You may recognize the sound of the band whose debut album, Observatory, sits at #27. Calling it a “debut” is a bit of a misnomer, as its lead songwriter is Kevin Whelan, who in a former life was half of the writing duo for The Wrens. The Wrens’ third and final album, 2003’s Meadowlands, is beloved by many. Irreconcilable differences between Whelan and the band’s leader Charles Bissell meant that the band broke up rather than create what might have been a phenomenal followup album.

The band’s departure from the scene opened the door for other similar acts, like Top 31 faves Arcade Fire, but it also meant Whelan and the songs he’d written for the next Wrens album were left drifting in the surf. 18 years have passed since Meadowlands, and we are all very lucky that Whelan finally gave up on putting the pieces of his former band together.

Observatory, may not fully be a Wrens album, but it still feels of that era, in the best way possible. Great hooks, terrific builds, crashing choruses – it’s all here. If you listened to indie rock in the 00s, then Aeon Station will evoke all those same feelings you felt back then. This is an album that will last. I hope Whelan is energized enough to keep going, to see what else he can produce under the new moniker, finally and fully removed from what was, embracing the now.

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28. The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania by Damien Jurado
29. A Beginner’s Mind by Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine
30. Where the End Begins by Knathan Ryan
31. Private Space by Durand Jones & The Indications

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All albums in their entirety.

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A single song selection pulled from each album.

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