| Top 10 Albums Of The Year So Far |
| 1 |  | Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Unique, interesting, and intricate. Melodies that stick. And occasionally even breathtakingly beautiful. |
| 2 |  | Tiny Vipers
Life on Earth
Spare? Yes. Sparse? Yes. Beautiful? You bet. This is amazing songcraft and the most minute proportions. Lyricism and construction almost steal the show, only beat out by the restrained but passionate vocals of Jesy Fortino. |
| 3 |  | Antony and the Johnsons
The Crying Light
Much less in your face with his motives, and much more emotional and serene. This is a beautiful album. |
| 4 |  | St. Vincent
Actor
Clever lyrics and orchestration with a fragile but terrific vocal performance across the board. |
| 5 | | Wildbirds & Peacedrums
The Snake
Utterly unique. Nothing else sounds like them. Blending elements of jazz and rock and what would normally just be classified as "other", W&P make elegantly crafted, and primal music, with AMAZING vocals. |
| 6 |  | Camera Obscura
My Maudlin Career
This is one of the most pretty albums of the year. Soft, but with a kick. Tracyanne Campbell's trademark sullen delivery is beautiful. "French Navy" is one of the best songs of the year. |
| 7 |  | Dirty Projectors
Bitte Orca
This is one of the most interesting yet. Constant shifts, each one brilliant. "Stillness is the Move" is incredible. |
| 8 |  | Mirah
(a)spera
Mirah's voice is one of the best in music today, despite its meekness. She has a quiet confidence that shines wonderfully, and her lyrics are almost always intriguing and smart. One of the best female singer-songerwriters of the decade. |
| 9 |  | Amadou & Mariam
Welcome to Mali
World music meets, well, almost everything else. So constantly entertaining and brilliant. |
| 10 |  | Neko Case
Middle Cyclone
I am not a country fan. But Neko Case is different; she grabs me. Her voice is fire. Her lyrics are amazing. And the music is always just right. This is top-notch stuff. "This Tornado Loves You" is one of the best openers in recent memory. |
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