67dB

This one is in particular order and would have made it if this was 10 in 2010. You'll have a hard time finding an album that meshes together better than this one. From front to back it's essentially one giant song. I had never heard of The Decemberists before this record (thank you Paste Magazine). While this sounds silly/obvious to say, the only reason this didn't get into my top 9 was personal taste. As well thought out and executed I think this album is, I don't listen to it that much compared to many other albums from this year and I couldn't bring myself to replace anything in the top 9 with it. Jason did a fantastic write up on this album back in August.

One of the many bands who opened for Nine Inch Nails at some point this year and last. I find half of this album to be great (songs like Mirror's Image and Who Can Say) and half to be OK. I always listen to this album in spurts and feel like I zone out every time. That's not a negative quality, but it's a quality that makes it hard to talk about.

I can't really say any more than this.

The vocals are too similar throughout; that's the only beef I have. Or maybe I have some secret overall agenda against his voice. Love Like A Sunset is one of the best instrumentals of the year. If you're forced to listen to one song and one song only off this album, I'd suggest this one - though it won't give you the correct taste as to what the band is really like. It's 7 and a half minutes of nicely-arranged greatness. These guys took advantage of an altered schedule at the Monolith Festival this year and killed it as the second to final act on the main stage.

Whenever you need a kick-ass rocker chick in your life Spinnerette is highly recommended. I imagine Brody Dalle isn't someone you want to mess with. I believe this album lacks a little creativity as it's fairly straightforward/predictable from front to back, but then again it's not out to blow minds in that regard. This is a case of it is what it... nevermind.

This sounds like Tom Morello did it. He's accomplished the difficult feat of having his own instantly recognizable style. Sometimes that's hard to get away from. Tom Morello seems like he has the most fun on-stage out of anyone I've seen play live. You can tell he appreciates the opportunity for his voice and music to be heard. Seeing these guys open for Nails at the worst venue in Colorado was special because Tom Morello is a magical presence on-stage.

Welcome to Lunar Industries is one of the best instrumentals of the year. It has the unfair advantage of aligning perfectly with the visuals that remain in my head from the movie. Very atmospheric and lonely as you'd expect from this kind of movie soundtrack. Just look at the cover.

Now here's a CD that's not for everyone, and if I'm not in the right frame of mind I can't listen to it. All textures, all fairly lengthy. Little, if any, melody. Everything Ends Here IS one of my favorite songs of the year. An instrumental (I keep bringing those up...) that gets to me emotionally far more than most. I'd like to search for some of my initial reactions to this (and much of the other music here) via Twitter if I can; that would be interesting and revealing. I'll update this post if that search uncovers anything noteworthy.

Rock 'n roll.

Somewhat enjoyed this album. It's better than OK and a solid change of pace. DON'T JUDGE ME!

Bought this spontaneously after hearing the song Two Dots. Happy with the purchase. Two songs have lyrics. Well crafted. Sounds good. Favorite song is Every Disguise. I'm sure there's a lot of hidden gems over at Ghostly International.

That's not actually the album title, it's Veckatimsest. Seems like it's an album that's loved by everyone that knows it exists. Not me. I guess I don't 'get it'. Come to think of it I'm not sure why I put it in the list.

If you know anything about Lustmord you know what this is about: dark ambience. Tried it out based on association with the Tool guys and though it doesn't get a lot of listens, when I'm in the right mood it's wonderful (akin to Blindoldfreak).

Big thank you to @beekface for making sure I listened to this.