Nanuchka - A Carefully Planned Accident, 2006
Cuz this album means more to me than a tiny blurb in the other journal allows. Of course anything of this ilk is bound to be fantastic but
Yula's voice is something of another world.
The World/Inferno Friendship Society - Red-Eyed Soul, 2006
Probably along with
Devotchka as a top perennial cabaret punk group ever, and this is their most realized opus.
Mischief Brew - Smash the Windows, 2005
MB would get lumped into that whole edgy folk punk scene by way of association but they truly stand above the rest in pretty much every regard. Heavy assortment of eclectic instruments, virtuosic ability and songwriting, great voice, original. They work many styles into their brand but a gypsycore air remains constant.
Erik Petersen's death came as such an immense shock to me, and had it's bit of impact because his music has played an important role in the development of my being.