Top Ten 2019 - Year in Review

1. Dave - Psychodrama
Marvellous. As in, every time I listen to this album I marvel at how exquisite it is. Nothing is overlooked, from the varied and interesting beats, to the high production value, the quasi-concept album thematic, and most importantly Dave's astounding word play. It's impossibly clever and impeccably delivered, including hooks, social commentary and downright funny jokes; I discover something new each time without even consulting Genius.com. Lesley may be the best tale in a tune of the year - please, sit down and listen. Santan Dave's wisdom, vision, execution, skill, voice, and, yes, piano-playing are all on display in this damn-near masterpiece of a rap album.

2. default genders - main pop girl 2019
I couldn't get enough of this album and still cannot describe properly why. It is a super-pop album that swaps genres at blistering speed, many of which I wouldn't normally find myself listening to but here it just works. Lyrically it tells some tales, again things that I wouldn't necessarily relate to, but there I was putting it on for my morning run for the 50th time months later. Just give it a try.
(Not available on Spotify but grab it from Bandcamp PWYC, including free)

3. Snotty Nose Rez Kids - Trapline
Late to the party, I'm glad to have caught onto this blazing band this year. With their unreserved Reservation-rap (okay, I made that term up) they pull no punches in upping their lives and their lifestyles through song. It is fresh, eye-opening and altogether ass-shaking. Unfortunately I haven't yet caught them live but their Insta-stories sure do make it look like it absolutely goes off! It's a good time to grab hold as these high-fliers are taking off.

4. Sigrid - Sucker Punch
Diamonds, sapphires, rubies - this album is full of pop gems. A rising star, Sigrid has the voice and the musical sensibilities to burn long and bright. Anytime I was looking for an accessible and mostly upbeat shot of music this year, Sucker Punch was an easy fix, and it held up on the repeatability too. But there's a depth to it as well with emotional songwriting that tackles real feelings without drowning the listener in sorrow. Sigrid's versatility makes this a complete album.

5. Sir Babygirl - Crush on Me
Unabashed retro-beats pop music - I'd read someone liken it to a pumped up Britney Spears album for 2019 - and Sir Babygirl plays with expectations with glee. Starting with that gender-fluid name they don't hold back on the glorious 26 minutes of this album (I looked it up, it's not an EP), including two reprises! Haunted House is the standout, with that chorus raising more questions than answers, and the album is perfectly punctuated by the tongue-in-cheek closer, Crush On Me. All I want is more.

6. Black Midi - Schlagenheim
Defying conventions, these music-school nerds have gone ahead with a gloriously indulgent album that brings many influences together to make something so new. Based around their impressive individual instrumental skills they've managed to flaunt their musicianship appropriately. The math-rock elements, the "unique" vocals, and the varying signatures make for an eclectic mix that keeps the listener guessing but it's a challenge worth taking.

7. Tim Baker - Forever Overhead
Fronting one of my all-time favourite Canadian bands, Hey Rosetta!, could be either a blessing or a curse when it comes to the first solo offering. Would Tim be able to live up to the heightened expectations without the six super-talented musicians supporting him in both the songwriting and performing? I'm happy to report that this is a very worthwhile offering that doesn't try to recreate the magic of HR! but maintains the eloquent lyrics in an appropriate, slightly stripped-back, singer-songwriter context (still showcasing some of Tim's piano too).

8. Better Oblivion Community Centre - Better Oblivion Community Centre
This combination of a couple of true, through-and-through songwriters has struck gold symbiosis. Coner Oberst (Bright Eyes) and Phoebe Bridgers could both play their way out of a troll's trap alone so when they joined forces for BOCC it was like giving both of them a turbo boost. The songwriting is impeccable and the interplay is excellent. Released early in the year it has been an album that has never really left the rotation and still plays frequently and with much adoration.

9. Sacred Paws - Run Around the Sun
An upbeat, carry-you-along album filled with quirky and catchy ditties highlighted by the back-and-forth vocals of this cross-UK-border, female duo. It's music for any bright occasion, or even to make a not so bright time, like dusting the living room, into an bopping dance party.

10. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
An album that I'd been looking forward to in the long interim between releases that just gave and gave and gave. Yes, it's long but it hardly falters and finishes on a gem. Bringing in the duets and accompaniments throughout manages to keep the songwriting and delivery fresh, for repeated listening (it showed up all over my Spotify year-end breakdowns). Very pleased to have VW back in town.

Honourable Mentions

Shotgun Jimmie - Transistor Sister 2

Jimmie has captured lightning in a bottle again on this revisitation to the Transistor Sister that set a benchmark in his earlier career. Simple, yet catchy and effective, this album can fit most moods.

Pup - Morbid Stuff

Who'd have known that Pup could squeeze so much traction and love out of this genre? Here they are once again giving a damn fine performance and encouraging the kids to get out there and catch them live where they really ignite.

Tallest Man on Earth - I Love You. It's a Fever Dream.

Quietly this album ended up in my year-end conversation by being a lovely accompaniment to those moments of reflection and tranquility.

JOHN (TIMESTWO) - Out Here on the Fringes

Discovering this duo late in the year I was sold from the get-go with their guitar-to-the-wall brand of rock.

Press Club - Wasted Energy

An energetic burst of Aussie punk that enthuses a freshness into the genre.

Sandro Perri - Soft Landing

Similar to In Another Life, this album is anchored by a ploddingly excellent opening track, Time (You Got Me) with a still-strong B side.

Top Ten 2018 - Year in Review

1. Deafheaven - Ordinary Corrupt Human Love
A triumph from front to back, this album is melodic and driving. The piano and spoken word opener may lull you in but even when unleashing the guttural screams it still washes down smoothly with stellar guitar work and pounding drums.

2. Tune-yards - I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life
What a vocal performance this is! It makes you want to sing along as best as you can to every song. I may be new to Tune-yards but this record has made a convert out of me.

3. Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer
What a strong, confident, and important album that Janelle had made this year. The fact that it's infinitely repeatable and danceable push it's reach to the masses.

4. Donovan Woods - Both Ways
What else can I say about this songwriter that I haven't already lauded upon him in previous years? Well Donnie has done it once again with a collection of stories that draw you in and grab you by the heart, one way or another. There are a dozen journeys taken in each listen, including Next Year - oof, and all to the tune of his excellent folk rock voice and guitar lines.

5. Lowell - Lone Wolf
Lowell has made a confident, powerful, and slick record in Lone Wolf. Plenty of hooks, a few tunes to dance to, and lots of alt-pop goodness on each track. I feel like there's an audience for this album.

6. Sandro Perri - In Another Life
On paper this album would not be something that I would be interested in: a 24 minute song followed by Everybody's Paris Parts 1-3 and that's it - 4 songs, 43 minutes. And yet it is so relaxing, drawing the listener in through repetition with variation, that it just takes me away every time I put it on.

7. Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar
Admittedly I was very excited for this release after Young Fathers topped my 2015 List and it was beloved throughout this year. Slightly more polished production than their earlier outputs they maintain their independent and eclectic styling throughout. Perhaps missing a couple more danceable bangers it is still an excellent disc.

8. The Wonder Years - Sister Cities
First coming across this band as Pup was opening for them across the UK, I didn't mind at all what I heard. However this album seems to be The Wonder Years at the top of their game. Rocking, emo, and thoughtful (for fans of Brand New but without the guilt) this is a great album all the way through.

9. Superorganism - Superorganism
Don't fear the collective. Putting hordes of musicians in a studio to throw it all at the wall can payoff in dynamic pop such as this. With all kinds of sounds used as instruments it is a fresh and fun debut, all under this exciting new female voice. Short and saccharine; listen to it twice. 

10. Joey Purp - Quarterthing
Such promise from his iiiDrops EP that this debut has bated much breath and - hallelujah - it was worth every moment. Swagger over beats, often skewering the hip hop tropes for a modern and forward view. Deserves a sub-woofer and a dancefloor.

Dan Mangan - More or Less

What a comeback for my beloved, gruff-voiced, singer-songwriter. Not to slight the Blacksmith album but this sees Dan shed the band and return to his roots. It's what made him famous for good reason.

