Rhapsody Streamnotes: Year 2010 Index

December 4

1. Antony and the Johnsons: Swanlights (2010, Secretly Canadian) B-
2. Badfinger: Magic Christian Music (1969 [2010], Captiol) B+(*)
3. Badfinger: No Dice (1970 [2010], Capitol) B
4. Badfinger: Straight Up (1971 [2010], Capitol) B-
5. Badfinger: Ass (1972-73 [2010], Capitol) C+
6. The Black Eyed Peas: The Beginning (2010, Interscope) B+(**)
7. Roky Erickson: True Love Cast Out All Evil (2010, Anti-) B+(**)
8. Eskmo: Eskmo (2010, Ninja Tune) B+(***)
9. Freddie Gibbs: Str8 Killa (2010, Decon, EP) B+(*)
10. Girls: Broken Dreams Club (2010, True Panther Sounds, EP) B+(***)
11. Gold Panda: Lucky Shiner (2010, Spunk) B+(***)
12. Gonjasufi: A Sufi and a Killer (2010, Warp) C-
13. Chilly Gonzales: Ivory Tower (2010, Arts & Crafts) B+(*)
14. John Grant: Queen of Denmark (2010, Bella Union) B
15. Cee Lo Green: The Lady Killer (2010, Elektra) B
16. Grinderman: Grinderman 2 (2010, Anti-) B-
17. Holy Fuck: Latin (2010, Young Turks) B+(***)
18. Mary Hopkin: Post Card (1969 [2010], Capitol) B
19. Mary Hopkin: Earth Song / Ocean Song (1971 [2010], Capitol) B+(*)
20. Jaga Jazzist: One-Armed Bandit (2010, Ninja Tune) B+(**)
21. Billy Jenkins: Born Again (2010, VOTP) B+(**)
22. Jónsi: Go (2010, XL) B+(*)
23. Junip: Fields (2010, Mute) B
24. Kesha: Cannibal (2010, RCA, EP) B+(*)
25. Kid Cudi: Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010, Universal Motown) B+(*)
26. Let's Wrestle: In the Court of the Wrestling Let's (2009 [2010], Merge) B+(**)
27. Liars: Sisterworld (2010, Mute) C+
28. Lil Wayne: I Am Not a Human Being (2010, Universal Motown) B+(**)
29. Jackie Lomax: Is This What You Want? (1969 [2010], Capitol) C
30. Lyrics Born: As U Were (2010, Decon) A-
31. Major Lazer: Lazers Never Die (2010, Interscope, EP) B+(*)
32. Matt and Kim: Sidewalks (2010, Fader) B
33. Meat Beat Manifesto: Answers Come in Dreams (2010, Metropolis) B+(*)
34. Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday (2010, Universal Motown) A-
35. The Modern Jazz Quartet: Under the Jasmin Tree/Space (1967-69 [2010], Capitol) B
36. Nelly: 5.0 (2010, Motown) B+(**)
37. Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It (1969 [2010], Capitol) B+(*)
38. Billy Preston: Encouraging Words (1970 [2010], Capitol) B
39. Keith Richards: Vintage Vinos (1988-92 [2010], Mindless) B-
40. Rihanna: Loud (2010, Def Jam) B+(***)
41. Robyn: Body Talk (2010, Konichiwa/Cherrytree/Interscope) A
42. Jack Rose: Luck in the Valley (2009 [2010], Thrill Jockey) B+(*)
43. Shad: The Old Prince (2007, Black Box) A-
44. Shad: TSOL (2010, Decon) A-
45. Elliott Smith: An Introduction to Elliott Smith (1994-2003 [2010], Kill Rock Stars) B
46. Taylor Swift: Speak Now (2010, Big Machine) A-
47. John Tavener: The Whale/Celtic Requiem (1970-71 [2010], Capitol) C-
48. James Taylor: James Taylor (1968 [2010], Capitol) B-
49. Tricky: Mixed Race (2010, Domino) B+(**)
50. Doris Troy: Doris Troy (1970, Capitol) B+(**)
51. Twista: The Perfect Storm (2010, Get Gang Money) B+(***)
52. The Volebeats: The Volebeats (2010, Rainbow Quartz) B+(*)
53. The Walkmen: Lisbon (2010, Fat Possum) B-
54. Kanye West: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010, Roc-A-Fella) A-
55. Blow Your Head: Diplo Presents Dubstep (2010, Mad Decent) B+(*)
56. Coal Miner's Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn (2010, Columbia) B+(*)
57. Come and Get It: The Best of Apple Records (1968-73 [2010], Capitol) B-
58. Yes We Can: Songs About Leaving Africa (2010, Out Here) A-

