Song of the Day: "Here I Am" by Impossible Bird

>> Friday, September 28, 2012

Impossible Bird escaped me. It was not until a lovely reader commented on our facebook page that I was lucky enough to hear this enchanting duo. As much as I try to keep my feelers out there on the local music scene, there are bound to be those I miss out on. But, I am stoked that Impossible Bird is no longer one of those bands I was missing out on. This record, and this song especially is choice. This duo is an uncomplicated force to be reckoned with. Simple beauty does not need complication to stand out.

Please, if you have a favorite band that I have missed. Local (Pacific NW) or otherwise, please let us know here, or on our Facebook page. Although, we hate to admit it, we cannot be all knowing.

"Here I Am" by Impossible Bird

Songs of the Day: "Morning Comes," "If I Loved You," "Is There Anyone Out There," and "Bottom of the River" Medley by Delta Rae

>> Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Here is a fun little thing. I love this video. It is the prefect way for me to introduce you to my favorite new band. Delta Rae. This is a 4 song medley of their material. It gives you a great taste for their diverse and beautiful sound. I have never seen a band with so many lead singers. Capable leads at that. I know they are a little more country than I generally lean, but quality is quality. Give them a taste.

"Morning Comes," "If I Loved You," "Is There Anyone Out There," and "Bottom of the River" Medley by Delta Rae

Song of the Day: "Out On The Town" by fun.

>> Thursday, September 20, 2012

OK, I'll admit it, this record is winning me over, majorly. I've been a (huge) fan of fun. since they were just a whisper of a band after The Format ended. I heard rumors of  members of The Format and Steel Train coming together to form a lowercased, punctuated indie supergroup. And jumped on board right away. And their first record killed me. My favorite record 2009, and one of my favorites of the decade. But, this album took a while to catch with me. I think because of how big Aim & Ignite was in my life, it was hard to let that record go to embrace this one. But, apparently, I am over that. Slowly but surely, this record climbed to the top of my rotation.
This is a bonus track, and it is one of my favorites. Enjoy.

"Out On The Town" by fun. 

Song of the Day: "I Found You" by Alabama Shakes

>> Tuesday, September 18, 2012

I know, I know, I know. Every blog and their mother has talked to this band this year. And I tend to avoid bandwagons. But this band, and this album, and this song especially merit individual notice. In simpler terms, this shit right here is fantastic.

"I Found You" by Alabama Shakes

Shit I Like vol 3.

>> Friday, September 7, 2012

Here is some more shit I like right now.

1. This Carson Henley song. 
Damn. This song breaks me. How Carson is not the biggest name out there right now leaves me dumbfounded. I know, I'm often early to the party, but it's time to get this Henley hoopla going people.
"Leave This Mess" - Carson Henley


2. Slow Club music videos that don't feature the band at all.  
Have you ever wanted to see what a butter beer binger looks like? Here is your chance.
"Beginners"

This is one of my favorite songs, and videos ever. Ever.
Giving Up On Love"


3. Perks of Being A Wallflower Trailer
I don't think this needs words.


4. Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
I had this for dinner. My last dinner before Weight Watchers officially starts. It was very yummy. But, I am going to be a handsome man soon.


Song of the Night: "Don't Forget Me" by Le Wrens

>> Wednesday, September 5, 2012

I realize I just wrote a song of the day, but by doing so I realized something.

This, what you are reading right now, is our 700th post here at Listologies. Not a number to celebrate, but it is pretty rad/sad to sit back and realize how much time I have probably spent sitting here, putting my shit out there, and actually having you all read it. So, thanks.

To celebrate this mini milestone I am going to share with you the second Le Wrens song that left me physically affected in the past week. Now, the entire Gundersen clan has talent just falling out of them individually  but this Gundersen Grouping comes together is such a beautifully graceful and dynamic way. Le Wrens is like the tide, natural, yet immensely powerful. Craveable heartbreak.  I do not know that I love a band more RIGHT now, then I do here.

