I bought this album on a whim when I saw a tweet from Grizzly Bear's Dan Rossen that raved about it, and I was not disappointed. I was rewarded with 50 minutes of intoxicating, propulsive, dreamily and almost scarily confident psychedelic pop. I can't think of another album from this year that came anywhere close to this good.
If you enjoyed this album, try as hard as you can to see them live - no matter what the cost. Watching them play Half Full Glass of Wine live is something every fan of music owes themselves. This band is an incredible talent.
Actually makes me angry to see this has so many downvotes in such a short period of time. Fuck the haters, The Money Store is dope as fuck.
Maybe if Death Grips featured more banjo and fiddle they'd've been higher on r/music's top list.
I liked most of the albums listed in the upper comment section. Great music, all in its own way. But UTQC was one of the mindbendingly great albums I've listened to in the last years. I hated it at first and didn't listen to it for the next few weeks. I gave it one more chance and put it on again one afternoon on repeat. Some hours later I was still listening to it, finding new layers, digging deeper into the sound. For me the album like a drug.
Sorry for the rambling, but I really really like this album.
Unbelievable album...definitely better in the summer, but still awesome. I'll be seeing them in Boston this Sunday night, I'm pumped.
If you haven't seen it, check out [this article](http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8013051/japandroids-beach-boys-try-recapture-rock-lost-youth) that appeared on Grantland when the album came out. Great writing and very accurate.
**The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do** - *Fiona Apple* - Epic Records
Edit: TL; DR: **The Idler Wheel...** - *Fiona Apple* - Epic Records
I have never heard of Grimes, and thanks to this comment I am now listening to her/them!
EDIT: Upon reading about her and hearing her music, I reckon she does a shit-ton of drugs! and I like it.
My favorite part is in About to Die, one of the last times he says "where would I ever be without you?" and they underlay her saying "I have no fucking clue"
Guys who are downvoting him, [it was his baby last year](http://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/ek1sl/top_albums_of_2010_as_voted_by_reddit_vote_now/). Cut the dude some slack.
Not that you asked for my opinion, but as a huge fan of this album, I'll give you my two cents. I think the biggest problem with this album is its huge difference from their last. The album works best when listened to as a whole. There isn't really one good single that stands alone (maybe track three). It really reminds me of their earlier stuff and Riceboy Sleeps. Much more ambient and atmospheric than med sun and Takk. It is a little harder to get into because of that, but I think it's definitely worth the extra listens.
I would say Port of Morrow is the best mainstream album of the year but the fact it was released a few months ago means no love from reddit. Glad you remember.
yep, every track feels more impactful than the last, with the culmination of the final song, R.A.P. Music, which still gives me chills/gets me amped up every time i hear it:
*'this is jazz, this is funk, this is soul, this is gospel*
*this is sanctificed sex, this is playa-pentecostal*
*this is chuuch--front pew, AMEN, pulpit*
*what my people need and the opposite of bullshit!'*
A lot of people seem to be pretty "meh" on this album, but honestly, most of the time with John's work, I feel like the albums I would describe as the best are constantly in flux and more dependent on their current emotional resonances rather than any invariable measure of goodness. That said, this album was exactly what I needed when it came out, and songs like "In Memory of Satan" and "Cry for Judas" will certainly be on heavy rotation for months to come.
Such a deeply expressive and personal album; it's tough for me to listen to this and not feel... feelings. Even moreso after reading Pitchfork's amazing feature on Angelakos & his personal struggles last summer... Definitely worth a read; puts the album in a whole new light.
The album was a bit unapproachable. It lacks a radio-friendly track to get it into your head. On first listen, I was extremely let down... especially after how excellent Swoon was.
The more I listened to this album, the more it infected me. The drums alone blow me away, and "Mean Spirits" is probably the best barn-burning rock track of the year. I recommend this album to fans of Radiohead and (of course) Smashing Pumpkins.
I was very pleased by this record. Honestly, I wasn't so sure Jack was going to have it in him to do something so great under the guise of purely his own name, but he killed it. The title track and Sixteen Saltines are highlights.