Dream Wife - Dream Wife

Yes, Dream Wife. Do what you're doing. This growling punk rock from a charismatic feminist serves 2018 perfectly. 

Idles - Joy As An Act Of Resistance

In quick succession on the back of last year's Brutalism, in a year that has seen their following explode. I would have waited another month or two to upgrade the odd throwaway on here but still plenty of brilliance. And with another record already written they may just be back on here next year for a third year running. 

Sophie - Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides

This album is strange and challenging at times which is actually where it succeeds. The more straightforward back half tends to lose my attention, keeping it out of The Ten.

Let's Eat Grandma - I'm All Ears

A fun, new band with an in your face album that will rattle you onto the dance floor. Standout vocals too, all interestingly mixed together, if only it maintained the gas throughout.

Frank Turner - Be More Kind
This troubadour has done what he's always done, taken on this world with a guitar and a smile. The politics of the day are obviously top of mind for Frank but he doesn't want his audience to be held back by it as he encourages, Be More Kind. 

Top Ten 2015 - Year in Review

I've always got an excuse for why my musical consumption wasn't as high as it should have been - this time it was a move to the UK at the end of the summer and no real internet connection since then to listen to a lot of new stuff. Regardless I present the best of what I did hear.

Albums/EPs

1. Young Fathers - White Men are Black Men Too
(Scotland)
Shame rattled in my head from the first play and I just had to seek out the artist. It was bold, unique and came with energy in spades. Sure enough the rest of the album lived up to this introduction and I couldn’t get enough. They seem so unique in their swagger – the closest I could liken is an unhinged TV on the Radio. All the ideas seemed to have been tossed in the pot in the studio and only briefly stirred such that there’s a frenetic rawness that makes it exciting time after time. It was stunning to me that this was not their debut, as it just seems so fresh and new, like adolescents bursting with creativity.

2. Purity Ring - Another Eternity
(Edmonton)
I’ll be honest – I thought that Purity Ring’s last album, Shrines, which nearly landed here in 2012 was lightning in a bottle, not to be repeated. How happy I was to be wrong when Another Eternity proved to not just match but be a step up from this Edmonton crew. Doing electro pop the way it is meant to be this is Canada’s answer to Chvrches and frankly this is better.

3. Hayden - Hey Love
(Toronto)
From the Massey Hall preview that he delivered of a few Hey Love songs (particularly No Happy Birthday with it’s introduction/explanation) it was clear that Hayden wasn’t resting on his laurels. Often singer-songwriters of his ilk will pen a couple great albums early on that will keep people coming back to see them looking for the classics. Not here, not Hayden. He has pushed the envelope with this excellent effort, proving his often introspective songwriting continues to be on point. In terms of pure music he has made a wonderful album, refusing to clutter he manages to stick to the basics but make them sound oh-so-good; an album that continues to give on repeat visits.

4. Allie X - COLLXTION 1 [EP]
(Toronto/LA)
This may not quite be an album at just seven songs and under thirty minutes but regardless it’s going right here on this list (because it’s my list and I do what I want.) I knew her best from her role as vocalist in Dwayne Gretzky (Toronto’s premier cover band) so this incarnation was foreign, strange and amazing because of it. The first tease I had was a live Hillside Festival set where she wore glasses and tights and although slightly hesitant in this popstar incarnation the promise was there. Next was that (still) weird video for Catch and finally this EP which delivers on the anticipation. Pure pop done right - her voice is strong and dynamic, her music catchy and the production slick. Like Diamond Rings before her hopefully the pop god(dess) schtick will take off!

5. Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
(USA)
Carrie and Lowell at first disappointed me, so how did it get onto my top ten? Admittedly I was looking for another Age of Adz which I loved dearly and each of the first seven times I played this it just wasn’t. I even shelved the album for awhile, returning to it on rare occasion when I was feeling mellow. However by perhaps the twelfth time (maybe the time I awoke on a plane to the magic of Blue Buckets of Gold) I began to get it. I’d think “this is actually a really great song” and then the same two tracks later. Before long I would hear a snippet and would crave the rest. So not even a slow burn – more of a roasting, cooling-off period, and now a high temperature broil. It may not be the way to make potatoes but it landed this album right here.