 "Don't Forget Me" by Le Wrens

Song of the Day: "Lately (I've Been On My Back)" by BOAT

Between Stevie and I, we have probably shared this song, or a version of, 7-31 times. It is, and has been one of our favorites to come out of the NW. And, today just seems like a BOAT day. Enjoy.

"Lately (I've Been On My Back)" by BOAT

Song of the Day: "How We Love" by Ingrid Michaelson

>> Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Who knew Ingrid Michaelson could pull this record off? I didn't that's for sure. I only picked this up during a half asleep middle of the night buying spree. I didn't even remember it until it shuffled on while driving to work the next morning. But, wow. This record is spectacular. Seriously, she is one of the strongest song writers out there currently. This is the surprise album of the year. Almost a surefire lock for top 13.
I wrote that on my Up and Coming Music list back in March. And it still holds true. In fact, this is one of the very few albums I picked up early in the year that I still love and play often. I never used to count myself a fan of Ingird, sure, I like her quirk, and I found value in her song writing ability, but never saw much past that. Until now. This record is so deep and choice. It overflows with such high quality that other records would kill for. 

"How We Love" by Ingrid Michaelson

Listologies Nominated!!!

>> Monday, September 3, 2012

So, I makes me really proud to write this. We, at Listologies were nominated by King 5 for the Best of Western Washington annual poll under their Best Music Blog. This is crazy news. Last year, we were included in the list, but as a write-in vote. And we finished in the top 20 thanks to all of you lovely people. But this year, we didn't even have to do a write in nomination. How f'n cool is that!!??!

Anyways, I am not going to urge random visitors to vote for us. But, if you are here, and you honestly like what you see, we would be eternally grateful to have your vote. We are currently sitting in the number one spot on the leader-board, but our lead is quickly shrinking.

Please vote here. It's really easy, you can log in with Facebook or Twitter. And if you do choose to vote, share the link and encourage others if you feel so inclined.



Song of the Day: "Love is a Mocker" by The BGP

If you read/watch this site, you will know by now that we have an affinity towards The BGP. We have for a while. And with the sounds they are making now, it is sure to continue in the future. It baffles me, blows my mind even, that The BGP are not the biggest thing on the scene right now. I know they have their fans, count me among them, but, no where near what they deserve. Hopefully with they new songs they are dropping this year, that will all change.

This track, live at The Triple Door, really shows the heart and soul of their sound.

"Love is a Mocker" by The BGP

Shit I Like vol. 2

>> Sunday, September 2, 2012

Here is some more shit I like right now.

1. The Native Sibling - The Tinderbox Sessions. 
The Native Sibling are my preemptive favorite band. Luckily the band has been kind enough to share some of their sounds with me, and I am in love. But, those noises are not out there for all to enjoy just yet, so I cannot declare them my favorite band. See how that works. But, luckily for all you of, they just released a two track EP called The Tinderbox Sessions that you can get at their bandcamp page for only a buck-ninety-nine.
Or, if you are lazy, you can watch the videos of the songs right here and swoon.

"Weather Veins" - The Native Sibling


"Save Home" - The Native Sibling


2. "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
I have never loved and hated a book so much at the same time as I did while reading Jay Asher's "Thirteen Reasons Why" This book ruined my week, in the best way possible. It cuts deep, but is so beautifully written that you pride the incisions it gives you. It literally took me a week to recover and pick up a new book. It was that impactful. It is not a book for everyone, but it should be. I hate/thank Stevie for recommending it to me.

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.
3. Goodreads.com
Looking at my webtraffic, when taking into account my iPhone, it goes something like this: Gmail, Facebook, Goodreads, Youtube, Blog.
Yeah, Goodreads is right up there in the top 3. I mean I know I go there a lot, but I never realized it was that much. Goodreads is a social networking site for book lovers. Goodreads is the largest site in the world for readers, and now the 10th largest social networking site on the web. I am what some call and avid reader, and this is what I call home.


