As is always the case, I ended up listening to more old music than new this year, so it can be hard to separate the new stuff in my mind. I did get my hands on quite a few new releases, though there are some notable absentees, such as the new Radiohead album that I just got on CD a week or so ago. Allow me to run down the highlights of the year, roughly in order from best to least best.

The National - Boxer
There's not much better of an introduction to this fantastic band than Boxer. The songs are structurally simple, but terrifically layered and built, and contain plenty of subtle nuance. More importantly, though, it's powerful stuff, and pretty thoroughly awesome from start to finish. The more The National I hear, the more I love them, and they're a particularly ridiculous live show.

Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
I suppose two albums should be enough to prove that a band's initial success isn't a fluke, but just in case you were still questioning Explosions in the Sky's status as the post-rock band, their third spectacular proper album in a row should lay any doubts to rest. It sees the band growing and changing a bit, incorporating new instruments and pushing in different directions. It goes without saying that I can't wait to hear more from my favorite band.

Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
Zach Condon not only proves that he's the real deal with his second full length release, but also establishes a band and moves his music beyond just the range of the Gulag. It's a tighter disc, and perhaps a bit more upbeat, too. As far as indie-pop - especially indie-pop heavy on the horns and light on the guitars - goes, Beirut is it.

Dethklok - Dethalbum
It's fucking Dethklok. End of review.

Gogol Bordello - Super Taranta!
I must admit that Super Taranta! sort of got old fast for me. I listened to it almost constantly for a month, and then the amount of time I spent with Gogol Bordello dropped off to almost nothing in a hurry. It was worth the purchase for that month of non-stop listening, though. This album is fun, and while I only really care for a bare handful of the many tracks anymore, they're still great to sing / scream / yell along to.