November 5

1. John Adams: Doctor Atomic Symphony (2009, Nonesuch) B+(***)
2. John Adams: I Am Love [A Film by Luca Guadagnino] (2010, Nonesuch) B+(**)
3. The Bad Plus: Never Stop (2010, E1 Entertainment) B+(**)
4. Belle and Sebastian: Write About Love (2010, Matador) A-
5. Aloe Blacc: Good Things (2010, Stones Throw) B
6. Black Milk: Album of the Year (2010, Fat Beats) B+(**)
7. Sheryl Crow: 100 Miles From Memphis (2010, A&M) B+(**)
8. Barbara Dane: Anthology of American Folk Songs (1959 [2006], Empire Music Group) A-
9. Deerhunter: Halcyon Digest (2010, 4AD) B+(**)
10. Die Antwoord: $O$ (2009 [2010], Cherrytree/Interscope) B+(**)
11. Etran Finatawa: Tarkat Taiji/Let's Go (2010, Riverboat) B+(*)
12. Bryan Ferry: Olympia (2010, Virgin) B+(**)
13. Walter Gibbons: Jungle Music (1976-86 [2010], Strut, 2CD) B+(***)
14. Henry Grimes/Rashied Ali: Going to the Ritual (2008, Porter) B+(***)
15. Buddy Guy: Living Proof (2010, Silvertone) B
16. Brian Harnetty/Bonnie "Prince" Billy: Silent City (2009, Atavistic) B+(**)
17. Mariem Hassan: Shouka (2010, Nubenegra) B+(*)
18. Elton John/Leon Russell: The Union (2010, Decca) B
19. Gidon Kremer: De Profundis (2001-08 [2010], Nonesuch) B
20. John Lennon: Plastic Ono Band (1970 [2010], Capitol) A-
21. John Lennon: Imagine (1971 [2010], Capitol) A+
22. John Lennon/Yoko Ono: Some Time in New York City (1972 [2010], Capitol, 2CD) B-
23. John Lennon: Mind Games (1973 [2010], Capitol) C+
24. John Lennon: Walls and Bridges (1974 [2010], Capitol) C
25. John Lennon: Rock 'n Roll (1975 [2010], Capitol) B
26. John Lennon/Yoko Ono: Double Fantasy: Stripped Down (1980 [2010], Capitol, 2CD) B+(*)
27. John Lennon/Yoko Ono: Milk and Honey (1980-83 [2010], Capitol) A-
28. John Lennon: Power to the People: The Hits (1970-80 [2010], Capitol) B
29. Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010, Elektra) A-
30. The Wynton Marsalis Quintet & Richard Galliano: From Billie Holiday to Edith Piaf: Live in Marciac (2008 [2010], Rampart Street Music) B+(*)
31. Maximum Balloon: Maximum Balloon (2010, DGC/Interscope) B+(*)
32. NERD: Nothing (2010, Star Trak) B+(**)
33. No Age: Everything in Between (2010, Sub Pop) A-
34. Of Montreal: False Priest (2010, Polyvinyl) A-
35. Old 97's: The Grand Theatre: Volume One (2010, New West) B+(***)
36. Liz Phair: Funstyle (2010, Rocket Science Ventures) A-
37. "Buck" Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds: Diggin' Up Bones (2009, Arbors) B+(**)
38. The Pizzarelli Boys: Desert Island Dreamers (2009 [2010], Arbors) B
39. Robert Plant: Band of Joy (2010, Rounder) B+(*)
40. Steve Reich: Double Sextet/2x5 (2009-10 [2010], Nonesuch) A-
41. The Secret Sisters: The Secret Sisters (2010, Universal Republic) B+(**)
42. Shakira: Sale el Sol (2010, Sony Latin Music/Epic) A-
43. Sleater-Kinney: Sleater-Kinney (1995, Chainsaw) B+(**)
44. Sleater-Kinney: The Woods (2004 [2005], Sub Pop) B+(**)
45. Marnie Stern: Marnie Stern (2010, Kill Rock Stars) B+(**)
46. Sufjan Stevens: All Delighted People EP (2010, Asthmatic Kitty) B
47. Sufjan Stevens: The Age of Adz (2010, Asthmatic Kitty) B+(*)
48. Grant Stewart: Around the Corner (2010, Sharp Nine) B+(***)
49. Rod Stewart: Fly Me to the Moon: The Great American Songbook, Volume V (2010, J) B
50. Swans: My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky (2010, Young God) B+(*)
51. Rachid Taha: Bonjour (2009 [2010], Knitting Factory) B+(**)
52. Avey Tare: Down There (2010, Paw Tracks) B+(*)
53. Richard Thompson: Dream Attic (2010, Shout! Factory) A-
54. Paul Thorn: Pimps and Preachers (2010, Perpetual Obscurity) B+(*)
55. The Corin Tucker Band: 1,000 Years (2010, Kill Rock Stars) B+(*)
56. The Vaselines: Sex With an X (2010, Sub Pop) B+(***)
57. Katherine Young: Further Secret Origins (2009, Porter) B
58. Tom Zé: Estudando a Bossa: Nordeste Plaza (2008 [2010], Luaka Bop) A-
59. African Pearls: Sénégal: Echo Musical (1970s [2010], Syllart, 2CD) B+(***)
60. Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster (2004, Emergent) B+(***)

October 9

1. The Black Keys: Brothers (2010, Nonesuch) B+(**)
2. Catalyst: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 1 (1972 [2010], Porter) B+(***)
3. Catalyst: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 2 (1974-75 [2010], Porter) B
4. Kenny Chesney: Hemingway's Whiskey (BNA) B
5. Leonard Cohen: Songs From the Road (2008-09 [2010], Columbia/Legacy) B+(**)
6. Jason Collett: Rat a Tat Tat (2010, Arts & Crafts) B+(**)
7. Ted Daniel Quintet: Tapestry (1974 [2008], Porter) B+(**)
8. Matthew Dear: Black City (2010, Ghostly International) B
9. Pierre de Gaillande: Bad Reputation: Pierre de Gaillande Sings Georges Brassens (2010, Barbès) B+(***)
10. Dr. John, the Night Tripper: Gris-Gris (1968 [2000], Collectors' Choice) B
11. Justin Townes Earle: Harlem River Blues (2010, Bloodshot) B+(*)
12. Marty Ehrlich: Fables (2010, Tzadik) B+(**)
13. El Guincho: Pop Negro (2009 [2010], Young Turks/XL) A-
14. Blaze Foley: The Dawg Years (1975-78 [2010], Fat Possum) B+(**)
15. Serge Gainsbourg: Histoire de Melody Nelson (1970-71 [2009], Light in the Attic) B+(***)
16. Henry Grimes/Rashied Ali: Spirits Aloft (2009 [2010], Porter) A-
17. Robert David Hall: Things They Don't Teach You in School (2008 [2010], Robert David Hall Music) B+(***)
18. The Hold Steady: Heaven Is Whenever (2010, Vagrant) A-
19. Jamey Johnson: That Lonesome Song (2008, Mercury Nashville) B+(**)
20. Jamey Johnson: The Guitar Song (2010, Mercury Nashville, 2CD) B+(**)
21. Toby Keith: Bullets in the Gun (2010, Show Dog Nashville) B
22. John Legend/The Roots: Wake Up! (2010, GOOD/Columbia) B
23. Les Savy Fav: Root for Ruin (2010, Frenchkiss) B+(***)
24. Jerry Lee Lewis: Mean Old Man (2010, Verve Forecast) B+(*)
25. Los Lobos: Tin Can Trust (2010, Shout! Factory) B+(***)
26. Masada String Trio: Haborym: The Book of Angels, Volume 16 (2010, Tzadik) B+(***)
27. Tift Merritt: See You on the Moon (2010, Fantasy) B+(**)
28. The Method Actors: This Is Still It (1980-81 [2010], Acute) B+(*)
29. Mark O'Leary/Sunny Murray: Ode to Albert Ayler (2002 [2009], Ayler) B+(**)
30. Odean Pope: Plant Life (2008, Porter) B+(**)
31. Robyn: Body Talk, Pt. 2 (2010, Konichiwa) B
32. Ski Beatz: 24 Hour Karate School (2010, DD172/Def Jam) B+(**)
33. So Percussion/Matmos: Treasure State (2010, Cantaloupe) B+(**)
34. Moe! Staiano's Moe!kestra!: 2 Rooms of Uranium in 83 Markers: Conducted Improvisations, Vol. II (2003-04 [2007], Edgetone) B+(*)
35. Mavis Staples: You Are Not Alone (2010, Anti-) B+(***)
36. The Thermals: Personal Life (2010, Kill Rock Stars) B+(**)
37. Tin Huey: Before Obscurity: Bushflow Tapes (1974-79 [2009], Smog Veil) B+(**)
38. Neil Young: Le Noise (2010, Reprise) B+(***)
39. Bloody War: Songs 1924-1939 (1924-39 [2010], Tompkins Square) A-

