Best CDs (Pop)
Expertise Provided By: Bob Boilen, “NPR”
ALT-J – “An Awesome Wave”
Trippy, catchy pop with elements of progressive rock. Thoroughly original and poetic lyrics that are part of the music and “makes repeated listenings feel like a new discovery.”
Grizzly Bear – “Shields”
Song for song, the highest rated album of the year. A brilliant bunch of tunes, both accessible and quirky, from the Brooklyn-based quartet.
Dirty Projectors – “Swing Lo Magelian”
Although the songs ping-pong from style to style, which might not please every DP fan, the vocals arrangements, the band’s calling card, “have never been better.” The doo-wop song “Offspring Are Blank” is Boilon’s favorite song of the year.
Sharon Van Etten – “Tramp”
A little more rock ‘n roll on Van Etten’s third album, but the music serves the songs and allows Van Etten’s signature ability to simply and subtly express emotion, which she does in “thoughtful and often wrenching” songs.
Cat Power – “Sun”
Boilen acknowledges this album, a new sound for Chan Marshal, a.k.a. Cat Power, takes some getting used to and suffers from poor production quality. But he says it “reveals itself over time,” to those who are patient listeners.
Patrick Watson – “Adventures in Your Own Backyard”
“If you love a record full of melody and unfolding beauty, this is it.” A moving singer and engaging performer who knows how to craft a song, Watson has created an album “with all of the warmth of your best friend’s kitchen.”
Jeff the Brotherhood – “Hypnotic Nights”
Boilen writes, “this record is the closest thing to a new Ramones record we’re likely to get.” Guitar rock seasoned with a sizable serving of humor.
Frank Ocean – “Channel Orange”
Grammy winner and former ghostwriter for John Legend, Brandy, and others, Ocean burst into the spotlight in 2012 as the new voice of soul. A complex soundscape that keeps on giving.
Jack White – “Blunderbuss”
White’s “White Album.” Reminiscent of the range of The Beatles classic double album, “Blunderbuss” roams the musical landscape. Country, rock, and jazz from a musician experimenting with new sounds.
ExitMusic – “Passage”
Singer Aleksa Palladino and guitarist Devon Church are “the perfect musical couple.” Dark and brooding songs mixed with flashes of hope and beauty.