For me, this is easily the album of the year. This guy is quite productive and his newest disc could be his best yet. Mr. Earle's style of country/folk has shades of some of the greats, while still maintaining that unique "it" quality of his own. Although his stock is rising, Mr. Earle is vastly under appreciated. Try: "Ain't Waitin'"

A new Hot Chip release is always something that I very much look forward toward. This album does not disappoint and provides a similar direction to their recent "Made in the Dark." This album has a bit less of the ballads and lets the tracks flow and develop more than the prior album...if that makes sense. Just give it a listen. Try: "One Life Stand"

As an admirer of Sigur Ros' work, I was very much intrigued by Jonsi's solo album. "Go" is mostly upbeat and takes aim at more conventional song structures (seemingly). However, it is Jonsi's overall more organic style that's on display here. Try: "Sinking Friendships"

An excellent album from up-and-coming songwriter Michael Trent, who is also half of the group Shovels and Rope. This is a quality disc of roots/country music that features great songwriting. Try: "Kitchen - Hallway"

While all of the buildup surrounding this album, expectations were running very high. While some tracks were a plain miss, for me, this could certainly be the album of the summer. Try: "Shine Blockas"

Sufjan's first full-length in five years is bound to be divisive. First of all, auto-tune is involved here. As will be noted, Sufjan breaks with his past style into a vastly more electronic realm. However, the songs here are still excellent and, I think, will impress if given an open-minded listen. Try: "Impossible Soul"

This 9-piece Norwegian collective is back with some new material. If you are not acquainted, I highly suggest that you familiarize yourself with their great style of modern, spacey jazz tunes. Try: "Bananfluer Overalt"

Fifty-six minutes of electrified thumb pianos, jammed-out melodies, and a non-stop party. This a great listen. Try: "Konono Wa Wa"

This latest from Willie covers some of the basic country roots and the rest of the album leans heavily in that direction. The guy is living legend and a very active one at that. Try: "Satisfied Mind"

The latest from Arcade Fire has been hotly anticipated by many. For me, this album was a significant step forward from 'Neon Bible,' which just didn't quite do it for me. Although their are a few lackluster tracks, such as the title track, this is a great listen that delivers the high standard expected from this group.

'Bout time for the latest record from this indie troupe of artists. This one could quite possibly be their best full-length. The songs mesh with one another quite well and create quite the listening experience.. Try: "Sentimental X's"

The latest from this Icelandic group continues a similar atmosphere of previous efforts. On this disc, however, there is a greater focus on percussion which translates well.

This disc caught me a bit off guard. Expect something in the vein of Fleet Foxes or The Shins, but they certainly put their own take on the style. There is nothing ground-breaking on this album, but it is a well affirmed album overall. Try: "Sleepin In"

Supposedly the final installment to Johnny Cash's "American" series has finally arrived. This is a very compact disc and not as strong as American V. This one is a no-brainer to give a try and a great listen. Try: "For the Good Times"

The latest from this ensemble led by Luke Temple is a somewhat spaced out romp that meanders through the tracks. While I find the Here We Go Magic efforts to be a bit weaker than his solo material, this is a step forward from their debut. Try: "Pigeons"

The newest from the System does not disappoint. This guy just consistently cranks out some infectious dance tunes and this effort is no exception. However, like other LCD albums, this is not a consistent listen. There are some real duds, such as "Drunk Girls," that are sprinkled amongst the good ones. Try: "Dance Yrself Clean"

As one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, 'Treats' delivers as promised. This album is loud, energy soaked, condensed, and fun. Try: "Kids"

Along the similar vein of their self-titled release, Liars continues with more of the straight-up rock formula..at least as far as Liars is able to do so. Try: "No Barrier Fun"

This EP seems like a collection of B-sides from before Wayne's prison stint. Although there were some duds for me, it's a great listen that shows Wayne in his pre-'Rebirth' style. Try: "Bill Gates"

Yann Tiersen's first studio album in about five years is dreamy take on mortality, from my perspective. This is a great low-key listen in time for Autumn. Try: "Till the End"