• home
• blog
• music
• vintage
• boards
• store
• about

• Mini Playlist
• Request a song
• Studio Cam

Shiv's picks | Mike's picks | Joe's picks

With mediations on broken hearts and the existence of God, the lead singer of Rilo Kiley has crafted a melancholic masterpiece. Key tracks: "Rise Up With Fists!!!" and "You Are What You Love"

On his third full-length release, Pete brings his unofficial album trilogy full circle from morning, day, to night. Originally slated to be a 2-cd set, there are 12 additional tracks from these sessions floating around between retailer exclusives and the tour-only EP "Westerns." Key tracks: "The Man" and "For Us"

This is the band's 4th album and their strongest to date. The guys continue to push insanely catchy melodies backed by some of the most eclectic instrumentation in the indie world. One can only hope that these guys will keep making albums for many years to come. Key tracks: "Brace Your Face" and "Your Eyes"

The solo debut from the Radiohead frontman is nothing short of stunning. Working with producer Nigel Godrich, Yorke's fragile voice floats above layers of staccato electronic beats and keyboards. This is also my favorite cd packaging of the year. Key tracks: "Harrowdown Hill" and "The Eraser"

I will admit it here: I wasn't really a big fan of this UK band's first album. As such, "The Warning" kind of took me by surprise. Chock full of singles, this is my favorite dance record of the year. Pick up a copy of this for anyone in your family who loves Justin Timberlake's new album…they just might dig this too. Key tracks: "Over And Over" and "Just Like We (Breakdown)"

I've been told that sometimes I don't "rawk out" enough. That changed for several months this year when I couldn't stop listening to this record on repeat. I think the key replay factor for this album is that it succeeds in being familiar and forward thinking at the same time. The fact that they are one of the best live bands I saw all year certainly doesn't hurt either. Key tracks: "Lazy Eye" and "Well Thought Out Twinkles"

Chan Marshall and I never had much of a relationship before "The Greatest" hit my ears, but this record hit me hard. The southern belle has given us her version of "Dusty In Memphis", although it is even more somber. Reports are that the next album will find her tackling covers from the likes of Billie Holiday, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington. Key tracks: "Love & Communication" and "Living Proof"

This 5-piece band from Chicago delivered one of the most impressive debut albums of the year. The genius of this record has not been as full appreciated as it should be, but we've been on a mission to change that here at WOXY. I can't wait to hear what they do next. Key tracks: "Crimes and Follies" and "Western Biographic"

Recruiting a team that includes producer Rick Rubin and the writing talents of Dan Wilson, Neil Finn, and Pete Yorn, the Chicks fearlessly break the rules of what country music is "allowed" to be. Sure, there is still plenty of fiddle and pedal steel here, but the quality of the songwriting and musicianship on display here proves that these ladies have eclipsed their contemporaries. Key tracks: "Not Ready To Make Nice" and "Silent House"

I never thought that a band featuring anybody who used to be in Everclear would make my Top 10 list…but here goes. This L.A. trio's debut disc is chock full of insanely catchy indie pop. I'm hopelessly in love with this record and look forward to catching them live in the new year. Highly recommended to fans of The Breeders, Belly, and (old) Veruca Salt. Key tracks: "Across The Stars In Blue" and "Tripped"

You really can't count these Scots out. This is their 7th, and quite possibly their best, album. Key tracks: "Funny Little Frog" and "The Blues Are Still Blue"

5 years off in-between albums usually spells disaster. With Built To Spill, there was nothing to fear -- the songs on this disc are on par with their best work. Key tracks: "Goin' Against Your Mind" and "Conventional Wisdom"

It's not that this Cincy trio's debut disc was bad. It certainly wasn't. I guess it's just that this 2nd record really took it to the next level. The growth shown here in musicianship and songwriting is the reverse of the sophomore slump. Key tracks: "Into The Open" and "Searching For The Ghost"

Instant party, just press play. Even though this one is split up into individual tracks, you shouldn't. You've got to listen to the fun from beginning to end.

I still don't get the fact that they signed to Interscope here in the states (who stupidly sat on the record for months and months since they had no idea what the hell to do with it), but those silly industry politics are, thankfully, superceded by the music. Key tracks: "I Was A Lover" and "Wolf Like Me"

On her first album in 4 years, Neko is joined by an incredible team of collaborators including members of Calexico, Giant Sand, and The Band. This disc has been Neko's most successful from a sales perspective and also was recently named #1 Album Of The Year on the CMJ charts, reflecting college/non-commercial radio airplay. Key tracks: "Hold On, Hold On" and "The Needle Has Landed"

Kim Gordon is actually 2 years older than Mama Shiv. And yet, while my Mom is headed for bed each night by 9pm, Kim and the guys of Sonic Youth are still rocking my balls off. This record is surprisingly straightforward and features some of their most accessible tunes in years. Key tracks: "Incinerate" and "Jams Run Free"

I first fell in love with this band upon the release of their "Sleep Late For A Better Tomorrow" EP, but their debut album really takes them to the next level. This record goes from dreamy indie pop to distortion-filled instrumental showstoppers in a matter of moments. It's not just a solid record, at times it's outright breathtaking. Key tracks: "No Radio" and "Monument"

After escaping the major label world, Charlotte and her husband (producer Ken Andrews) formed their own label and went the DIY route to deliver the music that she wanted to make without interference. The end result is a very open, honest and more cutting edge record than she's previously been able to produce. Key tracks: "Civilized" and "Keep Me In Your Pocket"

I was never a big Dire Straits fan, but I grew up with my Dad listening to them. My mom loved Emmylou Harris, but I've only been able to appreciate her in the last few years. Throw these 2 unique voices together into one album and you've got a surprising treat. Key tracks: "This Is Us" and "Beachcombing"