Albums Winner:
Dear Science
TV on the Radio
Interscope
1744 Points/154 Mentions

Essays

The Revenge of TV on the Radio
Bob Dylan (and the Voice itself) finally humbled, Dear Science wins the 36th annual Pazz & Jop Critics' Poll
By Andy Beta

How M.I.A. (and America) Got Her Swagger Back
The menace of "Paper Planes" trumps the frivolity of "American Boy." Both are good signs.
By Rob Harvilla

Rappers for Obama, and Vice Versa
Why Young Jeezy and his revitalized ilk owe our new president more than he owes them
By Zach Baron

The Curious Case of Lil Wayne
Celebrating Mr. Carter's best means tolerating his worst
By Tom Breihan

The 100 Problems of Kanye West
At least rap's most troubled superstar is talking about his feelings, ugly as they may be
By Clover Hope

The People vs. Vampire Weekend
How a band so polite and so rapturous inspired that much hatred
By Simon Reynolds

Bon Iver: Digital Love, Analog Grief
Justin Vernon wins this year's battle of the heartbroken, Kanye's histrionics notwithstanding
By Sean Fennessey

Janelle, Erykah, and Santogold Are the Afro-Techno Revolution
While Beyoncé just struggles to keep up
By Kandia Crazy Horse

The Mixtape Will Save Us All
If you want them to buy it, make it free
By Jeff Weiss