So I'm feeling kind of ignorant and in leftfield out here, because I really haven't been listening to any of the bands previously posted.
One of my favourite albums this year is
Her Bright White Lights by
Ragged Hearts. Great rock and roll. I'd say it's old-fashioned, because there's nothing special or tricksy about their music. Guitar, bass, drums, voice. All the classic ingredients, but these guys know how to write fresh songs.
Another album I've been listening to a lot is Luke Vibert's
Chicago, Detroit, Redruth. The basis of this solo electronic album is definitely breakbeat, but he mixes in a ton of other influences. The opening song has a very jazzy piano loop running over a classic breakbeat. The fourth song,
Breakbeat Metal Music breaks up constantly between a classic drum-and-bassy anthem and a chilled out techno tune. And it's still awesome to dance to.
I may or not have mentioned this man somewhere before, but
Whip (aka Jason Merritt) writes possibly the saddest songs I've ever heard. I take a lot of solace in his music. Listen to
spare angel on his myspace page, and you'll know whether this music is for you. I'm really happy I happened to walk in on a concert of his accidentally.
I finally found Beirut's
Gulag Orkestar too, but I suppose everyone has heard of that already.