For the full list and year-end wrap-up click here: MaxSounds 2018

1. Arkona • Khram
2. The Sword • Used Future
3. Metric • Art of Doubt
4. Wye Oak • The Louder I Call, The Faster It Runs
5. Jack White • Boarding House Reach
6. First Aid Kit • Ruins
7. The Pineapple Thief • Dissolution
8. David Byrne • American Utopia
9. Courtney Barnett • Tell Me How You Really Feel
10. The Breeders • All Nerve
11. Okkervil River • In the Rainbow Rain
12. John Grant • Love is Magic
13. Jonathan Wilson • Rare Birds
14. Father John Misty • God’s Favorite Customer
15. Dead Can Dance • Dionysus
16. Beach House • 7
17. A Perfect Circle • Eat the Elephant
18. Muse • Simulation Theory
19. The Joy Formidable • Aaarth
20. Wimps • Garbage People

Other notable albums (a-z)

• The Beths • Future Me Hates Me
• Camp Cope • How to Socialize and Make Friends
• Cat Power • Wander
• The Decembrists • I’ll Be Your Girl
• La Luz • Floating Features
• The Oh Sees • Smote Reverser
• Thunderpussy • Thunderpussy
• The Warning • Queen of the Murder Scene