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1. “In Rainbows,” Radiohead: The much-ballyhooed online release of “In Rainbows” in some ways obscured what an excellent album it is. The opener, “15 Step,” begins with a cold electronic beat that sounds like recently typical Radiohead or Thom Yorke’s 2006 solo album. But 41 seconds in, Johnny Greenwood enters with a beautiful, languorous guitar line. From then on, the band gradually lets the melody take over, particularly on songs like the midnight ballad “Nude” and the soulful show-stopper “Reckoner.” With Radiohead, you’re always on guard for the crash, the shattering of brightness – but on “In Rainbows,” they let the light linger.

룰렛 필승전략 a lover with “soul power.” The band that began as part of the Elephant 6 collective has never made a better record. And it’s funky, too – especially the closer: “We Were Born the Mutants Again with Leafling.” Yes, that’s right. Leafling.

10. “Friend and Foe,” Menomena: On their third disc, the Portland, Ore. indie band Menomena has created one of the year’s most percussive albums. They seem to sense that now is their time: the album opens with Brent Knopf singing that he’s got to “pick up my hustle.” Menomena verges from hand-clapping, piano sing-alongs to songs built on electronic loops, but inventive, varied rhythms are always the foundation. Menomena might also be the best baritone sax rock group since Morphine, which is kind of a cool club.

Honorable Mentions:

“Sound of Silver,” LCD Soundsystem; “Magic,” Bruce Springsteen; “Woke on a Whaleheart,” Bill Callahan; “Wincing the Night Away,” The Shins; “Our Love to Admire,” Interpol; “Some Loud Thunder,” Clap Your Hands Say Yeah; “New Wave,” Against Me!; “West,” Lucinda Williams; “Let’s Stay Friends,” Les Savy Fav.