1. Yo La Tengo – I Am Not Afraid Of You and I Will Beat Your Ass 
It’s been 20 years since Yo La Tengo released it’s debut and still they have yet to break into the mainstream. Which is good because some bands are better off that way and with the band’s new album I Am Not Afraid Of You and I Will Beat Your Ass, things are not likely to change for the New Jersey trio.
2. Pearl Jam – Pearl Jam
The first Pearl Jam alum I bought since 1994′s Vitalogy and it didn’t dissappoint. It’s not as good as their hey day records and it lacks catchy melodies but it does rock and not any mainstream acts out there today do.
3. Thom Yorke – the Eraser
This prominantly electronic album won’t get those fans yearning for The Bends to come out of the wood work but “the Eraser” will appeal to those who converted to Radiohead disciples after Kid A.
4. Beck – The Information
What can you say, everyone’s favourite electro hippie is back with another steller release that further proves that this guy is one of the most innovative and important artists of the past 20 years. Did anyone see that trippy performance on SNL a few weeks back with the marionette puppets? (read our review)
5. Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere
Part Parliament, part Outkast, part Gorillaz part Sly and the Family Stone, Gnarls Barkley’s St. Elseware cuts through the crowded hip hop universe with memorable beats, funky samples and neo soul vocals. Great production from Danger Mouse. (read our review)
And the Worst … Snoop Dogg – Tha Blue Carpet Treatment 
I’ve always had a soft spot for Snoop. His 1993 debut masterpiece Doggystyle is one of my favourite records of all-time. But he has yet to match it with subsequent releases and is known now more for his guest appearances (The Pussy Cat Dolls, 50 cent, Akon) then for his own material.
