1. Tegan and Sara

Lesbian sisters come out with a strong album. I haven’t really been a fan of theirs before, but this album is good. Track #2 is ace (Relief next to me). Plus they got rid of those ugly butch haircuts they were sporting and now look kinda cute.

2. Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Two Mexicans on acoustic guitars, making good music. Great for them, maybe they’ll get lucky and get immigration papers from some country. They are pretty hype right now, but they are quite swell.

3. Richard Hawley

Former Pulp/Longpigs member comes back with another strong crooner album. Who said Britpop was dead?

4. Shout out Louds

Swedish band who grew probably grew up listening to 90s Cure. Because they sound exactly like that.

5. Spoon

One of the best albums this years, with one of the worse album titles of the year.

6. New Pornographers

Easily my most listened to album of the summer.

7. Jens Lekman

Another Swede, this album is absolutely fantastic. Very poppy.

8. St. Vincent

Still frequently listen to this album.

9. Buffalo Tom/Rosie Thomas/The Coral

Three different types of bands, yet I listen to them all the same.