September 7

1. Bobby Bare Jr.: A Storm, a Tree, My Mother's Head (2010, Thirty Tigers) B+(***)
2. Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses: Junky Star (2010, Lost Highway) B+(**)
3. Theo Bleckmann/Fumio Yasuda: Berlin: Songs of Love and War, Peace and Exile (2007, Winter & Winter) B+(***)
4. Bill Charlap/Renee Rosnes: Double Portrait (2009 [2010], Blue Note) B
5. Clem Snide: The Ghost of Fashion (2001, SpinArt) B+(***)
6. Clem Snide: End of Love (2005, SpinArt) A-
7. Clem Snide: The Meat of Life (2010, 429) B+(*)
8. Pierre de Gaillande: Bad Reputation: Pierre de Gaillande Sings Georges Brassens (2010, Barbès) B+(***)
9. Dr. John and the Lower 911: Tribal (2010, 429) B+(**)
10. Kahil El'Zabar's Ritual Trio Featuring Billy Bang: Big M: A Tribute to Malachi Favors (2004 [2006], Delmark) A-
11. Scott Hamilton Quartet Plus Two: Our Delight! (2005 [2006], Woodville) B+(***)
12. Scott Hamilton/Alan Barnes: Hi-Ya (2009 [2010], Woodville) B+(**)
13. Herbie Hancock: The Imagine Project (2010, Hancock) B
14. Michael Hurley: First Songs (1964 [2009], Folkways) B
15. Billy Jenkins with the Voice of God Collective: Sounds Like Bromley (1982, VOTP) B+(***)
16. Billy Jenkins with the Voice of God Collective: Greenwich (1985, VOTP) A-
17. Billy Jenkins: Uncommerciality: Volume One (1986, VOTP) B+(***)
18. Billy Jenkins: Uncommerciality: Volume Two (1988, VOTP) B+(***)
19. Billy Jenkins: Uncommerciality: Volume Three (1991, VOTP) A-
20. Billy Jenkins: I Am a Man From Lewisham (2010, VOTP) B+(***)
21. Jenny and Johnny: I'm Having Fun Now (2010, Warner Bros.) A-
22. Tom Jones: Praise & Blame (2010, Lost Highway) B
23. Issa Juma & Super Wanyika Stars: World Defeats the Grandfathers (1982-86 [2010], Sterns) B+(***)
24. Lee Konitz/Chris Cheek/Stephane Furic Leibovici: Jugendstil II (2005 [2010], ESP-Disk) B+(*)
25. Konono No. 1: Assume Crash Position (2010, Crammed Discs) A-
26. Oliver Lake Organ Quartet: Plan (2009 [2010], Passin Thru) B+(**)
27. Jon Langford & Skull Orchard: Old Devils (2010, Bloodshot) A-
28. The Legendary Shack Shakers: Agri-dustrial (2010, Colonel Knowledge) B+(*)
29. Joe Locke: For the Love of You (2009 [2010], Koch) B-
30. Mahjongg: The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger (2010, K) B+(**)
31. John Mellencamp: No Better Than This (2010, Rounder) B+(*)
32. Joe Morris: Colorfield (2009, ESP-Disk) B+(***)
33. Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More (2009 [2010], Glassnote) B+(**)
34. Ivo Perelman with C.T. String Quartet: The Alexander Suite (1998, Leo) B+(***)
35. Ivo Perelman: Brazilian Watercolour (1998 [1999], Leo) B+(***)
36. Katy Perry: Teenage Dream (2010, Capitol) B
37. Pet Shop Boys: Pandemonium Live (2009 [2010], Caroline) B+(**)
38. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Mojo (2009-10 [2010], Reprise) B
39. Placebo: Covers (1997-2005 [2010], Virgin) B+(*)
40. Portico Quartet: Knee Deep in the North Sea (2007, Vortex) B+(**)
41. Otis Redding & His Orchestra: Live on the Sunset Strip (1966 [2010], Stax, 2CD) B+(***)
42. Robyn: Body Talk, Pt. 1 (2010, Cherrytree/Interscope) B+(**)
43. Shout Out Louds: Work (Merge) B+(*)
44. Talibam!: Boogie in the Breeze Blocks (2009, ESP-Disk) B+(*)
45. James Talley: Journey: The Second Voyage (2009, Cimarron) B+(*)
46. James Talley: Heartsong (2009, Cimarron) B+(**)
47. Loudon Wainwright III: Album I (1970 [2006], Collectors' Choice Music) B+(*)
48. Loudon Wainwright III: Album II (1971 [2006], Collector's Choice Music) B
49. Nasheet Waits: Equality: Alive at MPI (2008 [2009], Fresh Sound New Talent) A-
50. Wavves: King of the Beach (2010, Fat Possum) B-
51. Brian Wilson: Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin (2010, Walt Disney) C+
52. Next Stop . . . Soweto, Vol. 1 (1969-75 [2010], Strut) B+(***)

