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Now I wrote a little note about each album. This is not a review, but maybe a bs attempt at a review. Please give me some feedback on these artists (not my bad reviews)... and if you haven't checked some of them out I strongly recommend you do so. I love all of these albums...

1) The Submarines - Declare a New State!
This album has been the joy of my life since I first heard it. The band consists of two lead singers, Blake and John, girl and boy who's voices resounds so politely together that I almost want to compare them to the stars. I have a 'Stars-like' dedication to this band that extends over most of my critiques for good music. This album was perfect for me this year. As I was reaching a slump for good music I randomly stumbled across this album and it suddenly ignited my desire for falling insanely head over heels for a single album.

2) The Hidden Cameras - Awoo
Such a great indie pop album. This pushes the limits of indie pop farther than it has been pushed yet; something I have really been interested in lately. I find that The Hidden Cameras are at the beginning of a new era of pop music. They bring the listener a new solution, using different techniques and mixtures of rhythm, instruments, and voice. I like to compare them to my favorites of indie pop... sounding most similar to The Arcade Fire.

3) Islands - Return to the Sea
It doesn't take much to die for this album. The Islands are an extremely talented group that at moments remind me of all of my favorites, Stars, Aquaduct, Architecture in Helsinki, even Cloud Cult. This album is just extreme brilliance that someone at my caliber of writing will not do justice to. I do want to say that their brilliant music writing ability is capped by their great messages. They write often of world issues; the track "Rough Gem" is about mining in Africa. This is a great album that everyone needs in their collection.

4) Decemberists - The Crane Wife
This album is truly amazing. I am not a linguist, however, after listening to The Crane Wife a few times through, I felt like one. This is not crediting this album apart from The Decemberists' other albums, however I do want to say that The Decemberists have impressed me with how they have not overly produced this album; produced as in sound not quantity. When you listen to this album there are still slight imperfections here and there that really add to my enjoyment of this album. Beyond that, I feel that this album is a lyrical masterpiece and if you don't know what I mean, you really should listen to this album more.

5) Mountain Goats - Get Lonely
The genius of the Mountain Goats is still all over this record. Lyrically, the narrative simplistic stories allow the listener to feel the characters movements and emotions as if they were a part of the song. The allegories often begin extremely simplistically, explaining certain movements or actions and always bring the listener to a reflective position where they can suddenly see clearly the message and strength of the song. This album is one of John Darnielle's slower, which seems to be extremely self reflective (even more so than his others). I love it.

6) Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
This group, named after the three founders of the group, Peter Moren, Bjorn Yttling, and John Erikkson (PB & J = Brilliance). Their album is real Indie Pop, which I love. Some riffs that just pull you across the world, other moments you will find your feet jiving underneath your desk at work where you will be wanting to whistle along (really good whistling) and bounce to the electronic beats and spanish guitars. Yeah. Great album. Thats what I said.

7) Beirut - Gulag Orkestar
This album pulled me over some serious musical barriers I had in my listening path; to fall in love with something that even I was surprised to fall in love with. This music emulates characteristics of middle eastern tunes stylistically yet the floating vocals of some of my known favorites, most quickly recognized as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

8) Danielson - Ships
This album too has reshaped my desire for new music. The way that Daniel Smith has transfigured pop music is his way of waving good music in the face of mainstream listeners saying, almost, maybe next time. This album lies on the line of accessibility which has me extremely excited, one which finds listeners thinking it somewhat distasteful the first listen (personal experience) but after the fifth time, drooling in disbelief at how it yanked their ideals.

9) Chin Up Chin Up - This Harness Can't Ride Anything
I fell in love with Chin Up Chin Up on their self titled album. However this band continues their great, up step, dance indie pop music throughout this album as well. They have added to their sound by developing their vocals, pulling it out and making it more stark and straight lined. I feel like they are more secure with their vocals; not so much whisper singing. Great album that I know the indie pop ears will love.

10) Ratatat - Classics
This experimental pop electronic album is genius. Thats right, I said experimental pop. This album is great for getting someone in a great mood mostly because of the pop, but also because of Ratatat's willingness to try new samples and instruments together to create thumping triumphant songs that make you move, physically and emotionally. One of their songs, Wildcat, actually features a rearing cat sample worked right into the song. This sample not only adds to the song, but truly makes the song and adds flavor and excitement. Ratatat has changed my venture for original music and has excited me about the possibilities of creation.

11) Ray Lamontagne - Trouble
A jazzy, folky, singer-songwriter, Ray has been added to this year's top 20 albums primarily because of how it fits into my memory for this year. This is an album that is easy to fall in love with, even for a music lover that is not so nutso about jazz like myself. That is just what happened to me with this album. Mostly compiled of romantic ballads, this album promises to mellow anyone out into a self-reflective state and will have you swaying to the jazzy rhythms and sweeping vocals in no time. An absolutely outstanding album.

12) The Blow - Paper Television
This is a female artist that knows how to rock electronic beats. Extremely electronic, this album is not as accessible as it may first come off (think about it). After a few listens, I found myself really wanting to drink it i loved it so much (and then maybe freeze it in the winter and skate on it). To be honest, the lyrics and melody are not amazing, but the strongest artistic qualities lie in the beats. The variations of different sounding beats are extremely impressive and stimulating.

