10. Funeral by Arcade Fire I have to be up front, I still have no idea what half of the lyrics on this CD are. And I'm a lyrics person. That should speak volumes for the type of music that Arcade Fire make. This CD is more dense than a Joseph Conrad novel. With as many as 15 different musicians credited with recording various instruments for this CD there's not a dull moment on the CD. That also gives credit to its playback value. Five years after it's been released, I'm still not bored with it. And one day I'll figure out what the heck the lyrics are. Hopefully that won't ruin it for me. Favorite songs: Neighborhood One (Tunnels); Wake Up; Rebellion (Lies)

9. Creek Drank the Cradle by Iron and Wine Sam Beam is without a doubt the most beautiful song-writer on this list. And I don't mean in the physical sense, although he does have a pretty great beard going. The songs on this album are so fragile and delicate. His almost whisperish singing is complimented by primarily a finger-picked guitar and banjo as he rolls out lush and complex themes overtop. His fingers move faster than any other gutiarist's in the same genre (and in all genres, excluding black-metal). And he is my answer to anyone who says that lyricists aren't poets, because his lyrics would hold up against WH Auden's pound for pound. Favorite songs: Faded From Winter; Upward over the Mountain; Muddy Hymnal

8. Twin Cinemas by the New Pornographers Yes, I hate this band's name. That said they've released four albums this decade and those four albums could all take this spot. It's perfect, fully-realized power-pop. Three of the top song-writers- Carl Newman, Dan Bejar, and Neko Case- all share vocal duties to give these songs the extra depth. I'm also a sucker for bands with both male and female singers. I first listened to this CD because it has a song on it called "Sing Me Spanish Techno." The song was not nearly as asinine as the title suggests. That's got to be a point for Carl Newman. Every song on this CD (and on this list from here on out) is a perfect song. Favorite songs: Bleeding Heart Show; Sing Me Spanish Techno; Stacked Crooked