Expected Better

“Lullabies to Paralyze” – Queens of the Stone Age

“Stand Up” – Dave Matthews Band

“Cold Roses” – Ryan Adams

“Commit This to Memory” – Motion City Soundtrack

“Everything in Transit” – Jack’s Mannequin

1

“Making Beds in a Burning House” – Troubled Hubble

An energetic mix of pop, punk, ska and just about everything else, Troubled Hubble defies the term “indie rock” on every track. Key Track: “The Do The Build The House”

2

“Don’t Believe the Truth” – Oasis

On the “Achtung Baby” of its career, Oasis goes beyond the sing-along aspect of previous works while still encompassing the tension between dueling brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. Key Track: “Keep the Dream Alive”

3

I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning” – Bright Eyes

With the help of Emmylou Harris, Conor Oberst’s downtrodden album showcases his downer lyrics and upbeat guitar strums while never losing his trademark sound. Key Track: “Road to Joy”

4

“Illinois” – Sufjan Stevens

An album full of references from John Wayne Gacy, Jr. to Decatur, Stevens mixes eloquent strings over off-beat lyrics. Key Track: “Come On! Feel the Illinoise!”

5

“Life in Slow Motion” – David Gray

The Welsh singer/songwriter returns strong with a mid-tempo album the likes of “A Century Ends.” Key Track: “From Here You Can Almost See the Sea”

6

“Some Cities” – Doves

The melodic ease the trio creates complements Andy Williams’ crooning vocals and poignant lyrics. Key Track: “The Storm”

7

“Controversy Loves Company”  – The Audition

A raucous feel-good album full of heartbreak and longing over four-chord progressions. Key Track: “Don’t Be So Hard”

8

“X&Y” – Coldplay

While Chris Martin is the voice behind the quartet, it’s Guy Berryman’s bass lines which truly dominate and complete the album. Key Track: “White Shadows”

9

“Forever Hasn’t Happened Yet” – John Doe

X frontman tones down his emotions on a bare-bone album with help from Grant Lee Phillips and Neko Case. Key Track: “Hwy. 5”

10

“A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” – Panic! At the Disco

The little brother to Fall Out Boy, Panic! blends catchy punk rock hooks over dance floor beats to produce a new twist on an already heard sound. Key Track: “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”