[joethelion]

In no particular order...

Sasha - Invol2ver
-> even though I suspect that the tracks this time around haven't been quite as "tweaked around with" as much as on the first one (which - to me almost felt like a 'artist album' if you know what I mean) - I still have been pleasantly pleased with this release. Definitely not as 'atmospheric' as the last one either, yet still with loads of melody and character

iTAL tEK - Cyclical
-> even though I'm really NOT a fan of the whole "IDM deal" (aka pretentiousness) ... it still has really been able to grab me.

Portishead - Third
-> I was worried that... at first, I only thought it was a great album b/c I was sooooo hyped up to finally get new material of theirs (and see them live), but it still gets pretty regular play and really didn't disappoint me. And it's definitely not just their last two albums all over again. There's a definite progression in sound, and some nice analogue-y traits that you didn't have as much as on their previous stuff.

The Black Ghosts - The Black Ghosts
-> it's funny how ..well... once Simian broke up, the members have all massively improved from when they were together. Just enough pop sprinkled over everything. You should buy the album if just for "I Want Nothing" and "Some Way Through This" ...plus there are some awesome remixes from tracks off this album


the Presets - Apocalypso
-> this album just is PACKED with really class singles, yet still has a great flow. I can't listen to this and not get hyped up. Soooooo menacing yet happy all at the same time. It's like you're at a club in purgatory, if that makes any sense

Muscles - Guns Babes and Lemonade
-> not sure if this came out this year or late last... and it's def a bit too similar to the Presets at times, and some tracks can be off putting to some people, but you seriously CAN NOT be in a bad mood when you listen to the album... seriously, it's impossible. It could be an incredibly dreary day, your girlfriend could have broken up with you... and you'll still have a HUGE smile on your face.