WILCO - SKY BLUE SKY

This is the sixth studio album from Jeff Tweedy fronted Wilco. It is something of a departure with new guitarist Nels Cline (who joined the band after 'A Ghost Is Born' was written) coming to the fore. It is possibly the best guitar album of the year, improving with every listen. It also translates into an astonishing live show. Great stuff.

www.megaupload.com/?d=NYNPJISF
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http://rapidshare.com/files/34660974/KNWAREZ.US-Wilco_-_sky_blue_sky.rar

STARS - IN OUR BEDROOM AFTER THE WAR

This is the Canadian band, not to be confused with the British band of the same name. A further offshoot of Broken Social Scene, sharing several band members. This is atmospheric, uplifting, mesmerising.

http://rapidshare.com/files/42478822/Stars.rar.html

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH - SOME LOUD THUNDER

My new sort-of-favourite band! Following in the footsteps of The Flaming Lips, Grandaddy, Mercury Rev, etc, this is the second album from the American five piece from Connecticut. I am such a sucker for this type of music and saw them live at the wonderful Indian Summer Festival in Glasgow in the summer along with Wilco, The Flaming lips, The Rapture and Spiritualized. They are just great. I recommend both their albums and don't favour one over the other. If you like the others, you'll like this!

http://www.megaupload.com/fr/?d=84JHC309
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http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AU35Q3TD
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http://rapidshare.com/files/34374149/CLAPYHSYSLT.rar

BEIRUT - THE FLYING CLUB CUP

The brand new and second album from Beirut (my first ever post was the debut album, 'Gulag Orkestar'). I have only had a couple of listens but I like what I have heard! A lot richer this time around without losing the very unique sound and pacing. Another treat.

http://rapidshare.com/files/51569200/B-TFCC.rar

MODEST MOUSE - WE WERE DEAD BEFORE THE SHIP EVEN SANK

This is the ninth studio album from the Washington-based band. The back catalogue is a real mixed bag! Of the previous eight, 'Good News For People Who Love Bad News' is probably the strongest (see if you agree - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J9HP9FCL).

This new album is notable as ex-Smiths guitarist, Johnny Marr, has joined the band and his influence is immediately clear. I have always quite liked the quirky Modest Mouse but with Marr involved they feel like a fully rounded band. This is one of the best guitar records of the year. Great to see Marr back to his best, too.

www.megaupload.com/?d=RT1MOFWG
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http://rapidshare.com/files/21060612/We_We...n_Sank.zip.html

TV ON THE RADIO - RETURN TO COOKIE MOUNTAIN

The second full length album from New Yorkers, TV On The Radio (they also had a self-released album, 'OK Calculator' in 2001). This has a shoegaze feel but brims with energy and flourishes. A really unique album that delights from start to finish.

www.megaupload.com/?d=AG0MU0VL
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www.megaupload.com/?d=P7IYEFUA
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http://rapidshare.com/files/9566897/TV_on_the_Radio_-_Return_to_Cookie_Mountain.zip.html

THE FIELD - FROM HERE WE GO SUBLIME

The Field is Swede, Axel Willner. And this really is sublime electronica. It will be compared to the likes of Royksopp, Lemon Jelly, Nightmares On Wax and countless other 'chill out' artists but this album is something more. Samples and loops glide into one another and take you away. Even if you are not a fan of house/electro you should definitely try this out.

http://rapidshare.com/files/26593419/The_Field.rar.html
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http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AUZ04SAT