F’d Up, David Comes to Life – the story: a man name David falls in love with a girl, who loves him back, and she dies.  He meets another girl, falls in love but she does not love him back, so she leaves him.  Feeling terrible about his life, he questions everything, and just as he is about to break,, he realizes that knowing these two girls and realizing he can love so much is more important than anything else, so he decides to start fresh.  With growling vocals, slick guitar and drum work, this is a hardcore punk rock masterpiece that Green Day should listen to for more inspiration.

tUnE-yArDs, WHOKILL – Merrill Garbus might be the only person I can think of that can rock an electric ukulele.   Blending tribal drums and rhythm with vocal loops, catchy beats and synth is pretty damn cool.  This album is a step outside the pop box and one hell of a listen if you want something different.

M83., Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming – a French DJ creates some awesome beat-laden techno that could also double as the soundtrack to a Steven Spielberg movie.  If you don’t believe me then just watch this video for some proof.  Did you get a great pair of headphones as a gift?  This album would be perfect to zone out to on a new pair of ear goggles, or to play over a good stereo.

There you have it, folks, the last entries on my year end list before 2012, I promise.  Go out and return all those other lame gifts and then pick up a few albums that will rock you.

Growing up, I listened to plenty of oldies radio, and these albums do a fine job resurrecting non-intrusive pop songs with infectious melodies.  You almost would say that Roy Orbison, or The Ronettes wrote these songs, and now they are being covered.  Not at all, Deschanel wrote 11 of the 13 tracks.  Her voice seems to glide over the songs and whisks you away to a simpler time.

Ward has produced great arrangements to accompany each song while you float over a meadow of summer grass.  He proves some backing vocals and duets briefly on ‘Ridin’ in My Car’.  For the most part he is in the background making sure everything goes well.

Start with: ‘Thieves’, ‘Lingering Still’, ‘Brand New Shoes’, ‘Ridin’ in My Car’ and ‘Gonna Get Along Without You Now’.  If I had to rate this album, I would tell you to own it.  The great part about this style of music is how you get so swept in the song you forget there is a sad message behind the sounds.

Amid all of the pop garbage that is being churned out lately, at least some people are trying to bring back a time when music didn’t have to be over-produced to get you moving.  If you need a soundtrack for a Sunday afternoon drive, you’ve just found it.

It seems that many artists today are trying to create music that sets them apart from the rest of the musicians. While it is a valiant effort, I wish the musicians would be reminded not to compromise their own talent for their new diversity. Heroes and Thieves is nothing more than a mediocre attempt at something new. Some parts of the album really shine, a perfect mixture of voice and harmony, like the title-song “Heroes and Thieves.” Yet, the majority of the album feels like it’s just reaching, hoping it passes for something better than it is. Carlton has never sounded comfortable in the range she sets herself up for, but I’ve let that slide because the melodies are great… This time the melodies were just “okay” and, honestly, sometimes her voice becomes downright painful (“My Best” and “Home”).

If you’re not familiar with Carlton, I’d definitely recommend that you check out her website. The graphics are very unique and intriguing, but you also will get a chance to listen to some clips to get a taste of her music. If you like it, I’d say that her first two albums, Be Not Nobody and Harmonium are the safe options to buy. Only buy Heroes and Thieves if you’re still in love, but be warned, it could break your heart.