If you like Vampire Weekend, then you will love Vacationer. This is a very good CD and live the band can duplicate skillfully their studio sound. The songs 'Trip' and 'Gone' you will not be able to shake from your head for weeks.
What's great about it: They are really skilled musicians for a young band.
Although Oh Land's self-titled CD was released on a major label in the USA during March 2011, it is still relatively unknown to most pop music fans in the States who are focused on mainstream artists such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, and others. Too bad, as this CD with it's great melodies and musical arrangements from beginning to end, is the best pop album of 2011 so far. Oh Land's voice is beautiful and has exceptional range and the band behind her is very talented as well. Pick-up this CD while you can for just $9.99; you will like every song on it.
What's great about it: Every song is good to excellent
Cut/Copy has done an incredible job of approximating the sounds of '80s and early '90s Romantic-New Wave with 'Zonoscope'. Although a bit derivative, this CD, with it's fine vocals and hooks, is really good. If you like Depeche Mode, you will really like Cut/Copy. Pick it up while it is just $9.99...you won't regret it.
What's great about it: Something really different for 2011
This is The Decemberists' best CD so far; The Crane Wife is close behind at second. If you are a long time REM fan, then this CD is a must for you. This should become a college rock classic, in the vein of REM's 'Document' CD. Love every song on it!
What's great about it: Peter Buck's influence on the songs
What's not so great: Never on-sale beyond the release week
Very pretty songs, especially 'French Navy', 'Sweetest Thing', 'Swans', 'James', and 'Honey In The Sun'. This is one of my favorite CDs of 2009 - highly recommended if you are a fan of She & Him and 60's girl groups with substance - every song is good.
What's great about it: Deeply melodic and heartfelt
This is a very good piece of work - it is on almost everyones' 'Best of 2009' list; indie rock with a Beach Boys flair. Nothing contrived here - the lyrics are straight from the heart.
What's great about it: Melodic, heartfelt, coastal CA vibe
If you became a fan of Bat For Lashes with 'Two Suns', you should check out 'Fur and Gold'; it is not as immediate as 'Two Suns' but is quite good and will grow on you.
What's great about it: Almost as good as 'Two Suns'
This CD is not as immediate as Miranda's prior two CDs but with repeated spins it is just as good and will grow on you. Miranda continues to write great songs.
What's great about it: Miranda's sweet singing voice