I am not a fan of top 10 lists.  Mainly because its physically impossible to listen to EVERY FUCKING ALBUM release in any given year.  That is unless you happen to be Robert Christgau.  (The man listens to albums through osmosis.)

Every December, I sit down and plug in what 10 albums I believe represent the most entertaining, original, talented music that was released for the preceeding 11 months.  Its a bit of a folly, come to think of it.  Pretentious, for sure.  Come January or February, I always discover a handful of albums released the year before that could have easily made the list.  (See Yeasayer's All Our Cymbals.)  I can easily be second guessed on it.  Plus, the idea that someone would objectively rank a subjective art form is plain asinine.  Yet, every winter, the race (and debate) is on to declare what the "#1 album of the year" is.

But now I am witnessing a disturbing trend among so called rock "journalists," that being an annual list isn't enough.  Now these hacks have to release their semi-annual lists.   This way they can reveal to you, lowly reader, what you should be listening to. . . just six months into the year! 

I can't wait until they put out their monthly lists, then followed by their hourly lists; each new one forgetting the valueless superlatives thrown out on the one before.

So, in the interest of academic humility, and instead just of spewing out a ranking for these past six months, I will list what albums I have taking a keen liking to (with short Chrisgau-ian summaries) and encourage you all to post yours.   I know I am leaving out some great entries.  Please educate me on what I am missing.

What is being played now (in no discernable order) at the Temple:

The Black Keys, Attack & Release - Dangermouse makes up for his lackluster Gnarls Barkely follow up by producing today's premier blues duo.

Petrograd In Transit, Lifesize Balloon Animals EP -Epic, sweeping, anthemic.  These guys play bigger than their Tampa roots.  Check out the EP . . . for FREE you fool!

M83, Saturdays=Youth - With its take on 80's teen movies, I hope John Hughes listens to this and returns to filmmaking.

Nine Inch Nails, The Slip - I admit it.  I got it because it was free.  However, its Trent's most mainstream effort yet; balls to the walls industrial with fantastic harmonies. 

My Morning Jacket,  Evil Urges - Jim James can be my Kermit the Frog any day of the week.

Lupe Fiasco, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool (Actually released 12/18/07, proof that these lists are utter shit.) - Hip hop saved my life too, Lupe.  Just when I think the genre is dead, an album like this (or Rhymefest's Michael Jackson tribute album) comes out and wakes me up.

Fleet Foxes, Ragged Wood (Fleet Foxes) - Beautiful, pastoral, soul sweeping.  Cannot recommend this album enough.

Black Mountain, In The Future - Black Sabbath for smart people.

Elbow, Seldom Seen Kid - Guy Garvey could sing the Taco Bell menu and I would still be enthralled.

The Hold Steady, Stay Positive - I know this isn't out yet.  But shhhhhh!  I have it, and its really fucking good! 

Black Angels Directions To See A Ghost - Psychedelic music can be droning and monotonous.  Black Angels still play that music, but somehow turn those qualities into a positive. 

The Raconteurs Consolers Of The Lonely - A little uneven in parts, but these guys are more than a band.  They are a gang.  Not one wasted part. 

She & Him, Volume One - Now, if only Zooey Deschanel would collaborate with Guy Garvey and Jim James!  Heaven!

Foxboro Hot Tubs (Green Day in disguise) Stop Drop And Roll - fun, dumb, loud garage rock.  MC5 would be proud of Billy Joe.

The Ettes, Look At Life Again Soon - More garage rock (via Winter Park), but with Coco at the helm adding a bit of Nancy Sinatra cooing to the guitar thrashing.

Ghostland Observatory, Robotique Majestique - I make no apologies for dancing to this album in my underwear. . . in the privacy of my own home, of course.