Written by Darren C. Demaree
list compiled by votes by AltOhio Music staff

This album was a big step from Earle. I caught Earle three years ago at Rumba, again this year at the Newport, and he is one of my favorites. This album begs you to open up a bottle of whiskey, then it begs you to dance with a pretty girl with some great ink just to figure out what she's smiling about.

Inspired Track: Can't Hardly Wait

The scenes and topics of this album might seem like insignificant things, but finding something relevant and true in all that is an accomplishment. These songs are put together well musically, and it is worth the multiple listens to sort through the parables of small things.

Inspired Track: The Fox, The Crow and The Cookie

The analogy is that Dan Aurbach playing with The Fast Five (instead of the the Keys) is like Jack White playing with The Raconteurs (instead of the Stripes), it's wilder, and more fun. The Black Keys are the best rock band around right now, but when Auerbach really lets it go with the Fast Five it's a whole different thing. Not better, just different, and as many versions of Dan Auerbach that can be conjured is a good thing.

Inspired Track: Real Desire

This album is so much fun. It's catchy as hell electronic music, with tongue and cheek lyrics and a driving force. I look awfully odd on a dance floor, but I definitely got some fun drives out of this one. Also, some very weird looks from all of you while I jammed out to it in my blue Toyota Matrix.

Inspired Track: I'm In Love With a Ripper

It's tough to sell me on an album made by depressed 20-year old's. Though, however contrived the emotions might be on the surface, they're sincere, and all of these songs are expertly produced. Truly the highest level of production of any album I heard this year. Also, I reminded myself how much i liked The Smiths and The Cure when I was 20. It makes sense, I get it.

Inspired Track: Heart Skipped a Beat

From a whole different world than any other album on this list, we get some awesome brass on this album. It's an experience all to itself, and a worthy one. Obviously, this is a two part LP (was actually two different EP's)and follows the brass with some quality electronic. I appreciate both parts for very different reasons, but they're both just so good.

Inspired Track: My Night With the Prostitute in Marseille

This was the one band, the one album I had never even heard of before we compiled the lists to make this Top 50 countdown thing, and I got smacked around by the good hand of Southeast Engine. This album is impressive from beginning to end. So good, really.

Inspired Track: Black Gold

I like the way Dent May's mind works. His music is really good, but his song titles and lyrics are great. Funny, entertaining, quality when it needs to be, if you haven't given this dude a chance you need to.

Inspired Track: God Loves You, Michael Chang

This band is so easy to love. From great live performances, to this damn good first album, the future is oh so bright. It's these kind of vocals that get me hooked on a band. Not a great singer, just a really interesting one.

Inspired Track: Luciana

This album has twelve tracks and twelve different personalities. That would be a flaw, but each song is good. The four guys that make up this band are really talented guys, and if they can ever put that into a united effort it will amazing.

Inspired Track: Spin the Bottle