Happy New Year everyone!  One of my New Year’s resolutions was to to try to listen to more music.  As I check out new releases from week to week, I’ll be chronicling which albums I think deserve a listen.  On that note, here are some of my favorites from 2010 so far.  You’ll notice that I’ve instituted a grading scale.  Albums will be graded on a scale of 1 -10, from worst to best.  Although I’ll rarely review a bad album, noteworthy albums may get some exposure as I see fit.  As always, thanks for reading!

Surfer Blood: 7.7

Astro Coast
Label: Kanine
Release Date: January 19, 2010
Reminds Me of: Dinosaur Jr., The Shins, Vampire Weekend

Astro Coast is the debut album from West Palm Beach based quintet Surfer Blood.  In keeping with the spirit of their Florida upbringing, Astro Coast is a well-crafted rock album that offers an odd mix of surf-style rock, pop melodies and a little of the poly-rhythmic beats that we’re accustomed to hearing from Vampire Weekend.  The result is pretty interesting.  Singer John Paul Pitts’ voice is earnest if not pleasant against some of the heaviness of the guitars and the song structure reflects some degree of maturity.  Much like the Shins and My Morning Jacket, there’s a lot of reverb on here (something I love) that gives the album a feel that is much more like any hardcore “alternative” album you’ve probably heard in a while.  If you’re a experiencing a retro new-wave hangover, give this one a listen, it is a pleasant departure from much of the music that dominates today’s musical landscape.

Select Cuts: Floating Vibes, Swim, Take it Easy, Anchorage