If one is able to wisely look past the sudden recognition them are receiving, old fans of The Shins really have no reason to change their disposition. M.I.A.’s unique style is what has given her such widespread recognition, as no genre seems out of reach in her ceaselessly expanding bag of tricks. The throwback electro-dance in “Jimmy” makes it one of the album’s catchiest tracks, while the sample-oriented, unconventional hip-hop flair in “Bird Flu” is as equally enjoyable despite the comparative style being in stark contrast to “Jimmy”. Kala is an album that is impossible to describe in just a few words, as M.I.A.’s stylistic flair is too impressively widespread to attempt a concise explanation.

M.I.A. - Jimmy

M.I.A. - Bird Flu

Official Web Site

MySpace

BUY

guitar strap
guitar yamaha
guitar tuner

34. Justice - †

justiceIt would be easy to call Justice one of the most acclaimed bands of the year. Suitably enough, it is hard to find a year-end list that does not list their absolutely infectious “D.A.N.C.E.” as one of the best singles of the year. It is certainly justifiable too; the debut album from France’s latest electro-house duo is filled with moments of absolute irresistibility, with the catchy ode to Michael Jackson (”D.A.N.C.E.”) being the most immediately accessible of the impressive 12 tracks on thebiguously titled album. Though a few fillers stop † from being a true dance classic, gems like “D.A.N.C.E.” and “Waters of Nazareth” are impossible to disregard. Regarding a prominent Daft Punk influence with a more pop-oriented flair, Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay have incorporated slick production with brilliant dance-enabled hooks that result an absolute tour-de-force.