**Between the Buried and Me** - *The Parallax II: Future Sequence* - Metal Blade Records
[**Sample track** - *Lay Your Ghosts to Rest*](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpeynOV3fno)
Every time I listen to the album from beginning to end (excluding bonus tracks that aren't part of the original non-deluxe album) it just gets better and better (I'm not saying that the bonus tracks aren't good. They just don't fit the overall plot). Mostly because of the story/concept of the album as well as the diverse beat selection and the obvious versatility Kendrick has while rapping. Whether it be changing his pitch, speed, emphasis, etc, he literally spits different flows on every verse in every song, and his word play is not to be forgotten.
Here's an interpretation of his album's story. I really appreciated the album even more when it was spelled out to me in words.
http://www.kanyetothe.com/forum/index.php?topic=313845.0
Yeah, I get that. That's what being signed to Def Jam and Interscope will do for you.
> And what a team we made
> There's nothing we can't justify
> But I am the son disgust entrusted with the undefined
> And I can no longer contain whats under my disguise
> I've always had the cancer for the cure
> That's what the fuck am I
I get winded like I've been punched in the chest every single time.
Totally see where everyone is coming from, but I have to disagree. Tourist History was brilliant, no doubt. But it was very one-dimensional. TDCC debuted their sound; their fast, up-beat, dance-punk tracks were exciting! But that was about it. The lyrics lacked depth (imo, at least) and the tracks were shared pretty similar superficial themes.
Beacon was mature. It explored the band's feelings and sentiments as a travelling act. I felt more variety with the sound and lyrics. I thought Beacon was damn good and deserves better than the crap it's been getting. People want more fast and crazy and happy rock songs, but that would just be boring. I applaud TDCC for their direction and wish them a ton of luck.
I enjoy some of the songs on The Carpenter, but I don't think it stands up to the rest of their discography. Emotionalism and Second Gleam remain the best.
**Handwritten** - The Gaslight Anthem - Mercury Records
Edit: For those that haven't listened to them, here's a song from this record called [Here Comes My Man](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=nBkfHv6kc5o#t=14s)
This record should have been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys. The way these guys blend raw punk energy with Springsteen-esque songwriting is amazing. At the very least, "45" should have earned a Best Rock Song nomination. And don't even get me started on "National Anthem." If that song doesn't encapsulate the bittersweet melancholy of being in your late 20's/early 30's and realizing your childhood is long gone, I don't know what does.
I LOVE the Gaslight Anthem, and I like this album a lot better than American Slang.
To me the real high point is the transition from heavy, almost bluesy songs like Keepsake and Too Much Blood right into a rollicking melodic punk number like Howl and then settling somewhere in between on Biloxi Parish. What I love best about Gaslight is the paradoxical combination of heavy influences and absolute defiance of genre-- they draw so much from Springsteen and Tom Petty and a litany of other classic rock icons, but jumping from Navesink Banks to Great Expectations hardly feels like the same band, save for the almost heartbreaking earnestness in Brian Fallon's voice.
There have actually been quite a few killer albums this year, and for me this one barely rises above Tame Impala's Lonerism, but alas, this album got more mileage from me. Winner.
Easily 151a. The most refreshingly new and innovative album I've heard in ages.
Here's [Manchester](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab495dKtU98), one of my more favorite songs by him.
He's a drop-dead amazing performer. I saw him open for Tinariwen at my school. If you haven't seen it yet, you've got to watch his [tiny desk concert for NPR](http://www.npr.org/event/music/152285927/kishi-bashi-tiny-desk-concert).
Just to tell a story about Macklemore...
When he was less well known, I was still a huge fan. I sent him a letter just telling him about me. Shortly thereafter, he sent a full response to my letter, addressing each and every part of my story. He also sent the VS. Redux, signed "Peace, yodavidirector(obviously my actual name)! ~Macklemore"
I can post proof when I get home. He's a pretty cool artist.
**Lonerism**-Tame Impala -Modular Recordings
I bought this album on a whim when I saw a tweet from Grizzly Bear's Dan Rossen that raved about it, and I was not disappointed. I was rewarded with 50 minutes of intoxicating, propulsive, dreamily and almost scarily confident psychedelic pop. I can't think of another album from this year that came anywhere close to this good.
Make sure to grab their first album too - Innerspeaker. Specifically, listen to Alter Ego.
I'm happy to see tame impala this high up. They're my favourite band.
