2012, Fat Possum

VINYL FORMAT. The Walkmen are the great New York band of their generation, and in Heaven, they have delivered their third killer album in a row. Although Leithauser argues that "our biggest accomplishment is just being here," they are making the best music of their career and filling their largest venues yet. Their spot at the top of the bill at May's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry festival, curated by The National, demonstrates the respect in which they are held by the current wave of bands making music in the city.

After 10 years, the Walkmen have everything that a great band needs. Leithauser is a mature singer of phenomenal stamina who can trade "The Rat's" raw anger for the yearning of "Southern Heart" in a beat. Drummer Matt Barrick can pummel ferociously and drop down to Buddy Holly's tramcar click. Bauer is a consummate sideman, effortlessly switching from guitar to farfisa to piano as required, or trading instruments with bass player Walter Martin, who has also written his most resonant lyrics yet.