Best known as the singer from the Tricky albums, the first solo effort from Martina Toply-Bird establishes her as the reigning queen priestess of trip-hop. “Anything” is a starkly beautiful, but overwhelmingly cool fusion of rock, folk, gospel and ambient trip-hop. Topley-Bird sounds at times like a 21st century Dusty Springfield mixed with the laid back cool of Beth Orton. “Anything” is a mood record to be savored both in front of a raging fire and while swaying on the dance floor deep into the wee hours of your favorite club. This is a 24 carat gem.

Joanna Newsom is probably the only harpist that will ever to ever grab a spot on this esteemed list. But more than the signature harp that takes the place usually reserved for acoustic guitar in folk music, what is most distinctive about “The Milk Eyed Stranger” is the warbling, off-key vocals that can only be likened to the singing of Victoria Williams. The lucky 13 tracks on this glorious debut are both creepy elegant much in the same way that albums by people like Smog and Cat Power take a while to set in and take hold. This album is more an acquired taste than it is a collection of toe tapping pop classics, but like so many things in life the best in life usually hard work and patience; Joanna Newsom is no exception to this rule.

What can one say about one of the greatest pop musicians that has ever lived that hasn’t already been said? 37 years after the mythic “Pet Sounds” follow-up never came out, Brian Wilson has finally reconstructed the entire album from scratch. Many of these songs have obviously been released in various forms over the years, but “Smile” is/was always a concept album meant to be devoured from beginning to blissful end, not as singles or “best of” inclusions. As much as the resulting orchestral masterpiece sounds as if it couldn’t possibly have been recorded over the last few years, what is even more amazing is that seen from either direction the album is a timeless masterpiece that would be seem brilliant if released during any year. It will make you smile. Enough said.