Bishop Allen - The Broken String

$14.98 (list price), Indie-Pop, Dead Oceans

Basic Story: New York’s newest buzz band Bishop Allen return with their sophomore album.

Sample: “And there’s a tap on my knee/ bring up your seatback please/ but I know she means/ if you feel like dancing/ dance with me.”

Verdict: Following the release of their debut album, Bishop Allen did the unthinkable. In 2006, they recorded and released an EP for each and every month. For The Broken String, the band included nine re-recorded versions of songs from the EP’s. The songs have been buffed up considerably, losing some of that DIY touch, but they still retain their sense of charm. Is it another pop record? Sure. But it’s one of the better ones you’ll hear all year.