Karen Age: 18 School: Scripps College Likes: thunder, kumquats, T.S. Eliot

1. Mannheim Steamroller, Christmas (1990, American Gramaphone)
   Figured I should start off with some Christmas music. All of Mannheim Steamroller's stuff (except for a collaboration with Disney) is also non-RIAA, so you can enjoy your new-age Christmas carols in good conscience! Band site
2. The Black Keys, Rubber Factory (2004, Fat Possum)
   Who knew that two white guys from Ohio could rock the blues this well? It is impossible to not move to this music. Band site
3. Susan Tedeschi, Just Won't Burn (2005, Tone-Cool/Artemis)
   It's amazing how much Tedeschi's voice sounds like Janis Joplin's. It's good to see a young musician keeping the blues alive. Band site
4. Arcade Fire, Funeral (2004, Merge Records)
   One of the most solid indie CDs out there, in my opinion -- it has no weak tracks! Orchestral in arrangement, in the range of instruments used, and in the epic feelings it inspires. Band site
5. Ike Reilly Assassination, Sparkle in the Finish (2004, Rock Ridge Music)
   Accessible singalong rock with gritty lyrics. I predict that these guys will make it into the mainstream if they keep making music -- so pick up their CD before they get bought out! Band site
6. Archer Prewitt, Wilderness (2005, Thrill Jockey)
   That's some beautifully layered indie music. With every release Prewitt seems to get even better at making ear candy that isn't anywhere near boring. Band site @ Thrill Jockey, Carrot Top
7. Sage Francis, Still Sickly Business (2005, Strange Famous Records)
   I am not a hip-hop person. Yet Sage Francis is one of my favorite artists -- he uses rap to talk about politics and heartbreak more effectively than I'd ever heard before. At 24 tracks for 13 bucks, you're getting your money's worth. Band site
8. Speechwriters LLC, Bull Moose After Party (2004, Handwoven Records)
   Two guys, two acoustic guitars. It sounds simple, but they also have some of the wittiest (and wordiest) lyrics out there. Band site
9. The Decemberists, Picaresque (2005, Kill Rock Stars)
   Pirates, Victorian poverty, and international intrigue? Just another day in the life of the Decemberists. The musical arrangement is at its most developed on this album, though. Band site
10. Say Hi to Your Mom, Numbers & Mumbles (2004, Euphobia)
    Endearingly nerdy indie pop. On the first listen the lyrics seem silly; on the third listen they're poignantly personal. Band site

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