This year there were introductions and re-introductions. Daft Punk’s vision for Tron finally came to life, Sufjan Stevens had people questioning his musical direction, and we welcomed back BRMC’s brand of old school rock ‘n’ roll. We got to meet instrument builders Buke & Gass, the soulful Sharon Van Etten and up and coming electronic artist Baths. The following list is my version of handing you a bunch of albums with my favorite tracks marked off.

1

Read “The High Violet Effect”

2

Electric President – The Violent Blue Feathers The Violent Blue Safe and Sound

3

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Beat the Devil’s Tattoo Mama Taught Me Better Conscience Killer Shadow’s Keeper

4

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – Hawk You Won’t Let Me Down Again Come Undone Snake Song

5

Baths – Cerulean Aminals Indoorsy Maximalist

6

Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz Vesuvius Age of Adz Impossible Soul

7

Buke & Gass – Riposte Sleep Gets Your Ghost Your Face Left Before You Revel In Contempt

8

My Jerusalem – Gone for Good Sleepwalking Valley of Causualties Farewell

9

Sharon Van Etten – Epic Peace Signs Don’t Do It Save Yourself

10

Junip – Fields (Deluxe Edition) In Every Direction Black Refuge Official

11

The Album Leaf – A Chorus of Storytellers There Is A Wind Within Dreams Stand Still

12

The Dig – Electric Toys Two Sisters in Love She’s Going to Kill That Boy Carry Me Home

13

School of Seven Bells – Disconnect From Desire Heart Is Strange Joviann Dust Devil

14

Cars & Trains – The Roots, The Leaves Asleep on a Train Intimidated By Silence The Birds In Your Chest

15

Daft Punk – Tron: Legacy Solar Sailer Tron Legacy (End Titles) Disc Wars

16

Themselves – Crownsdown & Company The Mark (Buck 65 Remix) Daxstrong (13 & God Remix) Skinning The Drum (Odd Nosdam Remix)

17

Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More I Gave You All The Cave Dust Bowl Dance

18

TOBACCO – Maniac Meat Fresh Hex (feat. Beck) Sweatmother Unholy Demon Rhythms

19

Grinderman – Grinderman 2 Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man Worm Tamer Kitchenette

20

Dosh – Tommy Airlift Subtractions Nevermet