"California" seems to be on everyone's list this year. I liked it for a while; it was my anthem during a long spring road trip from TX to CA, but I don't know. I guess I grew out of it or realized that Low has a long way to go before becoming a band I would swear by. I look forward to listening to the rest of your picks.

Low is one of the great bands of our time. Powerful, dark and personal. You might want to listen to When the Curtain Hits the Cast, or the songs "(That's How You Sing) Amazing Grace" and "Canada" off of Trust.

I've sworn by Low for over a decade. I've never been disappointed. They've paid their dues and produce the most consistent albums out there. It's like hearing from an old friend with every new album. I don't think it's a mistake that Low consistently rates high on music lovers lists.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and listen.

I couldn't get the link for "California" to load, but I checked out the other songs. I especially dig the Ursula 1000 and Ladytron cuts. Now I'll have to poke around this site some more, which will always be more fun than any actual work I'm supposed to be doing.

Alas, it appears to be a subpop problem.

I'm really happy to see The Rosebuds on your list. I live in Raleigh, NC and The Rosebuds are one of my favorite local bands. I've seen them on other best-of lists and I'm glad they're getting some recognition.

Jesus, "Blue Bird" might be one of the best songs I've heard in a long time.

If you like Low, you may like another band out of the Duluth/Iron Range area: Cloud Cult. Go to their Web site (figure it out, not hard) and check out the mp3s from their new album "Advice from the Happy Hippo." Fantastic. Just discovered them on a local radio station (89.3 The Current, out of St. Paul, which does stream through the Web). Just trying to pass on good music to the people who appreciate it. Thanks for shining your light on a lot of this stuff!

CP in the TC