Lovers – I am the West
“So glad I found this band this year. Sadly underrated, amazing pop album, and the local disc I’ve listened to more than anything this year.”

Mint Chicks – Screens
“This isn’t technically out in the US, but it came out this year in New Zealand and I think it’s the band’s best by a longshot. If I voted today, the Mint Chicks might get my Best New Band nod.”

Laura Gibson – Beast of Seasons
“Beautiful, layered effort from the lovely, talented and humble Laura Gibson. One of my favorite songwriters in town, easily.”

Incredible Yacht Control – Self-titled
“Bedroom pop that sounds like it came out in the late-’80s and completely kills me.”

Richmond Fontaine – We Used to Think the Freeway Sounded Like a River
“Willy Vlautin’s a fantastic lyricist and though he’d tell you otherwise, he can sing, too. Epic album all around. “Carver-esque” gets used a lot for these guys, but it’s an accurate description.”

Shaky Hands – Let It Die
“Portland’s best rock and roll band did it again.”

V!rtu – The Shoe In
“My first truly left-field selection, V!rtu’s LP has really stuck with me. I’ll be writing about him soon. Just a real straight-shooter of an MC with a smooth voice not unlike that of Boots from the Coup.”

Luck-One – Beautiful Music EP
“This Porland native MC is getting lots of attention locally, and it’s well-deserved. This EP is heartfelt and honest, but it also drops some knowledge. Really excited to hear what luck does next. Thanks to Sara Moskovitz for tipping me off on him.”

Nurses – Apple’s Acre
“It’s funny, every once in a while there’s a band that almost everyone agrees on, and Nurses is that band right now. Nice guys, amazing album. I hope they never grow up and keep making cool, imaginitive music like this.”

The Thermals – Now We Can See
“The Body, The Blood, The Machine might forever be my favorite Thermals album, but this one was really a fantastic change of pace: Insightful, personal and still punk as ever. I love it.”

Honorable mentions from YACHT, White Rainbow, Pure Country Gold, Weinland, Castanets, Iame, The Chicharones, Starfucker, Leonard Mynx, Leviethan, Church.