Bright Eyes — “Cassadaga” (Saddle Creek) Another brilliant album from Nebraska chameleon Conor Oberst, who brings a whole bunch of friends in to create a cohesive document of modern cow-folk. Delving farther into territory examined in 2005’s “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning,” Oberst and company flesh out the bare-bones sound of their country-fried predecessor to add a more epic sound to the proceedings, flushing tracks with strings and a near-choir of vocals. Tones and moods shift like tides, as the anger bubbling in “Hot Knives” nestles next to the gentle beauty of “Make A Plan To Love Me.” Accessible to the gentler side of rockers as well as the NPR faithful, this album added diversity to Bright Eyes’ devoted fan base.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists — “Living With The Living” (Touch and Go) Indie rock mainstay Ted Leo returns with the fifth full-length featuring his crack backing duo. Pushing the limits of sunshine punk, Leo creates his very own Sandinista!, touching upon reggae, soul and pop. The beats are still quick and Leo’s voice melodic, but acoustic guitars and pianos show up to push new melodic nuances. Highlights are constant: the fast-paced pacifist opener “The Sons Of Cain,” the edgy new-wave stomp of “La Costa Brava,” and even the sexy rasta anthem “The Unwanted Things.” Leo’s brilliance still rests in his accessibility — the man is one of the few who can create pop while retaining his cool, allowing hipsters to enjoy guilt-free melody.
Young Buck — “Buck The World” (G-Unit/Interscope) Remember the first time you watched Al Pacino in “Scarface?” He was the incarnate of evil, but after seeing him strut his stuff, you wanted to be that badass. The same can be said of the sophomore effort from the best, most underrated member of 50 Cent’s G-Unit posse. Buck’s worldview is despicable — he’s all about money, hos, drugs and killing people. But his swagger, combined with some of the hardest beats this side of his mentor’s debut, create a visceral head-nodder. Check out the venom behind tracks such as “Get Buck” and “Buss Yo’ Head” and get ready to wish you were far more gangsta than you really are.
William Earl maintains that the standout album of the year (so far) is Modest Mouse’s “We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank.” Email him at williamjearl@gmail.com.