Destroyer just dropped another bomb (pun intended) in the form of Kaputt, the first great album of the year, if you ask me. Every few days, I have a new favorite song, and I just keep finding little pockets with hidden $20 bills in 'em - both hallmarks of an album with serious shelf life.

But make no mistake, Kaputt is completely weird and improbable. Sleazy lite disco rock smothered in smooth jazz sax solos. It's still somehow unmistakably Destroyer though, with Dan Bejar's warbly croon and poetic ramblings, and a sound like watercolor. And if you were lucky enough to get down with Destroyer's Rubies, you'll find everything that made that album great here.

I think this one will give you the best idea of what to expect.

Destroyer - Chinatown by mouxlaloulouda

At this point, I have to put these cats in the Pantheon, with a robust catalog, a couple stunners (at least Rubies and Kaputt, if not This Night), a style of their own that evolves with every album, a compelling frontman/mastermind, high relistenability, and a whole lotta artistic integrity. There just aren't that many artists that can lay claim to all that.

(And my first double entry!)