[PTLegz]

Maybe it's just because I've made a point to pay more attention but I think there have been more albums put out this year than in any of the last ten or so years. There have been mainstream albums that actually deserve their popularity (by Alabama Shakes, Best Coast and Santigold for example) along with great stuff from indie buzz-getters (King Tuff, Beach House, Screaming Females) and, as usual, plenty of quality efforts from virtual unknowns around the country (like CA's Shannon & the Clams, TX's Bobby Jealousy and MA's Katie Von Slicher) and beyond (if you like heavy, bluesy rock check out the new album by the Swedish band Graveyard).