25. Grizzly Bear, 'Shields'

Crashing psychedelic rock melodies and vocal harmonies are two qualities for which Grizzly Bear are known. The first part of the album embraces these elements, producing catchy tracks that would be at home alongside "Knife" or "On a Neck, On a Spit."  As Shields winds down, however, listeners are treated to an entirely different side of the Brooklyn quartet as the group experiments with a minimalist style that pays off big time. -- Maggie Malach