I. Panda Bear – Person Pitch [Paw Tracks]

Unquestionably the album of the year for me. I have no idea how many times I’ve listened to this, but it still hasn’t gone stale. Upbeat, but never cheesy and unoriginal. Theoretically, it’s possible not to like this album (I’m thinking someone along the lines of Donald Rumsfeld / Martha Stewart), but I hope to never come across that person.

II. Tim Hecker: Norberg [Room40]

There is no stopping this man. Short, sweet, to the point.

III. Christian Fennesz + Ryuuichi Sakamoto – Cendre [Touch Tone 32]

Two masters at work. Essentially, a ‘solo piano’ album with a contemporary twist. This album has really grown on me – each listen it just gets better. While the piano takes center stage, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and ultimately, this is what makes this album stand out. Plus, Fennesz is involved, so by default, it makes the list. Best at loud volumes.

IV. Gavin Bryars & Alter Ego & Philip Jeck – The Sinking Of The Titanic [Touch Tone 34]

One track, ~72 minutes. Gavin Bryars’ seminal work gets a contemporary update with the help of Philip Jeck. Yes, it’s as good as you’d expect. No, it has nothing to do with the Hollywood movie.

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Other Noteworthy Favorites:

BJ Nilsen – The Short Night [Touch]

Alva Noto – Xerrox Vol. 1 [Raster-Noton]

Axolotl – Memory Theatre [Important]

Taylor Deupree + Christopher Willits – Listening Garden [Line]

Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam [Domino USA]

William Basinski – El Camino Real [2062]

The Field – From Here We Go Sublime [Kompakt]

Wzt Hearts – Threads Rope Spell Making Your Bones [Carpark Records]

The Shins – Wincing the Night Away [Sub-Pop]

Beirut – The Flying Club Cup [4AD]

Pjusk – Sart [12k]

Ateleia – Formal Sleep [Xeric]

Christopher Willits – Plants And Hearts [Room40]

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Favorite Singles:

Machinefabriek – Kruimeldief (Machinefabriek Remixed) – Alvo Noto (Remix)
Tujiko Noriko – Solo – “Magic”
Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam – “Peacebone”
Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam – “Fireworks”
M.I.A. – “Paper Planes (Remix) Feat. Bun B & Rich Boy” *
Interpol – “Wrecking Ball”
Interpol – “Lighthouse”
Iron & Wine – “Lovesong of the Buzzard”
LCD Soundsystem – “Someone Great”
LCD Soundsystem – “All My Friends”
Sandro Perri and Friends – “The Drums (from the forthcoming Mirrors CD) ” [European Tour CD-R]
Sandro Perri and Friends – “Dreaming (double suicide live 2007) ” [European Tour CD-R]
Sun Kil Moon – “Salvador Sanchez (Acoustic)” [Ghosts of the Great High Bonus Disc]

* CCROW Networks does not necessary condone the message of this song, nor does it advocate one should “get their Robin Hood on”. Instead, one should apply Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand when applicable.

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Best Concerts:

Alva Noto @ The Kitchen, NYC.

Panda Bear + Scott Mou @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC.

Geoff Mullen @ The Issue Project Room, NYC.