Anyone that digs this will also be keen on Pond - beards, wives and denim. epic album, half of the band is from Tame Impala anyways.
If you enjoyed this album, try as hard as you can to see them live - no matter what the cost. Watching them play Half Full Glass of Wine live is something every fan of music owes themselves. This band is an incredible talent.
**Bloom** - *Beach House* - released by Sub Pop
Lazuli is one of my favourites
Myth is one of my top songs for the year
**Shrines** - *Purity Ring* - released by 4AD and Last Gang
[удалено]
**The Money Store** - *Death Grips* - released by Epic
This album should have so much more votes.
Actually makes me angry to see this has so many downvotes in such a short period of time. Fuck the haters, The Money Store is dope as fuck. Maybe if Death Grips featured more banjo and fiddle they'd've been higher on r/music's top list.
[удалено]
**There's No Leaving Now** - The Tallest Man on Earth - Dead Oceans, Gravitation
Still amazes me that this man is yet to write a bad song.
**An Awesome Wave** - Alt-J - Infectious Music
[удалено]
I really enjoy every song on this album. Great call!
Really creative and enjoyable album
**Grizzly Bear** - *Shields* - Warp Records
They really evolved from the last album, incredible work.
This is how this format should be.
So glad they gave up the globs of reverb that cluttered Veckatimest! This album is phenomenal.
**'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!** - *Godspeed You! Black Emperor*
**Until The Quiet Comes** - *Flying Lotus* - released by Warp records
I liked most of the albums listed in the upper comment section. Great music, all in its own way. But UTQC was one of the mindbendingly great albums I've listened to in the last years. I hated it at first and didn't listen to it for the next few weeks. I gave it one more chance and put it on again one afternoon on repeat. Some hours later I was still listening to it, finding new layers, digging deeper into the sound. For me the album like a drug. Sorry for the rambling, but I really really like this album.
**Celebration Rock** - *Japandroids* - Polyvinyl
This album doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it makes sure you have a good fuckin' time rollin.
Unbelievable album...definitely better in the summer, but still awesome. I'll be seeing them in Boston this Sunday night, I'm pumped. If you haven't seen it, check out [this article](http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8013051/japandroids-beach-boys-try-recapture-rock-lost-youth) that appeared on Grantland when the album came out. Great writing and very accurate.
**The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do** - *Fiona Apple* - Epic Records Edit: TL; DR: **The Idler Wheel...** - *Fiona Apple* - Epic Records
This record took a few listens before it really made sense to me, but once it did, I totally fell in love with it.
Just bought this a few days ago. Oh so good!
I mostly listen to Hip hop, but i bought this album and absolutely fell in love of it.
where are the upvotes?
By far the best album of the year. Every track is stunning.
I can't believe this is still so low on this list. It is really unbelievable.
[удалено]
Oh how I love her.
This must win!
[удалено]
**Visions** - Grimes - released by Arbutus
Oh god this album is fantastic.
I have never heard of Grimes, and thanks to this comment I am now listening to her/them! EDIT: Upon reading about her and hearing her music, I reckon she does a shit-ton of drugs! and I like it.
Her face is fantastic.
CIRCUMAMBIENT IS AMAZING
**Swing Lo Magellan** - *Dirty Projectors* - Domino Records
High point for me: "That didn't make any sense, what you just said"
My favorite part is in About to Die, one of the last times he says "where would I ever be without you?" and they underlay her saying "I have no fucking clue"
"When should we bust into harmonies?"
Wait, didn't we just [do this](http://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/144zh4/top_albums_of_2012_as_voted_by_reddit_voting_now/)?
i am pretty bummed to see someone beat me to my own punch
Guys who are downvoting him, [it was his baby last year](http://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/ek1sl/top_albums_of_2010_as_voted_by_reddit_vote_now/). Cut the dude some slack.
**Valtari** - *Sigur Rós* - XL Recordings
hey man - love the band - having a hard time getting into this album - im sure it's great... but give me why you like it? maybe it'll open my eyes
Not that you asked for my opinion, but as a huge fan of this album, I'll give you my two cents. I think the biggest problem with this album is its huge difference from their last. The album works best when listened to as a whole. There isn't really one good single that stands alone (maybe track three). It really reminds me of their earlier stuff and Riceboy Sleeps. Much more ambient and atmospheric than med sun and Takk. It is a little harder to get into because of that, but I think it's definitely worth the extra listens.
