For fans of: Les Rhythmes Digitales, Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Aphex Twin

King Bruce Version
12. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge)
The indie darlings work hard for their crown and seem determined to not give it up anytime soon. This is about as close to flawless as you can hope for when you're listening to a group full of wild children who continually achieve the art of being cool so masterfully. These solid individuals could shoot their collective loads for corporate giants but they stick to their tiny, yet explosive guns instead.

The chips on their sturdy shoulders are in no danger of crumbling anytime soon and if you try to snatch it before that happens, be ready for the consequences. When you mess with the kings, sometimes you get treated like pawns.

For fans of: Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Pixies, Decemberists, Islands, Walkmen

(Undisputed) Champion Sound
11. the National - Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
For those in the know, this was pretty much a universal smash. Just a brilliant set of memorable songs full of pretty arrangements and strong vocals powered by moody and clever lyricism.

If you like this, you can't help but feel a little smarter for getting it. I confess I do not know much about the band, but you may get the feeling that you're eavesdropping on a conversation between a group of great philosophers and better lovers (and livers).

There is a certain level of sadness laced in between a few positive vibrations, but it doesn't take away from their cool confidence that will keep your mind swirling while you chillax. This album is like a great film that you can't shake and don't really want to. Listen to the drama unfold. It's irresistable and hard to miss.

For fans of: Interpol, Pela, the Twilight Sad, Arcade Fire