4. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists — Hearts of Oak. Speaking of hype, Ted Leo's "Hearts of Oaks" garnered a boatload of hype, not from pre-release EPs, but from the quality of the album alone. True, Ted has slowly amassed a dedicated fanbase nationwide since he fronted the critically-acclaimed Chisel. But no one expected such recognition from more mainstream outlets, like a Top 15 album designation from Spin. "Hearts of Oaks" recalls Look-Sharp!-era Joe Jackson with Leo's impressive vocal range and infectious pop hooks. But Leo's music is not simply derivative. "Hearts of Oak" is infused with a dose of Irish rock ("Building Skyscrapers in the Basement", "Bridges, Squares") and, of course, Leo's hometown D.C. punk aesthetic. As Allmusic notes: "Ted Leo & the Pharmacists are playing the most exciting and original rock music around — nobody else comes close. Hearts of Oak is a powerful and emotional record that you simply must own. Between this and The Tyranny of Distance (ed.: Leo's previous release), you are looking at a legend in the making." Download "Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone" and "The High Party" (links courtesy of Epitonic). There are also a slew of other downloads at Leo's website.

3. The Constantines — Shine a Light (Sub Pop). More than any of these 11 albums, Shine a Light came out of nowhere to surprise me. With one of the best album covers of the year, the Ontario-based Constantines have put together an impeccable rock album. On Shine a Light, you will find none of the fashionable new wave gimmickry, no Stooges rip-offs or other retro-stylings that have grown commonplace in underground (and, now, mainstream) rock. The Constantines have fashioned an album of rock with great range and character, featuring perfectly placed horns, organ and touches of hard rock/punk (e.g., "Nightime Anytime...") and, in slower times, a dose of Morphine (try "Goodbye Baby and Amen" and other slower numbers with horns). Vocally, Bry Webb, when using his inside voice, recalls Bruce Springsteen (e.g., "Young Lions"); but when he belts out his lyrics, his style is more of a growl than the Boss. On the whole, Shine a Light is an intelligent album whose intricacy challenges experienced and interested listeners, but whose song-to-song catchiness would also please casual listeners. Keep your eye out for these guys in years to come. Download the stirring "On to You" and the fierce "Nighttime, Anytime It's Allright" from Sub Pop's website.