GusGus - Polydistortion (1997)
Trip-hoppish late 90's cult classic that makes you feel just as the cover depicts; floating in the depths of the deepest ocean, asleep, with a smoldering joint on hand. You can't go wrong with this album.
Steely Dan - Pretzel Logic (1974)
Next to
Aja, this is probably the strongest Steely Dan album in terms of songwriting, being catchier and a tad less radio-friendly than either
Can't Buy A Thrill or
Countdown To Ecstacy. Dunno why it took me so long to pick this up...
Local Natives - Gorilla Manor (2009)
Like a punchier and less folksy Fleet Foxes. In other words, anyone who likes catchy alt. rock will think this is the bomb, including myself.