Amoeba Music

The mad masterpiece that is The Blood Brothers' Crimes album is getting a 20th-anniversary reissue. The band's intense blend of post-hardcore, post-punk, a bit of funk, and a lot of frenzied weirdness still sounds utterly arresting, unlike anything else out there. Out on bubblegum pink and baby blue vinyl, it's a limited release that captures the full-throttle pleasures of the band's live shows. An exhilarating, raucous, and unpredictable thrill ride of an album. More

The latest outing from The Smile will get under your skin. Cutouts is haunting and compelling, with some melodic flourishes and vocal lines that'll leave you breathless. The songs simmer with the pent-up intensity that bubbles beneath the surface of this enjoyably unpredictable listen. At times the vibe is moody, atmospheric, devastatingly beautiful. At others, the band leans into motorik, tightly-wound melodies and percussion that'll sweep listeners up into a frenetic, dynamic mirror of contemporary 24/7 culture. The members of The Smile all have impeccable track records for creating affecting, unforgettable songs and Cutouts ranks among their best. More

One word immediately comes to mind when listening to Geordie Greep's New Sound — "visionary." These genre-smashing, boundary-pushing songs crackle with the energy of experimentation, with the transmutation of high art into over-the-top, technicolor sonic spectaculars. The album seems to draw on the last 70 years of pop-culture, from melodramatic golden age of Hollywood musicals to Zappa-esque weirdness to drolly sophisticated ennui in the vein of the Pet Shop Boys. The compositions move from math rock to jazz-funk to show-stopping Prince-inspired R&B to punk rock to 1950s-style Latin floor show numbers. Fear not: if this may sound chaotic, it's tightly-controlled, directed in service of storytelling by the maestro and his impressive cast of collaborators. New Sound is a true original that's deeply imaginative and so enjoyable you won't be able to resist giving the record spin after spin. More

Woo boy. Thee Sacred Souls are back with a dreamy throwback album that'll transport you to a more plush, romantic time. The evocative and addictive Got a Story to Tell is gorgeous to be sure, but it's also one of those albums that hooks into your heart and gets you in the gut. The tracks move from slow burn sizzlers to Lynchian lounge numbers to ultra hip, funked up '70s soul. Luxuriant, swooning, and just plain brilliant, Got a Story to Tell is an exquisite record that ranks among the year's best. More

The Hard Quartet is a new project that features four great songwriters: Stephen Malkmus (Pavement, The Jicks), Matt Sweeney (Chavez, Superwolf), Emmett Kelly (The Cairo Gang, The Double), and Jim White (Dirty Three, Xylouris White). On their self-titled debut, “Earth Hater” is a satisfyingly quirky rocker while “Rio’s Song” offers a wistful, jam-style feel that evokes Dinosaur Jr. “Our Hometown Boy” is a highlight with its pleasing jangle-rock tune. This album should hit that sweet spot for fans of indie rock and classic rock. More

The Irish singer/songwriter has released her second studio album, featuring strong singles like “Little Chaos” and “Kiss Ur Face Forever.” The tracks move from that kind of quirky pop/rock to gentle pop songs like “The Hit” and the poignant ballad “Mine.” Elsewhere “Late To The Party ft. Declan McKenna” is disco-punk in a way that feels like a tasteful nod to Franz Ferdinand. It’s an eclectic set of songs punctuated by strong hooks and clever lyrics. More

The Live From The Ryman volumes were recorded over six years at Isbell and his band’s sold-out concerts at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. These live tracks capture the raw energy and sincerity of one of country-rock’s best singer/songwriters; Take, for example, this emotional version of “The Last Song I Will Write” from his 2009 self-titled album. Vol. 2 also features songs from the albums Reunions , Weathervanes , and a cover of “Room at the Top” by Tom Petty. More

Dance, No One's Watching is a strong contender for feel-good album of the year. UK jazz quintet Ezra Collective draws inspiration from Afrobeat, soul, calypso, and hip-hop to create songs that are a pure pleasure to hear. The album is a celebration of the simple, joyful act of dancing — it's also a pretty darn good excuse to get out on the dancefloor. Guest vocalists Yazmin Lacey, Olivia Dean, and M.anifest & Moonchild Sanelly bring an assured confidence and beauty to their various vocal turns that'll bliss you out instantly. A gorgeous treasure of an album. More

The latest from Being Dead is just ridiculously good. On Eels , the Austin rockers deliver a delightfully unpredictable, totally intoxicating collection of songs that effortlessly segues from downcast post-punk to near-dreampop. Dark and light frolic hand-in-hand through these arresting, devastatingly lovely tracks. Gleefully experimental and unafraid to swim through the shadows, Eels is a must-hear. More

Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 1 is the sound of a legend. Released shortly before Lil Peep's untimely death in 2017, the album is an angst-ridden but droll account of heartbreak, drug use, and emotional darkness. The melodies effortlessly fusing hip-hop, punk, and metal into a one-of-a-kind, incomparable sound. When Lil Peep goes introspective, his lyrics tap into something difficult, deep, and true. Fans will be glad for this new release of an old favorite. More

Kate Bollinger's full-length debut is assured, distinctive, and enchanting. Songs From a Thousand Frames of Mind will remind listeners of the sophisticated, suave classic pop of yesteryear. Opener "What's This About (La La La La)" calls to mind the effortlessly cool milieu of '60s Brit girl pop and French yé-yé. Simmering intensity underlies the honeyed lounge atmospherics of "Sweet Devil." Songs is a total dream of an album and unlike anything else you'll hear this year. Get ready for your new sonic addiction. More

Two giants of the game shine on The Auditorium Vol 1 . The dream team of Common and Pete Rock have crafted a smart, lush record with laid-back grooves and sultry retro-flavored sounds. Common's flow sounds timeless, whether he's tackling themes of resistance and transcendence or delivering an exquisitely touching love song. Pete Rock's production is vivid and joyful, informed by his rich knowledge of musical history. In short, it's everything you want from these two legends — and working together, they've created a soon-to-be classic. More

It's here: the life-affirming, eclectic, electrifying second album from the ultra-talented, gone-too-soon Sophie. This self-titled sophomore album was almost done when Sophie tragically passed; to bring her music to fans, some of her closest collaborators provided the finishing touches, in accordance with how she envisioned the sound. The mix takes listeners on a sonic journey, from hushed, intimate beats to woozy retro bangers to fierce, propulsive dancefloor rhythms. Sophie is a dazzling listening experience, blending light and dark, euphoria and melancholia. This is the type of album that makes your life better for having pressed "play." More

Innovative and compelling, the latest release from Montell Fish sounds like music from the future, from another planet, from another dimension entirely. Charlotte Purified Deluxe is a masterful, avant-garde blend of R&B and electronic. With gauzy melodies, soulful vocals, and hypnotic, haunting lyrics, these songs will send an arrow to your heart. This otherworldly album is one of the year's best and Montell Fish deserves to be on your radar. More

Bloom is an appropriate title for the latest from Ben Böhmer. These tender, wondrous electronic tracks feel like the soundtrack to new growth, to life and hope springing up from the dirt. Guest appearances from Lykke Li, Oh Wonder, JONAH, Malou, Erin LeCount, Enfant Sauvage, and Max Milner add varied emotional layers to the compositions, while at the same time each voice seems to embody the same questing, thoughtful, resilient nature. The lovely Bloom is an album that'll sneak up on you, the tranquility of its melodies belying the emotional complexity of its lyrics and vocal performances. More

The Grammy-nominated pianist/composer’s new album is an expert blend of neo-soul, gospel, acoustic jazz, mid-tempo swing, and more. Like a film soundtrack, it offers a variety of moods: “Divergent Journeys” is rich in swooning atmosphere, while “MMC” is a vibrant toe-tapper that will instantly lift your spirits. Joining Sands on the album are guitarist Marvin Sewell, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, drummer Ryan Sands, and harmonica player Grégoire Maret. More

The third album from indie folk singer/songwriter Christian Lee Hutson was inspired by his move from L.A. to NYC, and the welcome new perspective he gained. Featuring collaborations with artists like Phoebe Bridgers (“Flamingos”) - who also produced the record - and Maya Hawke (“Carousel Horses”), Paradise Pop. 10 offers gentle introspection and a relatable wistfulness. Highlights include the shimmering ballad “After Hours” and the lively closing track “Beauty School,” featuring Katy Kirby. More

Jake Blount is joined by Indigenous roots musician Mali Obomsawin for a new collaboration entitled Symbiont . Combining elements of traditional African American music with Afro- and Indigenous futurism, this album is a fascinating listen. Here synthesizers meet banjos and chants float above shakers and drum machines, casting a unique spell over both the past and future. The duo’s hypnotic vocals complement each other, and there are unexpected touches everywhere, like when “Live Humble” careens off into raw electric guitar. More

Grammy-winning bluegrass artist Billy Strings returns with a new album of skillful, often lightning-fast picking, with a good dose of soulful melodies. “Leadfoot” is a lively, jangly tune that sounds appropriate for any front porch session, while “Seven Weeks in County” is a bluesier, country/folk number. “Stratosphere Blues/I Believe In You” reflects Strings’ psychedelic and classic rock influences, making this a fun and eclectic set. More

This box set of newly remastered albums celebrates the progressive rock band’s 50th anniversary, and it’s a real treat for fans. The set features bonus live tracks, alternate mixes, and studio outtakes, along with the band’s first four albums plus their 2018 release, Prodigal Dreamer . From the dramatic and urgent “Julia” on Pampered Menial , to the romantic strains of “The Winds Wild Early” on Prodigal Dreamer , this is an impressive collection of music. More