6. Coeur de Pirate - Roses
(Montreal/Paris)
Beatrice came out with a confident pop album, unleashing herself in a big way. Previously her musical profile was primarily ‘lovely Francophone piano chanteuse' but she has blown the doors off of that. Not only is half of the album in english but the tracks have fuller arrangements that boldly embrace the pop realm and thrive because of it. Although her previous releases, including Trauma a disc of english cover songs, were great it seems that this incarnation is what that standout voice was destined for.

7. Peaches - Rub
(Toronto)
Bitch rub! This is the first time that I gave Peaches a chance and have been rewarded. Perhaps I’d written her off as an attention-seeking shock artist which, to be fair, she may be to some degree. But she’s not just that – underneath the onslaught of vulgar language and the graphic X-rated content there are some grimy beats and serious hooks. Refraining from re-recording your voicemail greeting to “can’t talk right now, this chick’s dick is in my mouth” is an ongoing struggle. She challenges everything here and does so in a way that gets tunes jammed deep inside your skull. Killer album that’s going to make me delve into the back catalogue and see what I’ve been missing.

8. Tobias Jesso Jr. - Goon
(Vancouver)
Late to the party on this one – it was all the press after Adele’s release which he co-wrote on that prompted me to finally put this on. Was I happy that I did! Otherwise I’d have missed out on a quiet but strong album full of feelings and keys. Apparently he taught himself the piano for this record out of necessity having left his guitar on the other side of the continent. It would appear that this junior could write a tune with a cereal box and some dental floss. Beautiful, really.

9. Burning Hell - Don't Believe the Hyperreal
(Canada..)
Here Matthias brings his quirky songwriting to the fore in this instrumentally sparse duet album. Along with his partner, Ariel Sharrat, they sing some of the funniest and most charming songs to come out this year. Particularly amusing is the recounting of their first ever meeting in Fuck the Government, I Love You (even the titles are top notch). It may be short but front to back these are catchy and lovely songs. Let me paraphrase a lyric to summarize what you may be thinking: “love songs are dumb… oh yeah? wait til you hear these ones!”

10. Django Django - Born Under Saturn
(UK)
Altogether catchy. This is my upbeat, slightly quirky, indie pop record entry for the year (see Dodos, Vampire Weekend etc.) These United Kingdom fellas jangle and rock with hooks galore. Sure, by the end of thirteen tracks you may have figured out the formula but that doesn’t stop you from putting it back on two days later.

Other Considerations

Evening Hymns - Quiet Energies
(Ontario)
A very good album perhaps hampered only by my lofty expectations for Jonas. The amplification over previous works – more drums and less ambient swirlings – move him away from the signature sound I adore him for. Not that this is bad by any stretch.

Chilly Gonzales - Chambers
(Canada/Germany)
This album with the Kaiser Quartet is an excellent work that I listen to often. Honestly though, I really enjoy Chilly’s rapping and am disappointed that it’s instrumental (besides Myth Me.)

Grimes - Art Angels
(Vancouver)
"Has Grimes given up her grime and simply gone pop?" I wondered about a few of these tracks on first play (California in particular.)  But as the disc grows it becomes clear that Claire is still instilling her own vibe.

Les Jupes - Some Kind of Family
(Winnipeg)
This prairie band gets little love but they’re doing their thing so well. They’ve carved out a signature sound and press on with it which is by no means me complaining – quite the opposite, in fact.
[Update: Just read the announcement that the band has broken up]

Albert Hammond Jr. - Momentary Masters
(UK)
Knowing he had a gig coming up I decided to give this a spin and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it…and kept coming back to it. Well-written and catchy, it may not be the best release of the year but it’s worth listening to.

Wavves X Cloud Nothings - Wavves X Cloud Nothings
(USA)
Frankly Cloud Nothings can drum with anyone and I’m probably going to put it on the list.

