The Good Life Album of the Year 2LP (Gold Nuggets Vinyl)

Album of the Year brings all that is the sound of The Good Life to fruition: catchy, moody pop/rock that fluctuates between the all-ages club and the smoky cabaret, right alongside sing-along crescendos that spin into cinematic bursts. It also proved to be The Good Life's most critically acclaimed album to date. Pitchfork gave it an 8.0, while AP called it one of the 10 essential albums of 2004.

Every song has a plan, going to a place that will inevitably involve leaving, being left, or leaving in anticipation of being left. Tim Kasher's ability to cleverly turn an innocuous phrase into a malicious slur of ill will leaves you not knowing whether to laugh or cry, all while giving you the distinct impression that you'll be quoting him at some point down the road.

The attention to detail in the production, the punchy melodies, and the sympathetic performances by the group - along with Kasher's writing that is nothing less than gripping and often head-shakingly brilliant - make this record an indispensable artifact for anyone who likes indie rock with a real emotional punch.