18. Roger Lion- Roger Lion
The collaboration between hip hop producer Budo and indie pop veteran Joe Pernice seems like a strange mix. However, it is one of the most enjoyable and surprising releases of the year. It's eclectic and beautiful, with gorgeous instrumentation (those horns!) and production to boot. It has that hip hop oomph and trademark Pernice songwriting, backed with his fantastic vocals that I have adored for many years. Well worth checking out if you're interested in either artist. While it may not appeal to everyone, anyone who likes Joe Pernice will likely be keen.