Song of the Day: "Caleb" by Le Wrens

I posted this on our Listologies Facebook page late last night. And sometimes I fall in love with a song while half asleep and wake up the next morning, listen, and think, WTF Addi? It's like a really bad musical one night stand. That, however, is not the case with this Le Wrens track. I want to make this song my girlfriend.
Seriously, this song is so beautiful, heartbreaking, and jarringly real feeling. I love it. And this might be my favorite live shoot of the year. Eratosthenes is the bees knees of videographers. Check out all the Ballard Sessions here.

"Caleb" by Le Wrens


Shit I Like, Vol. 1

>> Saturday, September 1, 2012

This is where I am going to share my varied opinions on shit I like.

Shit I like #1: John Green
I read a lot, (54 books so far this year) and lately, one author has really stood out to me. John Green. If you have not read "Looking For Alaska" or "The Fault In Our Stars" read them now, but bring tissues. LFA moved quickly into my top 3 books of all time, and that is a hard bunch to get into, and TFIOS has cemented itself into my top 20, but is growing on me more and more as I look back on it. I don't know if you use Goodreads, you should you know, but for any author to have 1 book with a 4-star or higher rating is very rare, John Green has 4.

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.
Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green's arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction
Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.


Shit I like #2: Hit and Run

Ok, from this trailer, you're probably like "what the hell Addi?!" and rightfully so. The trailer does the movie no justice. I went and saw this last night as a, lets-just-go-and-see-whats-playing kinda thing, and walked out thoroughly impressed. The car scenes, rad. The action scenes, rad. The comedy, pretty rad. And the chemistry between Dax and Kristen, super rad and believable. Also, I love her. 

Shit I like #3: The 90's

Right now, for whatever stupid reason, I am stuck on the nineties. I keep going back in my iPod and pulling out 3eb, the eels, live, the refreshments, tonic and new radicals. I know, random assortment of bands. I also keep wanting to wear my flannel shirts and listed to 107.7 the end. Something is wrong, but also so right. 





Up and Coming Music List 2012. Updated 9/1/12

***I apologize, this is a series, that for the last 3 years, I have kept up with on about a 3 month regular basis, and it has been one of my most popular, but this year got away from me. I'm sorry. I guess I am just not finding much music to love this year (outside of a very strong handful). But, the year is not over. So, here we go.

Inspired by Stevie's Up And Coming Book List, I am going to start the same thing with my music purchased for the year. I found this to be really useful in both 2010 & 2011, that I am now completely reliant on it for 2012.

My favorite blog to write is my year end music review. And it be honest, I start it in January of each year. I start collecting music as soon as possible, and use a smart playlist to amass them all in one place for easy listening and examining.

Below you will see a quick list of the albums I have picked up so far this year (October 2011 - Current).  I will try to update them every couple months or so. If I have an opinion of the record, will post a quick note, but keep in mind, I may change mine. I realize this list can get exceptionally long by the end of the year, and I appreciate you reading it. Thanks. I hope it serves you in expanding your 2012 music collection.

I have included YouTube links this year. Just click on the name of the artist to hear a sample song from the mentioned album.

Items added since last posting in March will be marked with an *. New opinions on original entries will be posted in GREEN.

*Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
This is what I like to refer to as a blog band. Every person with a music centric blog, like myself, has collectively made this band the 2012 indie darlings. And, and I hate to say, it is deserved. This is a solid, but unspectacular record with a strong and unique voice. Currently just sitting inside the fringes of my top 13.

*Alex Clare - The Lateness of the Hour
This is that guy who does that one song that you hate to admit you love. I just wish he was a whole record worthy. But as it sits, right now, he is a one song wonder in my opinion. Sorry Auttie.

*Allo, Darlin' - Europe
Been a fan since their self titled album came out in 2010, and this is much like that. The band has not grown, but polished. Strong, yet unremarkable album.

*Ambassadors - Litost
This shit right here is the shit. If I were to write my top 13 today, this record here would co-claim king of the hill (more of that later). Not since The Temper Trap's conditions came out in 2009 have I been this excited about a record.

Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself
I have been told for years that I need to get into Andrew Bird. That he is right up my alley. But I hate taking music advice from people, so I rarely give in. But this year, after hearing a snippet of Danse Caribe I decided to take the chance, and so far, so good. Musically it is very strong. But no song has swept me away... yet. Still.

Ben Kweller - Go Fly A Kite
One of my favorite records of 2012. Ben Kweller has taken a huge creative step, Songs like Gossip and Full Circle shine bright while nothing else on the album dims. Solid solid works. Strong contender for the end of the year top 13. This has fallen off hugely for me. I wish it hadn't, but I have grown tired of it. 

The Black Keys - El Camino
This record came out in late 2011, and it raced up many of the best albums of 2011 lists. Which, in my opinion is very short sighted. You cannot truly examine a record in less than a month and determine its merit. The record is not bad, but it cannot hold a candle to their 2010 release "Brothers." I cannot seem to find the soul of this record. 

*Carson Henley - 100 Hours
Now this record shows its soul in the first 8 bars. If you don't know about the 100 Hours project, you are missing out on something truly special. And it's a project that finally helped Carson find his balance on that line of soul and truth that all musicians try to reach. This music lives. It breathes, it aches and pains, it loves and breaks. This record is something I was missing.

Casiokids - Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen
Some songs drive me up the flucking wall, some songs I crank up.

Chairlift - Something
Chairlift. What I say about Chairlift. Chairlift is like shaved ice on a really hot day. Really satisfying, but not filling. And I don't mean that as a slight.

Choir Of Young Believers - Rhine Gold
I just got this today. But I could not be more excited. Their 2009 release took over my life. This was number 10 on my 12 in 2012: Most Anticipated Albums list, and I cannot wait to dive in to it. Dove in and was disappointed by its tepidness. 

*Clock Opera - Ways To Forget
This band put out one of my all time favorite songs last year. So I was really excited for the record. And although it could not possibly live up to my crazy expectations, it has not disappointed either.

Damien Jurado - Maraqopa
Damien Jurado is a NW product, and the pride of the indie Seattle music scene. And rightfully so. Up until recently, I didn't "get it" with him. But, after seeing him live a few times, it sank in. His newest album, Maraqopa, is his best. He, somehow, after being on the scene since the 90's, is still finding a way to grow.

Delta Spirit - Delta Spirit
This album has me torn. They do not do anything special or different on the scene, but they do it well. Songs like California and Otherside really stand out.

Dia Frampton - Red
This record, from the runner up of the Voice last year, took me by surprise. I expected to find it chalk full of canned pop songs with an indie edge, but thankfully, I was wrong. The depth and subtle touch on this record is uncannily strong for a major label debut. Although, I do not dislike it, I keep finding myself skipping tracks when they come on. Hmmm

*Dirty Projectors - Swing Lo Magellan
I want to like this band. I really do. But I just can't. Someone explain the appeal to me.

Drake - Take Care
This record has fallen off for me since I got it in late 2011. I loved it first, but now I find it to be a bit shallow and one note. That one note is great, but to stretch it to 19 tracks gets a little tired. Bored.

Dum Dum Girls - Only In Dreams
It's like if you took southern cali beach rock and shoved them into a garage. And it works, one of my dark horse favorites of 2012. Fallen off tons.

*Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here
Yes please.

*Electric Guest - Mondo
Makes me wanna dance. Which is a mistake.

*Eric Hutchinson - Moving Up Living Down
I have a soft spot for singer song writers. This should be well known by now. But, singer song writers have been stupid and disappointing lately, except for Eric Hutchinson. His record, not only follows up his strong debut, but out shines it. One of my easy favorites.

*Fanfarlo - Rooms Filled With Light
Some bands don't need growth to prosper, Allo, Darlin' is the perfect example, but some bands fall stale so quickly that without growth you find disappointment. Fanfarlo is sadly the perfect example of that.

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
Officially has front runner status. One of the best records of 2012, First Aid Kit has found their maturity without losing what made them special. Still the best two part harmonies I have heard in the last 5 years. Has lost front runner status, has lost all status. 