August 10

1. Fred Anderson: On the Run: Live at the Velvet Lounge (2000 [2001], Delmark) B+(***)
2. Laurie Anderson: Homeland (2010, Nonesuch) B+(***)
3. Arcade Fire: The Suburbs (2010, Merge) A-
4. Asleep at the Wheel/Leon Rausch: It's a Good Day (2010, Bismeaux) B+(***)
5. Mulatu Astatke: Mulatu Steps Ahead (2010, Strut) B+(**)
6. Best Coast: Crazy for You (2010, Mexican Summer) B+(*)
7. Big Boi: Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (2010, Def Jam) A
8. The Books: The Way Out (2010, Temporary Residence) A-
9. Regina Carter: Reverse Thread (2010, E1 Entertainment) B+(*)
10. Casiokids: Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar (2010, Polyvinyl) B
11. The Coathangers: Scramble (2009, Suicide Squeeze) B+(***)
12. Bako Dagnon: Sidiba (2010, Discograph) B+(***)
13. Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse: Dark Night of the Soul (2010, Capitol) B+(*)
14. Deadstring Brothers: São Paulo (2010, Bloodshot) B+(*)
15. Devin the Dude: Suite #420 (2010, E1 Music) B+(*)
16. Drake: Thank Me Later (2010, Universal Motown) B+(***)
17. The Dreamers: Ipos: The Book of Angels, Vol. 14 (2009 [2010], Tzadik) B+(***)
18. Billy Eckstine: Jukebox Hits 1943-1953 (1943-53 [2005], Acrobat) B
19. Billy Eckstine: Basie and Eckstine, Inc. (1959 [1994], Roulette) B+(*)
20. Alejandro Escovedo: Street Songs of Love (2010, Fantasy) B-
21. Jace Everett: Red Revelations (2010, Wrasse) B
22. Field Music: Field Music (Measure) (2010, Memphis Industries) B+(*)
23. Robbie Fulks: Happy: Plays the Music of Michael Jackson (2002 [2010], Bloodshot) B
24. Mary Gauthier: The Foundling (2010, Razor & Tie) B+(***)
25. Ben Goldberg Quartet: Baal: The Book of Angels, Vol. 15 (2009 [2010], Tzadik) B+(***)
26. Helen Humes: Sneakin' Around [The Definitive Black & Blue Sessions] (1974 [2002], Black & Blue) B+(**)
27. Salif Keita: La Différence (2009 [2010], Decca) B
28. Kele: The Boxer (2010, Glassnote) B+(**)
29. Kelis: Flesh Tone (2010, Interscope) B+(*)
30. Kesha: Animal (2010, Jive) B+(***)
31. Byard Lancaster: It's Not Up to Us (1968 [2003], Water) B+(**)
32. Byard Lancaster: Personal Testimony (1979 [2008], Porter) B+(*)
33. The Like: Release Me (2010, Downtown) B
34. M.I.A.: Maya (2010, XL/Interscope) A-
35. Kylie Minogue: Aphrodite (2010, Astralwerks) B+(***)
36. Mycale: Mycale: The Book of Angels, Volume 13 (2009 [2010], Tzadik) B+(**)
37. Evan Parker: House Full of Floors (2009, Tzadik) B+(*)
38. Ivo Perelman: The Ventriloquist (2001 [2002], Leo) B+(***)
39. Ivo Perelman/Dominic Duval: Nowhere to Hide (2009, Not Two) B+(**)
40. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti: Before Today (2009-10 [2010], 4AD) B-
41. Reflection Eternal [Talib Kweli + Hi-Tek]: Revolutions Per Minute (2010, Warner Brothers) A-
42. Rhymefest: El Che (2010, Rose Hip) B+(**)
43. Carrie Rodriguez: Love and Circumstance (2010, Ninth Street Opus) B+(*)
44. Sage Francis: Li(f)e (2010, Anti-) A-
45. She & Him: Volume Two (2010, Merge) B+(*)
46. Blake Shelton: Hillbilly Bone (2010, Warner Brothers, EP) B+(**)
47. Sleigh Bells: Treats (2010, Mom & Pop Music) B+(***)
48. Sounds of Liberation: Sounds of Liberation (1972 [2010], Porter) A-
49. The-Dream: Love King (2010, Def Jam) A-
50. Loudon Wainwright III: 10 Songs for the New Depression (2010, Second Story Sound) A-
51. Hank Williams III: Rebel Within (2010, Sidewalk) B+(**)
52. John Zorn: The 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 1: Masada String Trio (2003 [2004], Tzadik) B+(***)
53. John Zorn: Dictée/Liber Novus (2009 [2010], Tzadik) B+(*)
54. John Zorn: The Goddess: Music for the Ancient of Days (2009 [2010], Tzadik) B+(**)
55. John Zorn: In Search of the Miraculous (2009 [2010], Tzadik) B+(***)
56. John Zorn/Fred Frith: Late Works (2009 [2010], Tzadik) B+(*)
57. Zu: Carboniferous (2009, Ipecac) B-

July 8

1. Against Me!: White Crosses (2010, Sire) B-
2. The Apples in Stereo: Electronic Projects for Musicians (1995-2007 [2008], Yep Roc) B+(***)
3. The Apples in Stereo: #1 Hits Explosion (1995-2007 [2009], Yep Roc) A-
4. The Besnard Lakes: The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night (2010, Jagjaguwar) B
5. Bettie Serveert: Private Suit (2000, Hidden Agenda) B+(***)
6. Bettie Serveert: Log 22 (2003, Hidden Agenda) B+(***)
7. Bettie Serveert: Pharmacy of Love (2009 [2010], Second Motion) B+(**)
8. Caribou: Swim (2010, Merge) B+(*)
9. The Chemical Brothers: Further (2010, Astralwerks) B+(***)
10. Steve Davis: Live at Smalls (2009 [2010], Smalls Live) B+(**)
11. The Dead Weather: Sea of Cowards (2010, Third Man/Warner Brothers) B+(***)
12. Deer Tick: The Black Dirt Sessions (2010, Partisan) B
13. Eminem: Recovery (2010, Interscope) B(*)
14. Benton Flippen: Old Time, New Times (1970s-93 [1994], Rounder) B+(***)
15. Mick Goodrick: In Pas(s)ing (1978 [2001], ECM) A-
16. Macy Gray: The Sellout (2010, Concord) A-
17. Ideal Bread: The Ideal Bread (2008, KMB) B+(***)
18. Bettye LaVette: Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook (2010, Anti-) B
19. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: The Brutalist Bricks (2009 [2010], Matador) B
20. Kinito Méndez: Exitos de Kinito Méndez (1995-2005 [2005], J&N) A-
21. Janelle Monáe: The Archandroid (2010, Bad Boy) B+(**)
22. The National: High Violet (2009-10 [2010], 4AD) A-
23. The Pernice Brothers: Goodbye, Killer (2010, Ashmont) B+(***)
24. The Roots: How I Got Over (2010, Def Jam) A-
25. Steve Swell: Remember Now (2005 [2006], Not Two) A-
26. Gabor Szabo: Gypsy '66 (1965 [1966], Impulse) B-
27. Tokyo Police Club: Champ (2010, Mom & Pop Music) B+(**)
28. Uffie: Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans (2010, Ed Banger/Elektra) B+(**)

