Alec Ounsworth

Alec Ounsworth felt the highs and lows of Internet fame after his band, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, self-released an excellent but too-hyped debut in 2005. But the cold online world turned its back at a so-so follow-up, Some Loud Thunder. Not to be deterred, Ounsworth released one of 2009's best albums under his own name: Mo Beauty features of all Clap Your Hands' itchy weirdness, but also more memorable songwriting and slicker production. It's the best CYHSH album yet, even though it's not one.

Updated 02/12/2010