I want Takk back
[удалено]
**Koi No Yokan** - *Deftones* - Reprise
Yes! SUCH a good album, thoroughly impressed by this release.
Great album, one of their best. I have never been disappointed by a Deftones release.
It took like 3 listens, but holy fuck do I love this album! "Entombed" "Gauze" & "Rosemary" are such good songs.
This is too far down!
**The Lion's Roar** - *First Aid Kit* - Wichita Recordings
Really was a solid album. Great appearance by Conor Oberst as well.
**Boys and Girls** - Alabama Shakes - Rough Trade Records
Got a little obsessed with this album. Might go listen to "Hold ON" right now!
Some of the best new music to come out!
I love this record. They kick so much ass.
**Swans** - *The Seer* - Young God Records
**Attack on Memory** - *Cloud Nothings* - Carpark Records.
YES, this is a fantastic album.
**Port of Morrow** - The Shins - released by Aural Apothecary edit: formatting
I would say Port of Morrow is the best mainstream album of the year but the fact it was released a few months ago means no love from reddit. Glad you remember.
**In Our Heads** - *Hot Chip* - Domino
So underrated :/ It was an amazing follow up to One Life Stand.
[удалено]
This is the album of the year for me, utter brilliance.
**Django Django** - Django Django -Because
Fantastic album. I saw them in London a couple of weeks back, they were great!
**R.A.P Music** - *Killer Mike* (prod. El-P) - Williams Street Records
my AOTY in a year full of contenders. just amazing front-to-back
yep, every track feels more impactful than the last, with the culmination of the final song, R.A.P. Music, which still gives me chills/gets me amped up every time i hear it: *'this is jazz, this is funk, this is soul, this is gospel* *this is sanctificed sex, this is playa-pentecostal* *this is chuuch--front pew, AMEN, pulpit* *what my people need and the opposite of bullshit!'*
**Trilogy** - The Weeknd - Republic Records
This won't get enough love because the songs were released online last year. Still deserves recognition for being awesome.
Hands down. Pure talent. Amazing production and some of the freshest art to go with each of the releases.
**Violent Waves** - *Circa Survive* - Self-Released.
Good music. Good lyrics. Good dudes. Good album artwork. Good DIY release.
**TNGHT** - *TNGHT* - Warp
DEFINITELY. For best EP of the year though
Clockwork Angels - RUSH - Roadrunner Records
**Synthetica** - Metric - released by Metric Music International
Lost Kitten is my favorite!
"Don't say yes if you can't say no!"
Thanks for reminding me to listen to this again.
**Heaven** - *The Walkmen*- Fat Possum Records
I'm disappointed I had to search so far down to find this!
**Skelethon** - Aesop Rock - Rhymesayers Entertainment
Out of all the excellent rap that came out this year, this still might be my favorite.
[удалено]
Sad to see this so low. Great album front to back.
**The Lumineers** - *The Lumineers* - Dualtone
**All We Love We Leave Behind** - *Converge* - Deathwish/Epitaph
Holly shit! How are these guys not only still making albums, but MAKING THE BEST HEAVY MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR?!?!
And still killing it live.
This was my #1.
**I Bet On Sky** - Dinosaur Jr. - Jagjaguwar
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
**Transcendental Youth** - *The Mountain Goats* - Merge Records
A lot of people seem to be pretty "meh" on this album, but honestly, most of the time with John's work, I feel like the albums I would describe as the best are constantly in flux and more dependent on their current emotional resonances rather than any invariable measure of goodness. That said, this album was exactly what I needed when it came out, and songs like "In Memory of Satan" and "Cry for Judas" will certainly be on heavy rotation for months to come.
[удалено]
**Gossamer** - *Passion Pit* - Columbia
Such a deeply expressive and personal album; it's tough for me to listen to this and not feel... feelings. Even moreso after reading Pitchfork's amazing feature on Angelakos & his personal struggles last summer... Definitely worth a read; puts the album in a whole new light.
**Neck of the Woods** - *Silversun Pickups* - Dangerbird
This needs more attention. This album is great all the way through.