Last Minute Shoutout

In the new year I discovered Loon Choir's Alway Golden and have been smitten with it leading me to the rest of the album All This and Everything Else which isn't half bad either (and nearly leading me to quit my job.)
(Ottawa)

Top Ten 2014 - Year In Review

1

Pup - Pup

(Toronto)
I'm semi-ashamed to say that this album sat practically dormant on my computer from October of last year, when it was first self-released by the band, until their name started coming up again early this year. When I gave it another shot I quickly saw why this band was picking up speed. And then I saw them play... my goodness, these boys are the best thing shredding Toronto airspace (and now all over North America). Go to a gig, excited as you are you'll never jump as high as their pint-sized singer who packs a mean growl.

2

Hey Rosetta! - Second Sight

(St.John's)
A band that I've loved since the first time I heard them it would seem natural that this new album would be a favourite. However I was skeptical to begin with and not sold on it with the first, second and even third listen. Then something started to click - perhaps it's a little more subtle than previous efforts but that just means there's even more beauty to be revealed. Each time it just grows that much closer to my heart. When Harriet storms in and blows away the melancholy of Alcatraz it's a warm spring breeze every time.

3

Owen Pallett - In Conflict

(Toronto/Montreal)
See what I wrote about Hey Rosetta? It was a very similar case with this record as again the artist has grown to insert just as much or more into their music but having it more nuanced such that it continues to reveal itself over a more sustained period of time. Once it clicked it was hard not to just keep spinning.

4

Against Me - Transgender Dysphoria Blues

(Florida)
One could be forgiven for thinking that all the hype around this album had to do with the primary subject matter of Transgender Dysphoria Blues - I did at first. Then I played this raw album and I played it again and again. Yes, the lyrics are striking and in many cases they bare it all but the music is aggressive and up to par.

5
Death From Above 1979 - The Physical World

(Toronto)
A long time coming! Now that can be a bad thing with anticipation and expectations and the like but not in this case. For the sake of transparency, I heard the whole thing all of twice before seeing it performed live in a badass free show in Toronto and that kickstarted my growing affection for this record. It's more polished than Woman/Machine and at times more dance/pop (whatever you want to call it) as many noted with lead single Trainwreck. Some use this as a criticism but not this amateur music blogger. I wish they could just come play it live every time instead of having to crank the record.

6
Beck - Morning Phase

(USA)
Sea Change has long been a staple of mine - any time I need to shut out the world, relax and/or get some sleep it has been a beautiful salve to the chaos around. Now a dozen years later, a Beck-described sister record arrives and it's gorgeous along the same scale. Lush and lovely, Mr. Hansen shows his qualifications in a multitude of genres and styles. I wouldn't object to the term genius.

7
Lowell - We Loved Her Dearly

(Toronto)
Seeing her play live before knowing she existed - the beauty of a good Basement Revue - I was immediately struck by the smart, electro-pop mixing with her dynamic voice. "I like this" I clearly thought, against the consensus of other friends. In fact, I saw her again at Field Trip and then Supercrawl before hearing more than the odd single on the radio (okay, by the time Supercrawl hit The Bells was an Indie 88 staple). When the album finally dropped I was familiar with a solid number of the tunes and the rest showed her musical background as she is able to craft a fully formed disc that encompasses many of her strengths, ranging from pure pop to earnest and quieter numbers. I'm just confused as to why she isn't getting the press that Grimes did. So much promise here!

8

Reuben and the Dark - Funeral Sky

(Alberta)

The guitars and the voices are swell and do swell from this Albertan group. Like a fine stout, it is very mature and full-bodied which is even more impressive considering it is their debut album. 

9 

Cloud Nothings - Here and Nowhere Else

(Cleveland)

For the longest time I knew nothing about the Nothings which ordinarily pushes an album right out of my Recently Added playlist and into the nether-regions of my music catalog yet for some reason I kept returning to this one instinctively. It hits hard and reverberates for a long time to come.

10

How To Dress Well - What Is This Heart?

(USA)

"Too soon" I thought with the release of this album. Why? Because I was still digging Total Loss from 2012 without realizing enough time had passed to make another gorgeous full-length and therefore on the first few listens I unfairly discredited it, only to come back around a couple months later. Perhaps another reason for this is that some of the strongest songs are tucked nearer the end as deeper cuts, Precious Love and Childhood Faith in Love at track 8 and 9 respectively.

