My Favorite Albums This Year

1. TV on the Radio - Dear Science

Pretty sure I declared this a while back, but let's reiterate. This album is flawless, there's nothing much to say except they left off where Cookie Mountain ended. And it's all splendidly done live.

2. Portishead - Third

There's something eery and ominous about this album. It's beautiful.

3. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

As positive I am I'd hate these 2 guys if I met them, and as positive as I am that I just about hate all of their fans (self-loathing is a personal strong point of mine), I have to give them the 3 spot. "Time to Pretend" was reckless and catchy as hell, the deadliest of combinations. And all throughout the album I heard the Jackson 5, Bowie, boy bands circa 1985, Daft Punk, New Order, and thensome. Both my childhood and everything I pictured the 80s to be in New York seemed to cross, causing me to enjoy this album despite my negative opinion of everything they represent in the present. But don't expect me to put a headband on with knockoff RayBan's and blindingly bright jeans.