June 9

1. Geri Allen: Flying Toward the Sound (2008 [2010], Motéma Music) B+(*)
2. Svend Asmussen: Makin' Whoopee! . . . and Music! (2009, Arbors) B
3. Balkan Beat Box: Blue Eyed Black Boy (2010, Crammed Discs) B+(***)
4. Danny Barnes: Pizza Box (2010, ATO) B+(**)
5. Peter Bernstein Quartet: Live at Smalls (2008 [2010], Smalls Live) B+(**)
6. Eric Bibb: Booker's Guitar (2008 [2010], Telarc) B+(***)
7. Black Tambourine: Black Tambourine (1989-92 [2010], Slumberland) B+(**)
8. Dee Dee Bridgewater: Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959) (2009 [2010], Emarcy) B+(*)
9. Broken Bells: Broken Bells (2010, Columbia) B+(*)
10. Cachao's Mambo All Stars: Como Siempre (2009, Sony/Eventus) B+(**)
11. Cock Lorge: Rise (2008, Tubbys Entertainment) C+
12. Elizabeth Cook: Welder (2010, Thirty One Tigers) A-
13. Drakkar Sauna: 20009 (2009, Marriage) B+(*)
14. Paul Dunmall/Chris Corsano: Identical Sunsets (2010, ESP-Disk) B+(*)
15. The Fall: Your Future Our Clutter (2010, Domino) B+(*)
16. Gogol Bordello: Trans-Continental Hustle (2010, American) A-
17. Gorillaz: Plastic Beach (2010, Virgin) B
18. James Hand: The Truth Will Set You Free (2006, Rounder) B+(***)
19. James Hand: Shadow on the Ground (2009, Rounder) B+(***)
20. Roy Haynes Quartet: Out of the Afternoon (1962 [2007], Impulse) A-
21. The Jeff Healey Band: See the Light (1988 [1995], Arista) B+(*)
22. Hole: Nobody's Daughter (2010, Mercury) B+(***)
23. The Holmes Brothers: Feed My Soul (2010, Alligator) B+(**)
24. Jaguar Love: Hologram Jams (2009 [2010], Fat Possum) B+(***)
25. Kleenex/Liliput: Live Recordings, TV-Clips & Roadmovie (1979-83 [2010], Kill Rock Stars, CD+DVD) B+(*)
26. LCD Soundsystem: This Is Happening (2010, DFA/Virgin) B+(*)
27. Lyle Lovett: Natural Forces (2009, Lost Highway) B+(***)
28. Laura Marling: I Speak Because I Can (2010, Astralwerks) B+(**)
29. The John Moore Rock and Roll Trio: Roll Your Activator Volume 1 (2010, Greaser 2000) B+(**)
30. Stanton Moore: Groove Alchemy (2010, Telarc) B+(*)
31. Nas/Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley: Distant Relatives (2010, Def Jam) B+(***)
32. The New York Allstars: Count Basie Remembered, Vol. 2 (1996 [1998], Nagel Heyer) B+(**)
33. Nicki Parrott/Rossano Sportiello: Do It Again (2009, Arbors) B+(*)
34. John Pizzarelli: Rockin' in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington (2010, Telarc) B+(**)
35. Quasi: American Gong (2010, Kill Rock Stars) B+(**)
36. Quiet Sun: Mainstream (1975 [2004], Expression) B+(*)
37. Christian Scott: Yesterday You Said Tomorrow (2009 [2010], Concord) B
38. Gil Scott-Heron: I'm New Here (2010, XL) B+(*)
39. Francis Albert Sinatra/Antonio Carlos Jobim: The Complete Reprise Recordings (1967 [2010], Concord) B-
40. Titus Andronicus: The Monitor (2010, XL) B+(***)
41. Trombone Shorty: Backatown (2010, Verve Forecast) C+
42. Warren Vaché-Tony Coe-Alan Barnes Septet: Shine (1997 [1998], Zephyr) B+(***)
43. Phil Woods/Lee Konitz 5Tet: Play Woods (2003 [2004], Philology) B+(***)
44. Phil Woods/Lee Konitz 5Tet: Play Konitz (2003 [2004], Philology) B+(***)
45. Beatles Beginnings: Quarrymen One: Skiffle - Country - Western (1926-59 [2009], Rhythm and Blues) A-
46. Beatles Beginnings: Quarrymen Two: Rock 'n' Roll (1952-59 [2009], Rhythm and Blues) A-

May 8

1. Dave Alvin: Live From Austin TX (1999 [2007], New West) B+(**)
2. The Apples in Stereo: Tone Soul Evolution (1997, SpinArt) A-
3. The Apples in Stereo: Travellers in Space and Time (2008-10 [2010], Yep Roc) A-
4. Asleep at the Wheel: Live From Austin TX (1992 [2006], New West) B+(*)
5. Asleep at the Wheel: 20 Greatest Hits (1972-2003 [2003], Capitol) B+(**)
6. Erykah Badu: New Amerykah, Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh (2010, Universal/Motown) B+(*)
7. V.V. Brown: Travelling Like the Light (2009 [2010], Capitol) A-
8. David Byrne: Live From Austin TX (2001 [2007], New West) B+(***)
9. Neko Case: Live From Austin TX (2003 [2007], New West) B-
10. Johnny Cash: Live From Austin TX (1987 [2005], New West) B+(**)
11. Guy Clark: Live From Austin TX (1989 [2007], New West) B+(**)
12. Coathangers: Coathangers (2007, Rob's House) B+(***)
13. Easton Corbin: Easton Corbin (2010, Mercury Nashville) B+(**)
14. Fats Domino: The Fats Domino Jukebox: 20 Greatest Hits the Way You Originally Heard Them (1949-61 [2002], Capitol) A
15. Fats Domino: Live From Austin TX (1986 [2006], New West) B+(***)
16. Drive-By Truckers: The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities (2003-08 [2009], New West) A-
17. Steve Earle: Live From Austin TX (1986 [2004], New West) A-
18. Steve Earle: Live From Austin TX: November 12, 2000 (2000 [2008], New West) B+(***)
19. Kinky Friedman: Live From Austin TX (1975 [2007], New West) B
20. Eliza Gilkyson: Live From Austin TX (2001 [2007], New West) B+(***)
21. Gotan Project: Tango 3.0 (2010, XL) B+(**)
22. Guided by Voices: Live From Austin TX (2004 [2007], New West, 2CD) B
23. Merle Haggard: Live From Austin TX '78 (1978 [2008], New West) B+(**)
24. Merle Haggard: Chicago Wind (2005, Capitol) B+(**)
25. Merle Haggard: I Am What I Am (2010, Vanguard) B+(***)
26. John Hiatt: Live From Austin TX (1993 [2005], New West) B+(*)
27. John Hiatt: The Open Road (2009 [2010], New West) B+(**)
28. Waylon Jennings: Live From Austin TX (1989 [2006], New West) B+(***)
29. Waylon Jennings: Live From Austin TX '84 (1984 [2008], New West) B+(**)
30. Eric Johnson: Live From Austin TX (1988 [2005], New West) B+(*)
31. Norah Jones: The Fall (2009, Blue Note) B+(*)
32. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings: I Learned the Hard Way (2010, Daptone) B+(*)
33. Robert Earl Keen: Live From Austin TX (2001 [2004], New West) B+(*)
34. Klezmer Conservatory Band: Old World Beat (1992, Rounder) B+(*)
35. Kris Kristofferson: Live From Austin TX (1981 [2006], New West) B
36. Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip: The Logic of Chance (2010, Sunday Best) A-
37. Jerry Lee Lewis: Live From Austin TX (1983 [2007], New West) A-
38. Shelby Lynne: Tears, Lies and Alibis (2010, Everso) A-
39. Madonna: Like a Virgin (1984 [2001], Warner Brothers) B+(**)
40. Madonna: Celebration [Deluxe Edition] (1982-2009 [2009], Warner Brothers, 2CD) A-
41. Phil Manzanera/Lucho Brieva: Corroncho (2009 [2010], Expression) B+(**)
42. John Mayall: Live From Austin TX (1993 [2007], New West) B+(*)
43. MC Esoteric: Saving Seamus Ryan (2009, Fly Casual) B+(***)
44. Delbert McClinton: Live From Austin TX (1982 [2006], New West) B
45. Tift Merritt: Home Is Loud (2005 [2009], Blue Rose) B+(**)
46. MGMT: Oracular Spectacular (2007 [2008], Columbia) B+(*)
47. MGMT: Congratulations (2010, Columbia) B-
48. Cory Morrow: Live From Austin TX (2002 [2007], New West) B+(**)
49. Kate Nash: My Best Friend Is You (2010, Geffen) A-
50. Willie Nelson: Country Music (2010, Rounder) B+(*)
51. Buck Owens: Live From Austin TX (1988 [2007], New West) B+(*)
52. Polar Bear: Peepers (2010, Leaf Label) B+(**)
53. The Polyphonic Spree: Live From Austin TX (2004 [2007], New West) B
54. S.E. Rogie: Palm Wine Guitar Music: The 60s Sound (1960-69 [2002], Cooking Vinyl) B+(*)
55. Doug Sahm: San Antonio Rock: The Harlem Recordings 1957-1961 (1957-61 [2000], Norton) B+(*)
56. Doug Sahm: Live From Austin TX (1975 [2007], New West) A-
57. Surfer Blood: Astro Coast (2010, Kanine) B+(**)
58. Susan Tedeschi: Live From Austin TX (2003 [2004], New West) B+(*)
59. Texas Tornados: ¡Esta Bueno! (2010, Bismeaux) B+(*)
60. These New Puritans: Hidden (2010, Domino) B
61. Richard Thompson: Live From Austin TX (2001 [2005], New West) B+(***)
62. Tony Joe White: Polk Salad Annie: The Best of Tony Joe White (1969-73 [1994], Warner Archives) B+(*)
63. Tony Joe White: Live From Austin TX (1980 [2006], New West) B+(**)
64. Dwight Yoakam: Live From Austin TX (1988 [2005], New West) B+(**)
65. Dwight Yoakam: Dwight Live (1994 [2009], Rhino Flashback) B+(**)
66. Dwight Yoakam: The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam (1986-2000 [2004], Rhino/Reprise) A-
67. Glee: The Music, Vol. 1 (2009, Columbia) B-
68. Glee: The Music, Vol. 2 (2009, Columbia) B
69. Glee: The Music, the Power of Madonna (2010, Columbia) B+(*)