Honourable Mention

Damien Rice - My Favourite Faded Fantasy

(Ireland)

I bet that had this been released earlier in the year it would have earned an actual number. Years in the making, Damien has poured his heart and musical genius into this tender and unencumbered release. The emotion and beauty shine play after play.

Last year's list

Brasstronaut - Mean Sun: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

It's always a difficult task to put into words just what makes Brasstronaut's music so compelling; it is intelligent without being too complicated on the surface. The variety and quality of the instrumentation draw you in and give the album a great depth that allows for new discoveries even on repeated listens. When this first arrived I was driven to wrap my head around it and would spin it day after day just trying to get it all. There's a depth to it that anyone can enjoy.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

How To Dress Well - Total Loss: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

There's a smoothness to this album - a nice, creamy, refined sound rooted in R & B but touching on a variety of genres. The music itself is so wonderfully orchestrated and arranged it makes the listening experience wholly pleasurable. Although the focus does not shine on the lyrics or vocals these do not lack (something I couldn't say about the lyrics of the somewhat comparable Weeknd releases). It really is a beautiful aural journey.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Top Music 2012 - Albums, Singles, EPs, Videos

The big reveal..

I've finally gotten around to sorting through my scraps of (digital) paper holding notes scrawled throughout the year as reminders of just which albums I was thoroughly digging in 2012. People have mused that it wasn't an overly strong year but looking within and beyond the Canadian borders there was no issue filling this out. (Mind you it was no 2011)

Without further ado

Albums

1. Evening Hymns - Spectral Dusk
2. Patrick Watson - Adventures in Your Own Backyard
3. Wintersleep - Hello Hum
4. Fun. - Some Nights [US]
5. Jens Lekman - I Know What Love Isn't [Sweden]
6. Cold Specks - I Predict a Graceful Expulsion
7. Brasstronaut - Mean Sun
8. Regina Spektor - What We Saw From the Cheap Seats [US]
9. The Strumbellas - My Father and the Hunter
10. How To Dress Well - Total Loss [US]

Other considerations

• Purity Ring - Shrines
• Japandroids - Celebration Rock
• Said the Whale - Little Mountain
• Phedre - Phedre
• AC Newman - Shut Down the Streets
• Jeremy Fisher - Mint Juleps
• Ben Folds Five - The Sound of the Life of the Mind [US]
• Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
• Aidan Knight - Small Reveal (**didn't actually hear this until 2013..)

   *Canadian except where indicated

EPs

There were a couple notable EPs released this year as well. Let's make a new category.

• Shad - Melancholy and the Infinite Shadness
• The 1975 - Facedown EP, Sex EP [UK]

Singles of the Year

1. Luke Lalonde - Undone
2. Alt-J - Tessellate [UK]
3. Phedre - In Decay
4. Ben Folds Five - Do It Anyway [US]
5. Sunparlour Players - Shake and Bake for Goodness Sake
6. Two Hours Traffic - Amour than Amis

Video Singles

(Song and Message too!)

• Same Love - Macklemore

Late 2011 Find

As much as I wanted to dislike Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino's musical offerings it was pretty easy to dismiss his I am Just a Rapper mixtapes but Camp could not be ignored and I just had to listen to it. Candid lyrics with a smart wit and quick wordplay, it is a mostly fun and revealing hip hop album.

