Starting is always the hardest part.

It’s been years since I’ve left the old blog behind and while I’ve missed it – I needed the break. What has persisted however is the annual CD exchange. Once again I’m graced with a solid chunk of music. And while I may not be a fan of all the musical genres, I still look forward to every year with the guarantee of finding something new to love. Thanks to you Grindy, TheRich and TheRoss – and for hotpot, Cameron’s, tequila and good company.

For me, this years was a breeze to put together. With last years metal-only mix I had a ton of pop to pick from…

Grounds for Divorce – Elbow: One of those earworms that I loved from the very first and that didn’t become instantly cloying with repeated listenings. (Individual results may vary) Can’t believe they were one of the opening acts for U2 – just not the Toronto gig.
Ghosting – Mother Mother: Maybe a sign of the hardening of my musical tastes as I veer precariously close to middle-age, but almost half the tracks this year are follow-ups to prior years efforts. A follow up to Polynesia from 2 years back – that and K thinks it’s goofy.
The Fear – Lily Allen: Lily just makes Chris laugh. This is Ottawa and drinking tequila – reasons enough to include Lily again.
Dull to Pause – Junior Boys: Another sophomore effort – these boys from Hamilton make the sleepy techno pop I wished Air’s latest was.
L.E.S. Artistes – Santogold: Catchy as hell but still doesn’t excuse the album cover featuring Santi White puking glitter on a mirror. I’m sure there’s some weighty metaphor I’m missing.

Aha! – Imogen Heap: This is the third year Imogen has made the mix with tracks from her solo debut and the ubiquitous Frou Frou song Let Go.
Sulhassii – Varttina: Easily half my listening is devoted to podcasts. My new favorite is “To The Best of Our Knowledge”. This track was used as a bumper between pieces and I simply needed to track it down. Turns out Varttina is a pretty big deal.
Gunman – Them Crooked Vultures: Speaking of big deals – it’s hard to believe the album could live up to the hype. Grohl, Homme and John Paul Jones? Yes please – and a popular CDXchange band choice this year.
Gold Guns Girls – Metric: Strangely I’m not a huge fan of Metric – their albums are interchangeable as far as I’m concerned and yet they can always be counted on for a few killer tracks. At least they’re batting better than Weezer’s one track per album.

Africa – Amadou & Mariam: A blind husband and wife team from Mali performing with Somali born, Toronto resident K’naan. Only one of the many standout tracks from their latest album Welcome to Mali.
Hysteric – Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Korean/Polish lead singer Karen O just nails every last consonant on this one.
That’s Not My Name – The Ting Tings: Other earworms don’t fare as well with repeated listenings. Chris absolutely cringes at this one …but I’ve yet to tire of it.
Seven – Fever Ray: I don’t know how many times I’ve listened to this album, it just gets under your skin. Check out the surreal video for this track.

Armistice – Phoenix: I listened to Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix incessantly this year. With no shortage of “important” albums and critically acclaimed revelations (I’m looking at you Dirty Projectors, Grizzly Bear et al) this was one album I could get behind.
No Line On The Horizon – U2: I’m sure you’re sick of hearing it. While U2 may be fronted with bombastic narcissism wrapped in a Messiah complex, they’ve been touring for longer than I’ve been working. They know how to put on a show and their Toronto gig conspired with so many elements to make it one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.

10,000 Feet – Wolfmother: You’d think it’d be easier. That there would be so many bands clamoring to fill the void left by Led Zeppelin. Or maybe I’m just old. Wolfmother proves they’re no fluke.
People Got a Lotta Nerve – Neko Case: Just love me Neko Case.
Bugman – Blur: It’s not new but Blur released a best of this year and I was reminded of how much great music they’ve done (Not to mention all Damon Albarn’s work with the Gorillaz and Amadou & Miriam earlier)
Dance Anthem Of the 80s – Regina Spektor: Nowhere near the pop perfection that was Fidelity – I still can’t help but love listening to Ms. Spektor.