I missed Return to Cookie Mountain by over a year and felt appropriately shamed. Did not want to miss this one and I am thankful I didn't! I think Cookie Mountain may have had some singular tracks that stood better on their own, Dear Science as a whole is better composed and more interesting. DLZ is my personal favorite moment on this album, but there is not an unattractive song in the bunch.

How the Hell did I miss this one?! Saw it on several peoples' lists here, figured it must be worth a listen, and proceeded to listen to it over and over and over again. The White Stripes philosophy, only cleaner and with greater long-term prospects.

Death metal legends with influences and ability far outstripping much of what serves as mainstream music today. A little growl heavy in spots, without the drive of a band like Mastodon, but at the same time more capable of creating beautiful melodies and harmonious vocals than just about any active metal act today.

The Roots best stuff since Illadelph Halflife. I remember their original line-up and it is interesting to see how their soundhas changed since the 90s. I was suprised by how much I liked this one. Highlights are "Rising Down", "75 Bars", "I Can't Help It", and "I Will Not Apologize", but the album is solid from start to finish. Could do without the intro and outro tracks.

Atmosphere is one of those hip-hop acts very few people in my area have heard of, but tend to be very popular with people once they have been introduced to them. This album has gotten a lot of play for reasons I can't really explain. It's not particularly edgy or innovative. The lyrics are typical of Atmosphere, but the feel of the thing is totally honest, and that has me coming back repeatedly.

Love him or hate him, Lil' Wayne and the Cash Money crew make some of the best "dirty South" music going today. Clever, if not anti-intellectual, Tha Carter III features the usual Weezy wordplay and some of the best beats I've heard all year. There is lot more here than "Lollipop". Favorites include "3 Peat", "Comfortable", "Tie My Hands", and "Shoot Me Down".

I have a soft spot for Death Cab, so I am OK with this being more-or-less-more-of-the-same from them. The lengthy run-up to "I Will Possess Your Heart" works well for me and "Bixby Canyon Bridge" is another track I have listened to repeatedly. Nothing stellar, but still solid stuff from a band I feel can be counted on for just that sort of thing.

Another album that surprised me. Couldn't stand Starlings on the first listen, but its gentleness grew on me. "Grounds for Divorce" got my attention, and "On a Day Like This" sunk the hook. Good source of vitamin calm during these stressful days.