#3 Dead Man's Bones

Although this is at #3, this is probably my favorite discovery of the year. Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling...........yes, RYAN GOSLING (Half Nelson, Notebook, Fracture..etc) and Zach Shields, a friend of Gosling, make up Dead Man's Bones. However, as you can tell with all those other faces accompanying the duo, this is not just a two-man band. In addition, the Silverlake Conservatory of Music choir of kids aging from 5-17, back up and sing right there alongside the duo. Wild, huh? That's what I thought when I first heard about them. But you must admit, its intriguing nonetheless. And I know what your thinking...."Oh gosh, another celebrity-gone-music scenario", because that's EXACTLY what I was thinking too. But allow me to proclaim....this is a damn good album. Gosling's voice reminisces that of old 50's style gospel. The music is goth-like and spooky, and is the perfect album in context with Halloween. But don't be misled, the cd is very accessible outside of Halloween. The music is somewhat sloppy and disheveled, but given the style of music and sound, its perfect. And of course, the choir of kids is the topping of this homemade cake, backing Gosling and Shields adding eeriness to the whole scenario. Definitely looking forward to more stuff from these guys!