A few that come to mind:

Arcade Fire--Funeral--One of the best things I've heard in a very long time. Lovely melodies, wonderful voices (especially the male lead, Win? Is that his name?). I love the accordion and the occasional French lyrics that make me have to relearn all I've forgotten since high school French class. Best moment: All the ethereal Ahh-ahh-ahhs during
"Wake up."

Secret Machines--Now Here Is Nowhere--Amazing and complicated songs (in this day and age of pop). And the drums . . . they fucking RAWK. The drummer is kicking the shit out of his drumkit, God bless him! Best moment: "The Road Leads Where It's Led"--great song. I love the double entendre in the line "they're blowing all the other kids away."

Polyphonic Spree--The Beginning Stages Of . . .--I hated this band at first, but seeing them open for Bowie on three occasions in 2004 converted me. I tend to like more "negative" music, but I just can't help myself but be happy when I hear their stuff. Best moment: A tie between the strange echos in "Soldier Girl" and Partridge Family-styled "pa da dum pum pums" in "It's The Sun." Just good symphonic, orchestral goofiness.

Mos Def--The New Danger--I just love it and I normally hate all things hip hop. Mos is different. His music seems a good fusion between hip hop and hard rock--lots of nice guitars, and the lyrics are intelligent and of interest to people over the age of 16 with IQs greater than their shoe sizes. Best moment: Just Moz's voice in general. Very cool.

David Bowie--Heathen--Uneven in spots, but overall a great record. Best moments: The bookends of "Sunday" and "Heathen." And what a joy it was to hear those two played back-to-back on tour, with Earl Slick holding a long single note on his guitar bridging the gap between songs.

zigbot