Now that July is here, here's my half-year half list.

5. Panic at the Disco: Pretty. Odd.
This album was surprisingly enjoyable as a whole. While there are not many songs that particularly stick out to me, there are still some precious gems, like Behind the Sea, which features guitarist/songriter Ryan Ross on vocals, and the eccentric closer, Mad as Rabbits.

4. Colin Meloy: Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke
Can I even put this here? This is a solo tour exclusive, and it's a shame. It's incredible. When I heard about it, I was pretty skeptical. Sure, he did wonderfully covering Morrissey, but Sam Cooke? I was not so sure.I'm glad that I was won over easily. The first track,Cupid, drew me in immediately, and the brief but lovely EP is an amazing little slice of Meloy's diversity.

3. Ballyhoo!: Cheers!
Addmittedly, I did not even know about this band like 4 months ago or so. But my best friend's brother told me to listen to them, so I did. This reggae rock album is purely wonderful. I don't really have words for it. Just, listen for yourself.

2. Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend
I know, I know. They're the "it" band. This year's Artic Monkeys. But, unlike AM, or The Strokes, I really think there is substance behind the band. People constantly compare this record to Paul Simon's Graceland. But, in all honesty, is that really a terrible thing? I'd much rather a band sound like a musical genius than say, My Chemical Romance. I'd choose VW over bands that make terrible, generic music anyday.
The record is poppy, and catchy, and intricate. Gorgeous string arrangements, afrobeat drums, quirky keyboard riffs, yelping vocals. I think that all sounds like the makings of a truly classic modern record.

1. Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs
From the atmospheric opening of Bixby Canyon Bridge to the dreamy ending of The Ice is Getting Thinner, there is not one damn thing about this album that I do not like. I'd say I absolutely adore every millimeter of this record, but sometimes the 4 and a half minute long intro to I Will Possess Your Heart drags a bit. But, the rest of the song is beautiful in the creepiest of manners. No Sunlight is a catchy little number about losing optimism, and Cath... is amongst their finest. Talking Bird is a slowly winding path into the slow and slight You Can Do Better Than Me. The grooviness of Your New Twin Sized Bed is mesmerising. Grapevine Fires angelic chorus is one of the most gorgeous harmonies I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. The upbeat pounding of Long Division is a welcome refresher. Pity and Fear's tabla experiment worked out well, providing the band with a lovely little detour from their usual sound. And the slow, sad The Ice is Getting Thinner is one of the best closers in a very long time. All in all, a incredible record from start to finish.


-O