Feist  - The Reminder

Let it Die, The previous album released by Feist, offered the music world something that it had been missing in mainstream circles before the USA had taken notice of Amy Winehouse, a crafty pop album with an old school lounge vibe.

Her latest album, The Reminder, elaborates on her past effort, with uplifting pop songs that combine various musical genres in the span of half a dozen songs.  Her videos for the album’s initial singles “My Moon My Man” and “1 234” emphasized the feeling that Feist is truly having fun, making some sweet music.  The best part is that we’re along for the ride.

Notable Tracks: "My Moon My Man," "Intuition"

Robyn - Robyn

Originally released two years ago in the pop candy land that is Sweden, Robyn’s latest album is also one of her most successful to date.  The album’s triumph abroad has been propelled by its excellently crafted pop UK single “With Every Heartbeat,” where Robyn’s  voice reminiscent of Kate Bush explains to a significant other that their relationship has fallen apart. 

It doesn’t end there.  Other songs such as “Crash and Burn” and “Be Mine” showcase Robyn’s precise and sometimes thin soprano and pop sensibility.

Notable Tracks: "With Every Heartbeat," "Be Mine"

Rilo Kiley - Under the Black Light

Some Rio Kiley purists might cry blasphemy that I would dare place the former indie darlings’ latest album in a top ten list.  I really couldn't care less.  I’m not one to crucify musicians for trying different styles and sounds.  When Liz Phair did it, I had fun. When Jewel decided to shake her money maker as much as the poor girl could (which wasn’t much) I was okay.  Hell, I love Nelly Furtado’s latest foray into bootie shaking pop. 

Under the Blacklight has been growing steadily for me since the album found its way into my greedy ears.  The songs are breezy, catchy, and Jenny Lewis sounds like she’s having a blast.  Thanks to her, I am too.

Noteable Tracks: "Silver Lining," "Dreamworld"

Bjork - Volta

In May, I was lucky to attend the Radio City Music Hall stop for Bjork’s Volta tour. Watching her Frolick around the stage vigorously pumping her fists and surrounded by the first ever used electronic reactable, a French horn choir, and other collaborators, exhilarated the hell out of me.  I mention this because Volta, to me, is a very visual album.  Like much  of Bjork’s work, Volta demands creativity from the listener whether it be visualizing the ships in “Wanderlust” or waterfalls in “Pneumonia.”