Top 10 albums by Stephanie Fine Sasse

1. The Old Believers, Eight Golden Greats
Exceptional yet entirely tangible. This album may induce temporary states of tranquility and introspection. Hauntingly beautiful vocals, timeless lyrics and melodies with the potential to be played over and over and over and over.

2. Honest to Empire, On The Horizon
Perfect for days when you need a textured power scream or rock-and-roll talent fest sans the ever-annoying “God of Metal” complex. And conveniently Corvallis-based so you can crash a show the next weekend.

3. Mark Iris, Facing the Comet
This completely self-produced Portland artist may be the best thing no one has heard of. Part psychedelic, part classic rock, part metaphysical experiment; the album is irreverent, odd and beautiful. 

4. She and Him, Volume One
Lush odes to love and life in a format that pays tribute to the mid-20th century greats. The sultry vocals transport you to a ’50s blues club, without the shoddy production.

5. Ray Lamontagne, Gossip in the Grain
Soaking wet with soul, this is the album you want playing in the background while you and your sugar dumpling are cuddled up by the fire, playing Scrabble. It’s sensitive guy crooning at its finest.

6. Flight of the Conchords, Flight of the Conchords
Hilarious parody CD based on the television show of the same name. Flight of the Conchords is everything a good satire should be: entertaining, biting, clever and healthily ridiculous.

7. Joshua Radin, Simple Times
The singer-songwriter to watch, he’s poetic without being cheesy, with the uncanny ability to make you believe everything he lulls. He’s heavy on metaphor and sentiment without diluting his masculinity. 

8. Derby, Posters Fade
Local and infectious, this trio gets serious props for creating a cohesive album designed to be played from begin to end. It’s a classic aesthetic-framing, modern stomp clap to present a slice of pop-rock heaven.

9. Jason Mraz, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
There’s no character acting here. Mraz doesn’t go for reinvention or shock factor. He simply offers pristine musical and lyrical compilations that bridge generations.

10. Inara George, An Invitation
Chocolate covered vocals backed by an orchestra of musical baubles. Intricate and interesting, it’s a slice of old-timey, highbrow, pop-style music renovated and presented anew.