April 9

1. MC Paul Barman: Thought Balloon Mushroom Cloud (2010, Househusband) B+(***)
2. The Bundles: The Bundles (2009, K) B+(***)
3. David Byrne/Fatboy Slim: Here Lies Love (2010, Nonesuch, 2CD) B+(*)
4. Carolina Chocolate Drops: Genuine Negro Jig (2009 [2010], Nonesuch) B+(***)
5. Johnny Cash: American VI: Ain't No Grave (2002-03 [2010], Lost Highway) B+(**)
6. The Chieftains/Ry Cooder: San Patricio (2010, Hear Music) B
7. DJ /rupture & Matt Shadetek: Solar Life Raft (2009, The Agriculture) B+(*)
8. Dr. Dooom: Dr. Dooom, Vol. 2 (2008, Treshold) B+(**)
9. Drive-By Truckers: The Big To-Do (2010, ATO) B+(***)
10. Eddy Current Suppression Ring: Primary Colours (2007 [2008], Goner) A-
11. Eddy Current Suppression Ring: Rush to Relax (2009 [2010], Goner) B+(**)
12. Felt: 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez (2009, Rhymesayers Entertainment) B+(**)
13. Alan Jackson: Freight Train (2010, Arista) B+(**)
14. Lil Wayne: Rebirth (2010, Universal Motown/Cash Money) B-
15. Love Is All: Nine Times That Same Song (2006, What's Your Rupture?) A-
16. Love Is All: Two Thousand and Ten Injuries (2010, Polyvinyl) B+(***)
17. Ludacris: Battle of the Sexes (2010, Disturbing Tha Peace) B
18. Madonna: The Confessions Tour (2007, Warner Brothers) A-
19. Madonna: The Sticky and Sweet Tour (2008 [2010], Warner Brothers) B+(***)
20. Massive Attack: Heligoland (2010, Virgin) B
21. Allison Moorer: Crows (2010, Rykodisc) B
22. Pantha du Prince: Black Noise (2010, Rough Trade) B+(*)
23. Elvis Presley: Elvis (1956 [2005], RCA) A-
24. Elvis Presley: Loving You (1957 [2005], RCA) A-
25. Dan Reeder: Dan Reeder (2004, Oh Boy) B-
26. Ravi Shankar: Three Ragas (1956 [2000], Angel) A-
27. Ravi Shankar: India's Most Distinguished Musician in Concert (1961 [1999], Angel) B+(**)
28. Ravi Shankar: Improvisations (1962 [1999], Angel) B+(*)
29. Ravi Shankar: India's Master Musician (1963 [1999], Angel) A-
30. Ravi Shankar: Ragas & Talas (1964 [2000], Angel) B+(***)
31. Ravi Shankar: Portrait of Genius (1964 [1998], Angel) B+(**)
32. Ravi Shankar: Sound of the Sitar (1965 [2000], Angel) B+(**)
33. Ravi Shankar: Live: At the Monterey International Pop Festival (1967 [1998], Angel) B+(**)
34. Ravi Shankar: In San Francisco (1967 [2001], Angel) B
35. Ravi Shankar: In New York (1968 [2000], Angel) B+(***)
36. Ravi Shankar: The Sounds of India (1968 [1989], Columbia) B+(**)
37. Ravi Shankar/Yehudi Menuhin: West Meets East: The Historic Shankar/Menuhin Sessions (1967-76 [1999], Angel) B+(*)
38. Ravi Shankar/Ali Akbar Khan: Ragas (1973 [1990], Fantasy) B+(***)
39. Ravi Shankar: Homage to Mahatma Gandhi (1978-80 [2004], Deutsche Grammophon) B+(**)
40. Ravi Shankar: Full Circle: Carnegie Hall 2000 (2000 [2001], Angel) B+(***)
41. The Soft Pack: The Soft Pack (2010, Kemado) A-
42. Souls of Mischief: Montezuma's Revenge (2009, Clear Label) B+(***)
43. This Moment in Black History: Public Square (2009, Smog Veil) B+(**)
44. The Units: History of the Units: The Early Years (1977-83 [2010], Community Library) B
45. The White Stripes: De Stijl (2000, Sympathy for the Record Industry) B
46. The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights (2010, Warner Brothers) B
47. Gretchen Wilson: I Got Your Country Right Here (2010, Redneck) B-

