Man, some of my favorite bands have been putting out some great stuff lately. I've finally gone a little nuts with my iTunes credits.

#1. The New Pornographers - Challengers. I'm digging it. Neko Case's voice absolutely melts me. I REALLY like the less frenetic stuff on this album. It's getting nailed for being mellow - but I like it. ( Myriad Harbor is so creative. I love it ).

#2. Crowded House - Time On Earth. Not as rich as Woodface or Temple of Low Men. But I like the production and most of the songs.

#3. Interpol - Our Love To Admire. Eh. Heinrich Maneuver gets it done. I still like the sound of this wholly original band even if this album is a tad thin.

#4. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. This album is strong. They are playing NW Music Fest. Anyone else catching any of those shows at the fest? Maybe it's time we had a beer, eh?

#5. Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight. Sultry. Also playing the NW Music Fest.

#6. Tha Black Angels - Passover. Bloodhounds on My Trail is not leaving my iPod anytime this year. They have something to say and they do it with a Doors-y swagger that I dig.

#7. Art Brut - It's a Bit Complicated. Wry British talk over the kind of rock that fits that banter. Very creative.

#8. Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero. Great concept album from a guy who does what he wants to do...and does it well.

#9. Rufus Wainwright - Release The Stars. Two songs I LOVE. The rest I can't hang with. Too bad, man. I and a HUGE fan of Rufus. He'd best get his shit together on the next album.

#10. Great Lake Swimmers - Ongiara. Haunting. A little on the Nick Drake side. But they can paint some amazing pictures.

#11. Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob. Ruby and Angry Mob will get played on my station forever.

#12 - Fountains of Wayne - Traffic and Weather. God, I love power pop like this.

#13. The Fratellis - Costello Music. Not ONE bad song on this one for me. I don't think I ever skip a track when listening to it.

#14. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away. I was warm for it when it came out. Then I saw them play the Crystal Ballroom. Saw it completely differently after that. I and now hot for it.

Anone else digging any new-ish releases?

And if anyone is getting a wristband for

http://www.musicfestnw.com/

let me know. It'd be cool to hang.

Chicken, great choices! Our tastes run similar. I'm still old fashioned and actually BUY CD's. Some of the newer stuff I've obtained:

The National- "Boxer": Moody, atmospheric American music.

The Decemberists- "The Crane Wife": Of course, must support the local/national talent. Love it.

Richard Thompson- "Sweet Warrior": A return to electric rock by one of the great guitarists and songwriters.

Sloan- "Never Hear The End Of It": We've had the Sloan love discussion here before. Here you get 30(!) hook-filled power pop gems. Sloan rules!

Wilco- "Sky Blue Sky": I'm prejudiced, I love Wilco since the begining. This to me is thier most complete, fully realized album. Until the next one of course.

Heading out this afternoon to Edgefield for the Wilco show on the lawn. What a great place we live in!