13) Joshua Radin - We Were Here
I apologize to all of you music nazi's out there; yes I do have a romantic sappy side. This album really spun me this year. It all got kicked off when I watched the video for Joshua Radin's single, "Closer" (which you all should check out on You-Tube). After that, I followed my boy Zach's advice and fell straight in love with the acoustic guitar riffs and sweeping soft vocals that were to offer. I do not advocate the romantic standpoints presented through the lyrics in this album however find it acoustically stimulating and melodically mystifying. Delicious album for the "i'm not a nazi" listener.

14) Kaki King - ...Until we felt red
I picked this artist up recently and am currently in the process of falling in love with her. This album has potential to be my number one album in only a short while. This artist has a sound somewhat similar to that of my previous pick, but she expounds from her comfort zone and pushes me as a listener to places where I feel uncomfortable (with less cheesy lyrics too). It is not nearly as accessible as Radin however, it definitely has a strong ideal that wraps you up and kisses you on the cheek. She is so intriguing I yearn for more upon each listen.

15) Sparklehorse - Dreamt For Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain
This is another album that has slowly been creeping up my list recently. I find this to stimulate my pop heart as well as my questioning mind. I love their different varieties of how they execute vocal melodies. I also enjoy how they maintain a deep sound that is warm and majestic. Another great Indie Pop album for anyone with delicious Indie Pop ears. At moments they remind me of Pinback and Elbow.

16) Thom Yorke - The Eraser
I don't really want this album to be on my list because I feel like an immense follower, however, screw it. I listened to this album a whole lot; to the point of me having nostalgic connections to driving on a dark highway while listening. I love this album also because with A Thousand Plateaus losing a drummer recently, I really studied this album for electronic beat ideas and creative stimulation. I just really enjoy this album and would recommend it for anyone that enjoys chill, dark, Kid A style electronic beats and Radiohead vocals; as well as a great production with Thom Yorke quality lyrics.

17) Figurines - Skeleton
This naked indie rock record really caught my attention early in the year. It takes a few listens to truly enjoy the vocals, but the rest of the music is poppy enough to take you there. I guess I really was pulled towards the vocals also because I find them similar to the Modest Mouse trademarked voice. This is definitely more subdued and controlled than most of the known Modest Mouse albums out there, but still caries a similar tone. Maybe it's how it is recorded, I don't know. This album is good, listen to it.

18) The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
I am dismayed that this album is in the negative section of your mind (for most of you I know it is). Because it was released on the radio does not mean it is bad, i.e. Radiohead, Modest Mouse, Decemberists, The White Stripes, etc. Speaking of The White Stripes, Brendan Benson joins up with Jack White to mix the poppy happiness that is Brendan Benson with the dirty grunge-rock that is Jack White. It is a great mix that I personally really enjoy. Jack White has definitely lost a special something in lyric writing on this album and though I enjoy it would not at all equate it with the quality of "Elephant". (well I guess I wouldn't even do that with "Get Behind Me Satan")

19) Elefant - The Black Magic Show
Speaking of Elephant, well Elefant, this album is the Indie Rock mess you have all been waiting for. A little over-produced for my entire support, but these guys are great indie-poprock artists. I would say these guys are at least as good as The Killers. They do not have the widest range of melodies but they push the sound and sometimes that is all you need.

20) The Weepies - Say I am You
This has been classified before as "Aaron Music". The Weepies are a pop band that write relationship focused lyrics with a great warm acoustic sound that is perfect for their style. They have beautiful melodies and harmonies that are deep and guide your emotions through a web of... ugh. It sounds awesome... try it, you will see what I mean.

Almosts
A Thousand Plateaus - The Morris House EP
Band of Horses - Everything All the Time
Cassandra Wilson - Thunderbird
The Court and Spark - Hearts
Damien Rice - 9
Final Fantasy - He Poos Clouds
The Format - Dog Problems
The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America
Masta Killa - Made in Brooklyn
Sondre Lerche - Duper Sessions
The Killers - Sams Town
Sunset Rubdown - Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Tapes & Tapes - The Loon




If you want to sample these artists I set up a little playlist. This is just a sample, you still have to listen to the entire albums in their entirety:
http://aaronvanderzwan.com/audio/mediaplayer.php

Xmas. "those damn liberals always take the christ out of christmas". okay so that opening quote is way misleading for what this post is about... maybe i'll start over.

So is it wierd for me to be getting kinda into christmas lately? I haven't really been doing too much about it, but I know that I have been listening to christmas carols already... which is absurd. i never listen to christmas carols, even when it is around christmas. I guess when i was a child, being in all those choirs made me throw christmas carols up, often (like alcohol and joel in the back/front yard). maybe thats why doug dislikes christmas carols so much too, i don't know. but honestly, sufjan stevens has totally juiced my mojo for christmas. last night i found myself on the way to target looking through christmas stuff to put up in my apartment. okay so thats kind of a lie, all i really wanted was some evergreen something to spice the aromas of the apartment. although, i am excited to go out with robbie next week and choose/cut down our christmas tree, cart it back, and put it up... string it with lights, cheapo decorations, and... i dont know... love maybe?

haha

wierd? yeah sure why the hell not. even if it is entirely nostalgic. listen up people if sufjan and conner get away with it... why the fount of every blessing cant i?