Didn't It Rain
Secretly Canadian
Probably the best offering thusfar from Chicago-based singer/songwriter Jason Molina. Gritty, Lo-Fi songs about . . . mostly Chicago. Recorded live-in-the-studio, this incarnation of Songs:Ohia is certainly the most country-influenced offering to date. Amazing.
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Warner Bros.
Another great one from the 'Lips. This offering displays a practically obsessive fixation on Japanese enertainment culture - drawing from heroic science fiction anime and low-budget kitsch. I'm sure you have it at home.
Blazing Arrow
Quannum Records
Simply the best hip-hop offering since 1999's "Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star." Blackalicious is one of the most unique, free-form, talented, insightful, original, and experimental hip hop groups on the planet. This Bay-area duo, headed up by MC "The Gift of Gab" provides one of the freshest hip-hop releses you may hear for years to come.
Blacklisted
Bloodshot Records
The latest and best album from Red-headed Y'allthenative sweetheart Neko Case. Backed by Calexico and seemingly autobiographic, this album has been called "haunting" by just about everyone who has reviewed it. I'll call it "spooky."
Old Numbers
Free Election Records
The Twin-Cities' own sad-song heroes, the Ashtray Hearts play some of the most despondent numbers imaginable, while establishing connectivity with listeners through "I've-been-there-too" narratives. A blending of The Red House Painters and The Jayhawks.