March 10

1. Annie: Don't Stop (2009, Smalltown Supersound) B+(**)
2. Beach House: Teen Dream (2010, Sub Pop) B+(**)
3. Goran Bregovic: Alkohol (2008 [2009], Wrasse) A-
4. Goran Bregovic: Welcome to Goran Bregovic (Best Of) ([2009], Wrasse) B+(*)
5. Manu Chao: Radio Bemba: Baionarena Live (2008 [2010], Nacional/Because, 2CD) A-
6. Cornershop: Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast (2009 [2010], Ample Play) A-
7. Betty Davis: Betty Davis (1973 [2008], Light in the Attic) B+(***)
8. Betty Davis: They Say I'm Different (1974 [2008], Light in the Attic) B+(**)
9. Betty Davis: Is It Love or Desire (1976 [2009], Light in the Attic) B+(*)
10. Dessa: A Badly Broken Code (2010, Doomtree) A-
11. Four Tet: There Is Love in You (2010, Domino) B+(***)
12. Charlotte Gainsbourg: IRM (2010, Elektra) B+(**)
13. Hot Chip: One Life Stand (2010, EMI) B(*)
14. I See Hawks in L.A.: Hallowed Ground (2008, Big Books) B+(**)
15. Freedy Johnston: Rain on the City (2010, None) B+(**)
16. Lindstrøm: Where You Go I Go Too (2008, Smalltown Supersound) B+(**)
17. Lindstrøm & Christabelle: Real Life Is No Cool (2010, Smalltown Supersound) B+(***)
18. Little Boots: Hands (2009 [2010], Elektra) B+(***)
19. Los Campesinos: Romance Is Boring (2010, Arts & Crafts) B+(***)
20. Madlib: Madlib Medicine Show No. 1: Before the Verdict (2010, Now Again) B+(*)
21. The Magnetic Fields: Realism (2010, Nonesuch) A-
22. Gucci Mane: The State vs. Radric Davis (2009, Warner Bros.) B+(**)
23. Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love (2010, Nonesuch) A-
24. Nneka: Concrete Jungle (2005-08 [2010], Decon) B+(*)
25. OK Go: Of the Blue Colour of the Sky (2010, Capitol) B+(***)
26. Terry Riley: Autodreamographical Tales (2010, Tzadik) B+(*)
27. Spoon: Transference (2010, Merge) B+(***)
28. Strong Arm Steady: In Search of Stoney Jackson (2009 [2010], Stones Throw) B+(**)
29. Tea Cozies: Hot Probs (2009, Tea Cozies) B+(***)
30. Dyan Valdés/Eddie Argos: Fixin' the Charts, Vol. 1: Everybody Was in the French Resistance . . . Now! (2010, Cooking Vinyl) A-
31. The Watson Twins: Talking to You, Talking to Me (2010, Vanguard) B-
32. The Whitefield Brothers: Earthology (2010, Now-Again) A-
33. Yeasayer: Odd Blood (2010, Secretly Canadian) B
34. John Zorn: Femina (2008 [2009], Tzadik) B-

February 5

1. 2562: Unbalance (2009, Tectonic) B+(***)
2. Dan Auerbach: Keep It Hid (2009, Nonesuch) B+(*)
3. Baroness: Blue Record (2009, Relapse) B+(*)
4. William Basinski: 92982 (1982 [2009], 2062) B+(**)
5. Brendan Benson: My Old, Familiar Friend (2009, ATO) B-
6. The Big Pink: A Brief History of Love (2009, 4AD) B+(*)
7. Andrew Bird: Noble Beast (2009, Fat Possum) B+(*)
8. Black Moth Super Rainbow: Eating Us (2009, Graveface) A-
9. Mary J Blige: Stronger With Each Tear (2009, Geffen) B+(**)
10. Julian Casablancas: Phrazes for the Young (2009, RCA) B-
11. Kid Cudi: Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009, Universal Motown) B+(***)
12. Cymbals Eat Guitars: Why There Are Mountains (2009, Sister's Den) B+(*)
13. Dan Deacon: Bromst (2009, Carpark) B+(**)
14. Death Cab for Cutie: The Open Door (2009, Atlantic, EP) B+(*)
15. The Decemberists: The Hazards of Love (2009, Capitol) B+(*)
16. Dinosaur Jr.: Farm (2009, Jagjaguwar) B-
17. The Field: Yesterday and Today (2009, Kompakt/Anti-) B+(***)
18. Fruit Bats: The Ruminant Band (2009, Sub Pop) A-
19. Health: Get Color (2009, Lovepump United) B+(**)
20. The Horrors: Primary Colours (2009, XL) B+(**)
21. Khaled: Liberté (2009, Wrasse) A-
22. King Midas Sound: Waiting for You (2009, Hyperdub) B+(**)
23. Lack of Afro: My Groove Your Move (2009, Freestyle) B+(***)
24. Lightning Bolt: Earthly Delights (2007-08 [2009], Load) B-
25. Manchester Orchestra: Mean Everything to Nothing (2009, Favorite Gentlemen/Canvasback) B+(**)
26. Mariachi El Bronx: Mariachi El Bronx (2008 [2009], Swami) B
27. Maxwell: BLACKsummers'night (2009, Columbia) B+(*)
28. Cass McCombs: Catacombs (2009, Domino) B+(**)
29. Chrisette Michele: Epiphany (2009, Def Jam) B+(*)
30. Miike Snow: Miike Snow (2009, Downtown) B+(*)
31. Willie Nelson: The Party's Over and Other Great Willie Nelson Songs (1967, RCA) B
32. Willie Nelson: Texas in My Soul (1968, RCA) B-
33. Willie Nelson: Good Times (1969, RCA) B
34. Willie Nelson: My Own Peculiar Way (1969, RCA) B+(*)
35. Willie Nelson: Both Sides Now (1970, RCA) B+(**)
36. Willie Nelson: Laying My Burdens Down (1970, RCA) B
37. Willie Nelson: Willie Nelson & Family (1971, RCA) C+
38. Willie Nelson: Yesterday's Wine (1971, RCA) A-
39. Willie Nelson: The Words Don't Fit the Picture (1972, RCA) B
40. Willie Nelson: The Willie Way (1972, RCA) B+(**)
41. Willie Nelson: Pretty Paper (1979, Columbia) B
42. Willie Nelson: Tougher Than Leather (1983, Columbia) B+(***)
43. Willie Nelson: Without a Song (1983, Columbia) B
44. Willie Nelson: City of New Orleans (1984, Columbia) B-
45. Willie Nelson: A Horse Called Music (1989, Columbia) B
46. Willie Nelson: Healing Hands of Time (1994, Liberty) B
47. Willie Nelson: Just One Love (1995 [1996], Justice) B+(**)
48. Nirvana: Live at Reading (1992 [2009], DGC) B
49. Nosaj Thing: Drift (2009, Alpha Pup) B+(*)
50. Polvo: In Prism (2009, Merge) B+(***)
51. Sun Ra: Interplanetary Melodies: Doo Wop From Saturn and Beyond, Vol. One (1950s [2009], Norton) B
52. Sun Ra: The Second Stop Is Jupiter: Doo Wop From Saturn and Beyond, Vol. Two (1950s [2009], Norton) B-
53. Sun Ra: Nidhamu/Dark Myth Equation Visitation (1971 [2009], Art Yard) B+(*)
54. Sun Ra: The Antique Blacks (1974 [2009], Art Yard) B+(**)
55. The Raveonettes: In and Out of Control (2009, Vice) B+(***)
56. The Rural Alberta Advantage: Hometowns (2008 [2009], Saddle Creek) B+(**)
57. Bud Shank Quartet: Fascinating Rhythms (2009, Jazzed Media) B+(*)
58. Manfred Schoof: European Echoes (1969 [2002], Atavistic) B+(***)
59. Tanya Morgan: Broklynati (2009, Interdependent Media) B+(**)
60. Vampire Weekend: Contra (2010, XL) A-
61. The Very Best: Warm Heart of Africa (2009, Green Owl) B+(**)
62. Vivian Girls: Everything Goes Wrong (2009, In the Red) B
63. Tom Waits: Glitter and Doom Live (2008 [2009], Anti-, 2CD) B+(**)
64. Why?: Eskimo Snow (2009, Anticon) B+(*)
65. Wild Beasts: Two Dancers (2009, Domino) B+(*)
66. Neil Young: Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968 (1968 [2008], Reprise) B
67. Neil Young: Dreamin' Man Live '92 (1992 [2009], Reprise) B+(***)
68. 5 Years of Hyperdub (2004-09 [2009], Hyperdub, 2CD) B+(***)

