9. The National- Alligator


Is there already a subgenre named for the kind of rambling indie-rock bands like Broken Social Scene, The National, Arcade Fire and, to a lesser extent, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Datarock are producing? For all the flaws and perceived lesser importance been given to vocals and clean production, there's a whole batch of albums out there that have a lot of exuberance in presentation and instrumentation. Alligator is probably the most refined and downcast record of this set yet raises the bar by marrying some of the wickedest lyrics with this lovely wrecked music and in guitarist/composer Matt Berninger have a very sensible black velvet-voiced singer. Abel's the most raucous and brings memories of Pixies' energy, Mr. November's a navel starer of the first order and All The Wine the most miserablist and the rest of the songs are nicely placed inbetween that Bermuda triangle. Highlights are the quirky Looking For Astronauts, the sour 'n sweet Karen and the wonderfully offbeat little shoegazer Friend Of Mine.