*FM Radio - Out of the Blue
This little duo rocked my 2011 with one track. And thank got they didn't disappoint with their full length. One of my favorite records of the year, easily.

*Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
I can't help but wish this album was more. Not longer, or more tracks, but just more. It's hard to put in words. You feel like this record is superficial, and does not delve deep enough to matter.

fun. - Some Nights
I can't make up my mind here. Their 2009 release "Aim & Ignite" has become one of my all time favorite albums, so I am having to overcome my own expectations to give this record a fair shake. I can tell you this, Why Am I The One and Some Nights Intro are easily two of my favorite tracks of the year. I give in. This album is great. 

*Gentleman Jesse - Leaving Atlanta
A fantastic ruckus of a record.

*Glen Hansard - Rhythm and Repose
Glen Hansard does not take any changes on this record. Glen Hansard does not tread any new paths. But Glen Hansard does not have too. Fuck, he just does his shit, and does it well.

*Gold Motel - Gold Motel
Not what I was hoping for from them, but not bad. I love her voice.

Good Old War - Come Back As Rain
You know how I said that First Aid Kit has the best 2 part harmonies? Good Old War is right up there in the 3 part harmonies race. This record has an earnestness that has been missing from music since The Tallest Man On Earth last released a record. I am in love with this record. STILL.

Gotye - Making Mirrors
I wanted to hate this record. Somebody That I Used To Know is everywhere, and as great as that song is, and it is fucking great, its overabundance is rather annoying. But, so far, this album is more good than bad, although there are a few songs that miss the mark, the ones that hit are pretty special.

Ingrid Michaelson - Human Again
Who knew Ingrid Michaelson could pull this record off? I didn't that's for sure. I only picked this up during a half asleep middle of the night buying spree. I didn't even remember it until it shuffled on while driving to work the next morning. But, wow. This record is spectacular. Seriously, she is one of the strongest song writers out there currently. This is the surprise album of the year. Almost a surefire lock for top 13. Lock for top half of the list.

*J.D. McPherson - Signs & Signifiers
I don't know if I truly like this record or if I am a fan of the novelty of it.

Jennifer O'Connor - I Want What You Want
Quiet grace and beauty. This record begs to be played. Give it a chance.

*Jason Mraz - Love is a Four Letter Word
I never thought I would complain about this on a record, but, Jason Mraz is too fucking optimistic for me. This record is so sugary sweet, hope and love and bunnies it is tiresome after one listen. It's a record for hospice care, not for the general public.

Josh Ritter - Bringing In the Darlings
I just picked this up. Too early to judge. Unremarkable.

Julia Stone - Let's Forget All The Things That We Say
Julia Stone needs to stick with Angus. There is nothing wrong with this record, and I bet that if this was the only album she had put out, and if Angus and Julia Stone didn't exist, I would probably love this, but knowing what I know, and knowing how great she can be, this just falls short.

K'naan - More Beautiful Than Silence
Strong, but short. Come on K'naan, give me more that 5 tracks, I've been waiting 3 years already. But, still, K'naan is the man.

Katie Herzig - The Waking Sleep
I like this record a lot. I has a unique perspective, but does not feel off-putting of non fans.

*Kyler England - Electric Hum
Some of you will wag your finger at me for this, but I love this record. It has so much drive and heart that it is hard not too. Yes, it is rather poppy for fans of this blog, but quality is quality.

*Lemolo - The Kaleidoscope
Best NW release of the year, and its not even close. This record, released this summer, is only getting better as the days get shorter and fall rolls in. It is a winter record.

Los Camesinos! - Hello Sadness
Disappointing. I am not sure if it is the changing members, or the turn in the writing, but nothing has caught up with that debut record. A couple of tracks have started to stand out. But it does not make up for the shortcomings of the whole album. 

Lost In The Trees - A Church That Fits Our Needs
Just got it. Too early to judge. Unremarkable.

