My Top 10 Albums from eMusic (so far)

I have been a fan of eMusic for many years. I originally signed up some 6 or more years ago, back when you could download unlimited songs for a flat monthly fee. This changed about 5 years ago and I put my account on hold for a bit but ended up returning again about 4 years ago. The reasons at the time were that I believe in paying for my music but I hate DRM and I believe music prices are artificially too high. Emusic offered me alternatives to DRM and high prices for much of the music I listen to (which is mostly not Top 40 stuff, though I do occassionally purchase some popular artists).

As of July, eMusic is changing dramatically, by signing with some big name labels and offering more mainstream artists. This affects our accounts, especially people like me who are grandfathered in at old rates. However, it may be offset by a greater amount of options. I can comment on that more once we see what exactly they are adding (we've only been given hints so far but few specifics). For now, I wanted to list my favorite albums that I have downloaded from emusic (in alphabetic order by artist). This only includes the period from 2006 that my account tracks and, for the most part, they are all still available on the service.

Feel free to share some of your favorites in the comments.

Asobi Seksu - Citrus (Alternative, Indie Rock) - I love My Bloody Valentine and rank their "Loveless" album as one of my all time favorites. If you agree with me, then you'll probably love Asobi Seksu. The more recent "Hush" album is good but "Citrus" is excellent with noisy guitars and airy vocals, occassionally in Japanese, remeniscent of the heyday of bands like MBV and Lush. Standouts include "New Years" and "Nefi + Girly."

Colette - Push (Dance) - Colette does straight-up dance pop music but, if you're a fan of that style, you know its rare to have a complete album from a single artist worth owning. This album is an exception to that rule. While not every song is a standout, there are enough catchy songs that, if you're a fan of this style of music, you'll find yourself singing along in know time. Particular standouts are "About Us," "If" and "Think You Want It."

Hello Seahorse - Hoy a las Ocho (Indie Rock) - Hello Seahorse hail from Mexico City and mix English and Spanish language songs in quirky indie pop. This album is so lighthearted and fun, its hard not to smile while you listen to it. In fact, if you don't end up singing along to "Won't Say Anything," you're simply a bitter and angry person. Other standouts include "OK! Lobster" and "Atardecer En Parapent."

Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke (Electronic) - Ladyhawke is a New Zealand artist whose real name is Pip Brown and whose album from late last year sounds as though is came straight out of 1981 (and, yes, I mean that as a compliment). Her songs are all energetic, danceable and catchy 80's synth-pop with a (slightly) modern flair. Standouts include "My Delerium," "Another Runaway" and "Paris is Burning."

Ladytron - Velocifero (Electronic) - I have been a fan of Ladytron's retro-synth noir music since "604," but somehow "Volicifero" didn't strike me much - at first. I thought "Witching Hour" was fantastic and on first listen, "Velocifero" felt like a letdown. However, after multiple listens it becomes obvious that this is probably their most accessible release and definitely worthy of attention. Standouts include "Ghosts," "Runaway" and "Predict the Day."

Leigh Nash - Blue on Blue (Pop) - You may know Leigh Nash as the singer from Sixpence None the Richer and while you can hear the influence of her former band, her solo effort is much more straighforward pop that highlights her lovely, whispy voice. There's nothing edgy here but that's part of its charm. Highlights include "Along the Wall," "Nervous in the Light of Dawn" and "Never Finish."

Olivia Broadfield - Eyes Wide Open (Electronic) - Sadly Olivia Broadfield's album is no longer available on emusic. This is a shame because, if you're a fan of artists like Frou Frou/Imogen Heap or Jem, then you'd probably love this album. Most of the songs are downtempo, electronic tunes which, like Leigh Nash, isn't particularly edgy but is extremely enjoyable. Standouts include "Indiscribable,"Eyes Wide Open" and "Hang On."

Passion Pit - Manners (Electronic, Dance) - This debut full-length album from the Cambridge, Massachussetts-based band is the most recent release on this list, having been released only a few weeks ago. Like many of the albums here, it has a retro sound and features very high-energy and upbeat songs with Michael Angelakos' high-pitched vocals. My favorties include "Little Secrets," "Swimming in the Flood" and "Seaweed Song."

Santogold - Santogold (Alternative) - Apparently due to some copyright issues, Santogold (real name Santi White) changed her name to Santigold. Santi used to sing for a punk band out of Philadelphia and you can definitely hear a punk influence on this album. The album mixes electronica with punk guitars to create a sound similar at times to M.I.A. but with a harder edge (and the quality of the songs is more consistent than with M.I.A.). Highlights include "L.E.S. Artistes," "Lights Out" and "I'm a Lady."

Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War (Indie Rock) - Stars is a Canadian Indie Rock band that I often find reminiscent of the time when bands like New Order and the Smiths/Morrissey ruled the College Radio airwaves. In fact, my largest complaint about this album would be that at times, Torquil Campbell, the band's male vocalist, sounds too Morrissey-esque. Still, songs like "The Night Starts Here" and "My Favorite Book" and "Window Bird" feature rich arrangements and highlight Amy Milan's sweet and sexy voice.