January 6

1. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009, Domino) B+(*)
2. Atlas Sound: Logos (2007-09 [2009], Kranky) B+(*)
3. Bat for Lashes: Two Suns (2009, Astralwerks) B-
4. BLK JKS: After Robots (2009, Secretly Canadian) B-
5. Brother Ali: Us (2009, Rhymesayers Entertainment) B+(**)
6. Michael Bublé: Crazy Love (2009, 143/Reprise) B+(*)
7. Taylor Ho Bynum & Spidermonkey Strings: Madeleine Dreams (2009, Firehouse 12) B
8. Camera Obscura: My Maudlin Career (2009, 4AD) B+(*)
9. Leonard Cohen: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 (1970 [2009], Columbia/Legacy) B+(***)
10. Dailey & Vincent: Brothers From Different Mothers (2009, Rounder) B+(**)
11. Dâm-Funk: Toeachizown (2009, Stones Throw, 2CD) B+(**)
12. Alela Diane: To Be Still (2009, Rough Trade) B+(*)
13. Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca (2009, Domino) C+
14. Bill Dixon: Tapestries for Small Orchestra (2009, Firehouse 12, 2CD) B+(***)
15. DJ Quik & Kurupt: Blaqkout (2009, Mad Science) B+(***)
16. Drake: So Far Gone (2009, Young Money, EP) B+(**)
17. Eminem: Relapse (2009, Aftermath/Interscope) B-
18. Fever Ray: Fever Ray (2009, Mute) B+(*)
19. The Flaming Lips: Embryonic (2009, Warner Bros.) B+(**)
20. Florence & the Machine: Lungs (2009, Island) B
21. Fuck Buttons: Tarot Sport (2009, ATP) A-
22. Future of the Left: Travels With Myself and Another (2009, 4AD) B+(*)
23. Ghostface Killah: Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City (2009, Def Jam) A-
24. Otis Gibbs: Grandpa Walked a Picketline (2008 [2009], Thirty Tigers) B+(***)
25. Girls: Album (2009, True Panther) A-
26. God Help the Girl: God Help the Girl (2009, Matador) B+(***)
27. Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest (2009, Warp) B-
28. Mayer Hawthorne: A Strange Arrangement (2009, Stones Throw) B+(*)
29. Boo Hewerdine: God Bless the Pretty Things (2009, Navigator) B+(*)
30. Veda Hille: This Riot Life (2008, Ape House) A-
31. The Hold Steady: A Positive Rage (2009, Vagrant) A-
32. JJ: JJ N° 2 (2009, Sincerely Yours, EP) B+(*)
33. Chris Knight: Trailer II (1996 [2009], Drifter's Church) B+(***)
34. La Roux: La Roux (2009, Cherry Tree) B+(*)
35. Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster (2009, Interscope) B+(*)
36. Gianni Lenoci: Agenda (2003 [2005], Vel Net) B+(*)
37. The Low Anthem: Oh My God, Charlie Darwin (2009, Nonesuch) B+(***)
38. The Manhattan Transfer: The Chick Corea Songbook (2009, Four Quarters) C-
39. Manic Street Preachers: Journal for Plague Lovers (2009, Columbia) B+(*)
40. Warne Marsh/Lee Konitz: Two Not One (1975 [2009], Storyville, 4CD) A-
41. Mastodon: Crack the Skye (2009, Reprise) B
42. James McMurtry: Live in Europe (2009, Lightning Rod) B+(*)
43. Big Jay McNeely: Nervous (1949-59 [1995], Saxophile) B+(***)
44. Roscoe Mitchell: The Solo Concert (1973, AECO) B+(*)
45. Joe Nichols: Old Things New (2009, Universal South) B+(***)
46. Gretchen Parlato: In a Dream (2008 [2009], ObliqSound) B
47. Passion Pit: Manners (2008 [2009], Frenchkiss) B+(*)
48. Elvis Perkins: Elvis Perkins in Dearland (2008 [2009], XL) B
49. Phosphorescent: To Willie (2009, Dead Oceans) B+(*)
50. Pissed Jeans: King of Jeans (2009, Sub Pop) B+(*)
51. A Place to Bury Strangers: Exploding Head (2009, Mute) A-
52. Rihanna: Rated R (2009, Def Jam) B+(*)
53. Schlippenbach Trio: Gold Is Where You Find It (2008, Intakt) B+(***)
54. Alexander von Schlippenbach/Daniele D'Agaro: Dedalus (2008, Artesuono) B+(***)
55. Scottish National Jazz Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue: Live (2009, Spartacus) B+(**)
56. Shakira: She Wolf (2009, Epic) A-
57. Tommy Smith Group: Forbidden Fruit (2005, Spartacus) A-
58. Sufjan Stevens: The BQE (2009, Asthmatic Kitty) B
59. Tegan and Sara: Sainthood (2009, Vapor/Sire) A-
60. Tanya Tucker: My Turn (2009, Saguaro Road) A-
61. Holly Beth Vincent: Minnesota California (2009, Holly Beth Vincent) B+(**)
62. Wale: Attention Deficit (2009, Interscope) B+(*)
63. Holly Williams: Here With Me (2009, Mercury Nashville) B
64. Miguel Zenon: Esta Plena (2009, Marsalis Music) B+(***)
65. Dark Was the Night (2009, 4AD, 2CD) B+(*)
66. Panama! 2: Latin Sounds, Cumbia Tropical and Calypso Funk on the Isthmus 1967-77 (1967-77 [2009], Soundway) A-