*The Lumineers - The Lumineers
I mentioned co-king of the hill earlier when I was talking about Ambassadors, this is the other half of the co. This record just gets me. I play it more than any other, and I play it loud.

*M. Ward - A Wastland Companion
I want to love this album, and when I sit and down and listen to it independently, I really feel it, but as soon as it's over, I forget all about it.

Nada Surf - The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy
Nada Surf is still out there making tunes. I was not surprised to find this out, but I was surprised to actually like the music. And it's not at all like I remembered it being in the 90's. Yeah, it's standard alt rock, but the writing is strong, the musicality is solid, and it is a very decent record.

*Niki and the Dove - Instinct
I love me some Niki and the Dove. I have since their first record dropped into my inbox from the Moshi Moshi membership. And they have yet to let me down. Not for everyone.

Of Monsters And Men - Into The Woods
This album is a beautiful mess. Little Talks & Love Love Love are special special songs, but the other two on the EP miss the mark. That is only a 50% success rate. However, considering how great the two successful songs actually are, I still call this one a win.

*Passion Pit - Gossamer
I forgot this was released until this week, and just picked it up. So far I like it, but don't love it. It could go either way.

Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It
I have only spun through this whole record once, so I am not comfortable putting words down on it yet. But so far I really like it.

Real Estate - Days
Another late 2011 release that ended up on a bunch of best of lists, but this one I can agree with. It is not a unique perspective on rock and roll, but it is a strong outing that does not have any missteps.

*Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven
Take Norah Jones and Adele, squish them together and you end up with Rebecca Ferguson, and its grand. I LOVE her voice. But I am not sure that makes up for a lackluster song selection.

*Right Away, Great Captain! - The Church of the Good Thief
Officially the most disappointing record of the year. But I think that's my fault. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the first two releases by this Andy Hull side project so much, that I put everything into it being spectacular. And I think it is. But, I am not the same guy I was when I first found RAGC, so it does not resonate with me as it should.

The Roots - Undun
Good but not great.

Samantha Crain - A Simple Jungle
I love Samantha Crain. She could release a track of her sneezing into a microphone and I would probably buy it. But, with that said, objectivity, this is a great EP, I cannot wait to find out what she has in store for her next full length.

School Of Seven Bells - Ghostory
I bought this because I liked the name of the album. "Ghostory." And the driving airy electrop pop rock jarred me. Actually jarred me. I was all like "WTF music!?" and I have been a fan ever since. But, it has not moved past that initial burst of like into need. 

Sleigh Bells - Reign Of Terror
Still trying to figure out the big deal.

*The Tallest Man On Earth - There's No Leaving Now
Like Glen Hansard, he does not need to change to grow. It's a lot of the same, but for once that is not a bad thing.

*The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap
Looks like Conditions was an anomaly. Not that the entire album is crap, but it does not hold a candle to it predecessor.

Tim Myers - Technicolor
One half of FM Radio, who is putting out an album shorting, Tim Myers is a bad ass. This record, and the subsequent stuff he is doing along with Schuyler Fisk for FM Radio is killer. This album has quickly become one of my favorites. I have some concerns about its longevity, but for now, hell yes!

*Tom Williams & The Boat - Teenage Blood
I forgot I had this, it's on my computer, but never made the move to my iPod where it should be. So I have no opinion formed yet. But from the song linked above, I kinda like it.

*Trampled by Turtles - Stars and Satellites
Yes and no.

*Walk The Moon - Walk The Moon
I think I like Walk The Moon. I really think I like Walk The Moon. They are more than Anna Sun.

*The Wave Pictures - Long Black Cars
Unremarkable.

White Rabbits - Milk Famous
Too new to judge, but excited to get started. I have judged and have found it leave me wanting more, which is never a good sign. 

Xiu Xiu - Always
I dislike this greatly.

*Yeasayer - Fragrant World
Just picket it up. No opinion yet.

Zola Jesus - Conatus
Even though it was released late in 2011, This is right up there with First Aid Kit as the early front runner for the record of the year. I cannot get the album out of my head.