A couple of notable releases came this year from my home state of Missouri. Kansas City's Republic Tigers released
Keep Color, the first album on Chop Shop, a spanking new Atlantic imprint. It's a lush collection of sculpted guitar pop recommended for fans of The Shins and Death Cab for Cutie. Gentleman Auction House hail from St. Louis, and their
Alphabet Graveyard disc came out on Emergency Umbrella Records, a label you need a microscope to see. The songs, however, have a much bigger feel, with hooks galore. GAH occupy the space between Spoon and Modest Mouse.
Republic Tigers, "Buildings and Mountains"
Gentleman Auction House, "The Book of Matches"
