Modest Mouse - No One's First and You're Next

Modest Mouse is a tough one for me, this newest ep takes many listens. There are no definite tracks that make up a good single or radio hit. It's all very obscure and odd. It's like they tried to go back to when they were indie favorites and just be their odd and quirky selves. But it's too late. They have sold their souls to the mainstream radio and MTV. Sorry Modest Mouse, but this was a sad attempt and previous grandness. This should still be downloaded though, there are like maybe two good songs on here, but still far from what they once were. Pitty. 

Download: No One's First and You're Next

Broken Bells

The debut album from Broken Bells. The front man from the Shins meets with a hip hop dj and create this magical little album. It's reminiscent of the 70's, but still here in the now. An excellent album to put on repeat and let play in the background.  

Download: Broken Bells

Jape - The Monkeys in the Zoo Have More Fun Than Me

It is true, the monkeys in the zoo do have more fun than me. Jape's highly acclaimed album, this one won him best album of the year in his home country of Ireland. It really is a great listen. The opening track gets you all excited about the rest of the album, but it is so different that you are like... wait? Is this even the same artist? After an almost hip hop hit, he breaks down into a more relaxed and down beat rythm. Hip hop to folk, this is still a worth while album. His lyrics are true to himself and everyone can relate to them.

I suggest listening on a rainy or cloudy day.

Download: The Monkeys in the Zoo Have More Fun Than Me

The National - Alligator

My personal favorite album from National. I hope this will tide you over till their newest album is released in a few months. They really are a great band, one of the few albums I can turn on anytime and not switch over to another artist. 

Download: Alligator

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

The widely adored album from Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest has been considered one of, if not the best album of 2009. A must download. 

Download : Veckatimest

Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature

Jose's newest album as of 2010, the much acclaimed swedish songwriter and musician has moved on past his very popular cover of Heartbeats. His lyrics are beautiful and his wonderful guitar style are sure to make you fall in love with him, over and over again. 

Download: In Our Nature

Beach House - Teen Dream

The woman that sings for this band also sings for the much more well known band, Grizzly Bear. They toured together in 2009. If you like Grizzly Bear, then this is the perfect album companion. It's like they were born from the same mother, but separated at birth and raised by different families. This is seriously one of the few albums I can listen to endlessly on loop and not want to shut off. I wish I could say that about every album.

Download : Teen Dream