1) The Watson Twins
Talking To You, Talking To Me (Vanguard). Members of My Morning Jacket back Chandra and Leigh Watson on this new harmony-filled release.
2) Corinne Bailey Rae
The Sea (Capitol). The long-awaited disc radiates with Corinne’s distinctive voice.
3) Ray Wylie Hubbard
A: Enlightenment B: Endarkenment (Bordello)The Texas troubadour is back with a unique set of rockin’ country folk songs.
4) Carrie Newcomer
Before & After (Rounder). Newcomer is known for her reflective, poignant lyrics, and this album proves no different. Mary Chapin Carpenter contributes on the title track.
5) Jamie Cullum
The Pursuit (Verve Forecast). His first album in four years is jam-packed with explosive piano pop from a host of influences.
6) ALO
Man of the World (Brushfire). Recorded on the North Shore of Oahu and produced by Jack Johnson with a nice, laid-back feel.
7) Allison Moorer
Crows (Rykodisc). Moorer heads in a new direction, focusing more on piano than guitar.
8) The Album Leaf
A Chorus Of Storytellers (Sub Pop). Jimmy LaValle learns to share by recording the full band this time around, with the result being one of their best albums yet.
9) Beach House
Teen Dream (Sub Pop). The Baltimore duo is back for a third album of alternative rock, their first release on Sub Pop.
10) Eels
End Times (Vagrant). Personal loss is equated with global loss in this stripped down set of tunes.
11) Citizen Cope
The RainWater LP (Megaforce). Clarence Greenwood is back with another mix of hip-hop, folk and blues.
12) Vampire Weekend
Contra (XL Recordings). Vampire Weekend proves they have holding power on this second great album.
13) Spoon
Transference (Merge). The Austin indie-rockers have been long-time favorites and this new album does not disappoint!
14) John Hiatt
The Open Road (New West). Eleven songs that sizzle as John sings about life on the road.
15) Various Artists
Crazy Heart soundtrack (New West). Jeff Bridges can act, and Jeff Bridges can sing, and he does both well for this Oscar-worthy film and soundtrack, produced by T Bone Burnett.