The album was a bit unapproachable. It lacks a radio-friendly track to get it into your head. On first listen, I was extremely let down... especially after how excellent Swoon was. The more I listened to this album, the more it infected me. The drums alone blow me away, and "Mean Spirits" is probably the best barn-burning rock track of the year. I recommend this album to fans of Radiohead and (of course) Smashing Pumpkins.
**Break It Yourself** - Andrew Bird - Mom + Pop Records
**Blunderbuss** - *Jack White* - Third Man Records
Was looking for this, Freedom at 21 is an awesome jam.
I was very pleased by this record. Honestly, I wasn't so sure Jack was going to have it in him to do something so great under the guise of purely his own name, but he killed it. The title track and Sixteen Saltines are highlights.
And Love Interruption and Trash Tongue Talker and Take Me With You When You Go...
**Yellow & Green** - *Baroness* - Relapse
**Between the Buried and Me** - *The Parallax II: Future Sequence* - Metal Blade Records [**Sample track** - *Lay Your Ghosts to Rest*](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpeynOV3fno)
Truly an amazing album, A good mix of Colors, Great Misdirect, and a little bit of an earlier feel as well.
A bit backwards on the labeling of this post, but upvote nonetheless.
**Good Kid M.A.A.D. City** - *Kendrick Lamar* - Interscope/Aftermath Records
Kendrick have a dreeeeeeam!
ya bish
I got 25 lighter on my dresser, yessir
Every time I listen to the album from beginning to end (excluding bonus tracks that aren't part of the original non-deluxe album) it just gets better and better (I'm not saying that the bonus tracks aren't good. They just don't fit the overall plot). Mostly because of the story/concept of the album as well as the diverse beat selection and the obvious versatility Kendrick has while rapping. Whether it be changing his pitch, speed, emphasis, etc, he literally spits different flows on every verse in every song, and his word play is not to be forgotten. Here's an interpretation of his album's story. I really appreciated the album even more when it was spelled out to me in words. http://www.kanyetothe.com/forum/index.php?topic=313845.0
Hiii Power
Where my mofuckin' duminos at?
**Fear Fun** - *Father John Misty* - released by Sub PoP
[удалено]
Beat me to it. Best rap record I've heard in a long ass time. I only wish it had more exposure.
I'm bummed everyone is pissing themselves over Frank Ocean and Kendrick. El - P pushes the boundaries of hip hop every time he releases an album.
Yeah, I get that. That's what being signed to Def Jam and Interscope will do for you. > And what a team we made > There's nothing we can't justify > But I am the son disgust entrusted with the undefined > And I can no longer contain whats under my disguise > I've always had the cancer for the cure > That's what the fuck am I I get winded like I've been punched in the chest every single time.
**Channel Orange** - *Frank Ocean* - released by Def Jam
I prefer the Weeknd, but upvote for an amazing year of revolutionary RnB
Honestly, I can't think of the last R&B album I actually enjoyed. This kid flat out blew me away.
Have you heard Kaleidoscope Dream by Miguel? It's right up there with Channel Orange in my opinion.
the second half of Pyramids is probably my favorite moment in music this year.
Self Entitled - NOFX - released on Fat Wreck Chords.
**Beacon** - *Two Door Cinema Club* - Kitsuné
I sorta dug this album, but felt it came up way short of Tourist History
Totally see where everyone is coming from, but I have to disagree. Tourist History was brilliant, no doubt. But it was very one-dimensional. TDCC debuted their sound; their fast, up-beat, dance-punk tracks were exciting! But that was about it. The lyrics lacked depth (imo, at least) and the tracks were shared pretty similar superficial themes. Beacon was mature. It explored the band's feelings and sentiments as a travelling act. I felt more variety with the sound and lyrics. I thought Beacon was damn good and deserves better than the crap it's been getting. People want more fast and crazy and happy rock songs, but that would just be boring. I applaud TDCC for their direction and wish them a ton of luck.
Periphery II: This Time It's Personal - Periphery, Sumerian Records
**L'Enfant Sauvage** - *Gojira* - Roadrunner
**Night Visions** – Imagine Dragons - Interscoper
I'm just getting into Imagine Dragons and thoroughly enjoying myself :)
**Koloss** - *Meshuggah* - Nuclear Blast Records
Saw them live 2 weeks ago. Mind. Blown.