• Childish Gambino - Camp [US]

The 1975 - Facedown EP, Sex EP: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

A couple of EPs that seem to fly by, each time leaving the listener wanting more. Rather than this being a negative in fact it is just an itch for more. There's definite promise here and the full length has great anticipation building for it.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Shad - Melancholy and the Infinite Shadness: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Shad really lets loose on this EP and my goodness does it ever work. The samples are all blatant and fun throwbacks to an era but given a refreshing breath of Shad's witty flow atop. It's hyperactive and it bursts in, blazes out, and takes no prisoners in between. Unbridled enthusiasm and a welcome one-off from Canada's premier spitter.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

The Strumbellas - My Father and the Hunter: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Admittedly this band first won me over in concert so my love for their live show may have bled into this album. Regardless there is an energy on this jubilant country-tinged album that stands on its own. Like Kidstreet of last year the members bring it on stage but represented that energy reasonably well in the studio also. There are shout-along tunes sprinkled throughout the disc and the more you hear them the better they get. Cutting their teeth in the Toronto scene this year they deserve further recognition and all hopes the effort pays off.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Japandroids - Celebration Rock: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Short and strong - Brian and David have made another powerhouse rawk album. Between the (literal) fireworks they do as they always seem to do - surge ahead with skin stretching drums and face melting guitar. They thrash through a mere 35 minutes of let-loose anthems, including the re-released Younger Us. Thankfully they didn't touch a thing on this their most nostalgic, and arguably the best, of a long line of singles. The album is complete with belt-em-out choruses that they became famous for with Post-Nothing, their first (and supposed to be only) full-length. "If they try to slow you down, tell 'em all to go to hell." Thank the gods of rock and roll for keeping the duo together to keep lighting this dynamite of pure energy into the Canadian scene.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Regina Spektor - What We Saw From the Cheap Seats: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Regina Spektor has yet to miss and she isn't about to start on What We Saw from the Cheap Seats. The album showcases her skills in a variety of ways. Off the top there are a few plucky songs that are filled out nicely with a variety of instrumentation and even some well-used brass. Later on she gets to the sentimental piano ballads featuring her light fingers and poetic lyrics, as well as a few darker, more brooding - and effective - piano based songs too. All the Rowboats has a seriousness too it as well and it pulses through with foreboding background to the pointed piano lines - it really is a tremendous feat. Thankfully she closes out on a lighter note, employing her dynamic voice for effect on The Party with the phenomenal line "You're like a big parade through town. You leave such a mess, but you're so fun" before closing with light guitar and lyrics.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Purity Ring - Shrines: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Yes, Purity Ring could be deemed an electronic act but they come across much softer, much more subdued and human than your typical electro sound. This without delving too deep into shoe-gaze  which recently has become so ethereal it can be a struggle to stay conscious. They have managed to sneak themselves into a creative middle ground; where other bands ding they ping, and where other bands crack they snap. Accompanying the music on the gibberish compound word titled songs (Fineshrine? Belispeak? Lofticries?) is a truly enjoyable female voice - another rarity in the genre, and even a male one as well to keeps things varied. When CBC Radio 3 first introduced them as the 25,000th artist on the website they seemed like a novelty act, however this full-length is chock full of tunes that blow that early dismissal away - Purity Ring are the real thing.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Patrick Watson - Adventure in Your Own Backyard: (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Patrick Watson - Adventures in Your Own Backyard

When Mr. Patrick Watson, along with his standup band, previewed this album at Koerner Hall late last year it obviously wasn't just the beautiful venue that made it such a magnificent show. As promised by the title Watson takes us on a new journey within a familiar context by singing his uniquely excellent voice atop beautiful, lush arrangements. The strings are lovely, the guitar work great, the brass splendid, the piano requisite, and all of the other sometimes-unorthodox instruments find their home comfortably in your backyard as well. Lighthouse, Step Out for Awhile and Into Giants all build into bold and beautiful creations, while Morning Sheets hearkens to Beck's critically acclaimed (and personally acclaimed) Sea Change album in its stripped down sound and evocative violins alongside the downbeat guitar. When the quietly pretty instrumental The Things You Do transitions to Strange Crooked Road it makes the latter stand out so much more. Patrick Watson's Close to Paradise won the '07 Polaris Music Prize, whereas Adventures was merely long-listed which seems a travesty as over and over again the album brings fresh beauty with each play.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Wintersleep - Hello Hum (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

