotherhood), Hot Chip's electro-soul sound breathes life and excitement into the very unlikely topic for a rock album.

Incredible keyboards, catchy beats, thoughtful lyrics, and a wonderful vocal performance will make this one of the best albums of the year.

Highlights:

• Theives in the Night
• I Feel Better
• One Life Stand

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Returning after a great self-titled debut, Vampire Weekend could have gone either more mainstream or more experimental. Contra is interesting because it seems to accomplish both at once. The songs, with the Carribean/African influenced pop-rock, take many unexpected twists and turns, while maintaining a sound that most people would enjoy. Overall, a pretty solid album.

For those unfamiliar with the sound, think a slightly more "rock"-ier Paul Simon's Graceland.

Highlights:

• Horchata
• White Sky
• Cousins

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