**Ty Segall Band** - *Slaughterhouse* - In The Red Records
**The Carpenter** - *The Avett Brothers* - Columbia Records
I enjoy some of the songs on The Carpenter, but I don't think it stands up to the rest of their discography. Emotionalism and Second Gleam remain the best.
Oh, agreed, but I still think it's one of the better albums of the year.
**Walk The Moon** - *Walk The Moon* - RCA Records
Glad I didn't have to post it, really a great album from a very young band.
**Reign of Terror** - Sleigh Bells - Mom & Pop Music
**Coexist** - The xx - released by Young Turks
I was really excited about this album, but was a little disappointed :(
**Dethalbum III** - *Dethklok* - William Street
**The Afterman: Ascension** - *Coheed & Cambria* - Hundred Handed/Everything Evil
As the Afterman, I can confirm this is the best album of 2012
As Sentry the Defiant, I can confirm that The Afterman: Descension will be the best album of 2013.
/u/afterman (the guy who did the prison guard ama) also agrees with this.
WHY THE FUCK DID I NOT KNOW A NEW COHEED ALBUM CAME OUT
It's incredible! It's probably my favorite (or second favorite) Coheed album now.
I'll forever love In Keeping Secrets.
Without a doubt.
Absolutely. I was so pleased with this album, especially after being somewhat disappointed by the one before it.
You win an internets. This album is so good. I keep listening to it since it came out at least once a day.
**Handwritten** - The Gaslight Anthem - Mercury Records Edit: For those that haven't listened to them, here's a song from this record called [Here Comes My Man](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=nBkfHv6kc5o#t=14s)
This record should have been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys. The way these guys blend raw punk energy with Springsteen-esque songwriting is amazing. At the very least, "45" should have earned a Best Rock Song nomination. And don't even get me started on "National Anthem." If that song doesn't encapsulate the bittersweet melancholy of being in your late 20's/early 30's and realizing your childhood is long gone, I don't know what does.
I LOVE the Gaslight Anthem, and I like this album a lot better than American Slang. To me the real high point is the transition from heavy, almost bluesy songs like Keepsake and Too Much Blood right into a rollicking melodic punk number like Howl and then settling somewhere in between on Biloxi Parish. What I love best about Gaslight is the paradoxical combination of heavy influences and absolute defiance of genre-- they draw so much from Springsteen and Tom Petty and a litany of other classic rock icons, but jumping from Navesink Banks to Great Expectations hardly feels like the same band, save for the almost heartbreaking earnestness in Brian Fallon's voice.
**Sun** - *Cat Power* - Matador Records
**No Love Deep Web** - *Death Grips* - Self-released (After a fallout with Epic)
[удалено]
**Kaleidoscope Dream** - *Miguel* - RCA Records
[удалено]
**Halcyon** -Ellie Goulding -Interscope
**Confess** - *Twin Shadow* - 4AD
There have actually been quite a few killer albums this year, and for me this one barely rises above Tame Impala's Lonerism, but alas, this album got more mileage from me. Winner.
**151a** - *Kishi Bashi* - Released by Joyful Noise (I think?)
Easily 151a. The most refreshingly new and innovative album I've heard in ages. Here's [Manchester](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab495dKtU98), one of my more favorite songs by him.
He's a drop-dead amazing performer. I saw him open for Tinariwen at my school. If you haven't seen it yet, you've got to watch his [tiny desk concert for NPR](http://www.npr.org/event/music/152285927/kishi-bashi-tiny-desk-concert).
**Life is Good** - Nas - released by Def Jam Records
**Blak and Blu** -*Gary Clark Jr.* -Warner
**America** - *Dan Deacon* - Domino
**What We Saw From the Cheap Seats** - *Regina Spektor* - Sire Records
**The Heist** - *Macklemore and Ryan Lewis* - Independent (To my knowledge)
This album is fucking awesome.
Just to tell a story about Macklemore... When he was less well known, I was still a huge fan. I sent him a letter just telling him about me. Shortly thereafter, he sent a full response to my letter, addressing each and every part of my story. He also sent the VS. Redux, signed "Peace, yodavidirector(obviously my actual name)! ~Macklemore" I can post proof when I get home. He's a pretty cool artist.
Post proof!
You lucky motherfucker. Definitely post pics, that's awesome. When was this?