The Willys - Part VI

Sorry for the delay kiddos...
it's hard to find time around the holidays....
Back in Boston and back to the countdown

12-9

12. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular










This was on my list last year, but seeing as it was re-released by Columbia this year to widespread appeal it deserves our attention. This trippy duo had arguably my favorite song last year in "Time to Pretend". It still is amazing 1 year later. This year they had another breakout in "Electric Feel" and a minor hit in "Kids". I'm sure you've heard something at this point. If not, you can't go wrong with any of those 3.

11. M83 – Saturdays=Youth










Other than "Don't Save Us From the Flames" from a couple of years ago, I was relatively uninterested in M83. This album changed that. Rather than an album, this plays like a soundtrack to an 80's movie you never saw. At times, it feels like the soundtrack to something like "Risky Business" minus the train ride...."Graveyard Girl" is the hit single, and "Couleurs" is the sound that M83 always aims for. They're one of the few French acts I can stand other than Phoenix.

10. Beck – Modern Guilt










Most of what Danger Mouse has touched turns to gold. Here he strikes again. Teamed with Beck they craft 60's reverbed rock that cuts like a knife. At just over 30 min, these 10 songs cut out the fat and leave you with the meat. "Orphans" pairs Beck with Chan Marshall/Cat Power for a spooky ballad. "Gamma Ray" is Beck's surf rock anthem. "Profanity Prayers" is Beck at his heart...Can You Dig It?

9. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges









Most people can't stand when their favorite band releases that "experimental" album (me included). For most, Evil Urges was that sour taste. For me, I thought Z was the experimental one. Give me all the "Evil Urges" I can handle. The title track soars, while "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream" is a classic! "I'm Amazed" is nothing short of amazing, and could be a hit for crossover country like "When the Stars Go Blue" was butchered by Tim McGraw....