With Hello Hum Wintersleep have created a powerhouse record. Over a decade into their career this is some of the strongest work they have put out as a band. Featuring a number of strong songs that pull you along with them, offset by more downbeat but equally grabbing material, it is a band's album. Percussion plays a huge role as it tumbles along, both steadily and creatively at the same time - even the shaker is employed well as a driving force on songs like Resuscitate and Unzipper. The opener, Hum, has a je ne sais quoi that makes it play more of an introductory role than a standalone song and properly sets the scene for the journey ahead, starting with an amazing trifecta of In Came the Flood, Nothing is Anything and Resuscitate. Not only is the music suited to be electrifying live (as it is) but also stands its own as a record of note. Wintersleep may already have a strong back catalogue but here they prove they are not resting on their laurels but continuing to push their legacy - a legacy that upon future reflection will see this this record as a highlight.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Said The Whale - Little Mountain (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Said the Whale - Little Mountain

Little Mountains is an early 2012 release from the west coast that definitely caught my ear. There are a number of standouts on this album right off the top - Jesse, AR, We Are 1980, Loveless.  However repeated listens had these tunes set themselves apart but rarely did I go deep into the fifteen track affair. With 50% more songs than your standard indie album you'd think and hope to simply get more for your $9.99, when in fact the latter half seems slightly washed out, detracting from the full album's strength rather than adding to it. A solid effort with some absolutely worthwhile works but not worthy of end of year raving.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Cold Specks - I Predict a Graceful Expulsion (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Cold Specks - I Predict a Graceful Expulsion
Where did this astounding voice come from? Nevermind, we should all just be thankful that she's here. Sure Al Spx had to floor some people overseas before drawing them back home to Canada to make a go of it. Now that we've had a chance to hear the amazingly untrained voice (at least professionally) there's no going back. On the album this instrument is put on full display, and rightly so, with sparse though creative instrumentation serving as a fitting backdrop. Each song is a lovely little present and when strung together serves as an ultimate gift. Best of all, with each listen it continues to give.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Jens Lekman - I Know What Love Isn't (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Jens Lekman - I Know What Love Isn't

Jens Lekman isn't about to take my advice. He doesn't want feedback and why should he? He has proven his musical acumen over the years and on I Know What Love Isn't he makes a case for musical genius. From the opening piano number that seems to set the scene but then doesn't, as the album quickly changes up. It goes on to include an air of adult contemporary with the sax - though he doesn't go full Kenny G on us like Destroyer did on last year's Kaputt. Amidst the varied and lovely instrumentation, keying on piano but also featuring violin and brushed percussion, he has no problem dropping lines without hesitation like "it's just some dirt on your shoulder" and "someone should make a pamphlet called 'So You Think You're in Love with Jennifer'". He even has the nerve to bookend it by titling both the opening and the closing tracks the exact same thing. You'd think the title track would be a morose, downbeat affair that tugs at the heartstrings but it rolls out with a surprising spring in its step, a tambourine and a xylophone. Apparently I am the one who doesn't know what music is, or is supposed to be. While bucking conventions Jens has included a number of faux pas and yet has still crafted a wonderfully textured record that takes a sly, offbeat approach to heartbreak that completely works. Kudos.

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.

Evening Hymns - Spectral Dusk (Year-End Album Review)

A preview of my forthcoming annual, year-end, favourite albums post. Below is an album that is definitely under consideration - time will tell where it ends up on, or off, the final list.

Evening Hymns - Spectral Dusk

Its use of sound, and even lack of sound, is majestic. It calmly draws you in, firmly plants you in place and in the most devastating, yet achingly lovely way carries you through its spectrum of music and emotion. Jonas Bonetta lays bare his innermost thoughts through his emotive lyrics, conveyed by his equally suggestive voice. Revolving around this one man's songwriting it's as if the expectations are for a bare, acoustic record but in reality it is quietly lush, as the production magnificently accomplishes a full sound even in the most somber and hushed moments. Powerful in the way that it can hold without needing to grab, and haunting how first the notes hang, and then the raw spirit behind it all lingers. Even the use of field recordings, as also heard on his previous album Spirit Guides, fits the intended aesthetic of the record beautifully. Gorgeous front to back, it does not rush and it seems only to improve upon repeated listening. 

Feel free to check out last year's list or my Top Albums lists dating back to 2002 on my previous Vernacular blog.