Top Of The Pops
of Montreal – False Priest
Perhaps their most playful studio full-length to date, Kevin Barnes and co.’s False Priest is downright fun. No two ways about it.
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan – Hawk
The unmistakable duo of Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan pair for the third time and sound as breathless as ever on Hawk.
The Books – The Way Out
Much maligned it may be, The Books’ fifth full-length is a tremendous excursion through the value of self-help tapes.
Menomena – Mines
The Portland trio’s fourth album is a worthy follow-up to Friend and Foe, an impressive series of cathartic and funky rock tunes.
Miles Bonny – Incense and Wine
As its title suggests, Incense and Wine is at ease with the lack of clutter and lounges in a place free of distractions.
The Love Language – Libraries
The Love Language mines numerous stylistic fields on its second LP which makes for quite a lush, though likely polarizing effort.
2Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse – Dark Night Of The Soul
Danger Mouse maintains his sterling collaborating ways by teaming with Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous for Dark Night Of The Soul.
The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang
The Gaslight Anthem continues to tweak its craft on its third album as the band inches closer to its own distinctly dazzling voice.
Foals – Total Life Forever
Total Life Forever is a brilliant step forward that just about makes Foals one of the most exciting bands on the planet right now.
The Black Keys – Brothers
Blues-rockers The Black Keys return to familiar territory on their follow-up to the 2008’s Attack And Release and feel right at home.
Effi Briest – Rhizomes
Brooklyn post-punk troupe Effi Briest tips its hat to its predecessors, absorbs their essence, and generates a mighty fine debut.
2Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Before Today
Weirdo recluse Ariel Pink finally comes out of his shell with a shower of infectious pop songs on Before Today.
Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid
One of funk’s brightest rising stars releases her stunning debut LP, filled with plenty of funk, energy, personality, and guest spots.
2Mi Ami – Steal Your Face
Mi Ami may not be cast under a cool light, but that’s probably best as their sophomore album is a dizzying Africanized scorcher.
1Paul Weller – Wake Up The Nation
This is one of the rawest and most intimate releases of Paul Weller’s career and it’s easily among his finest solo works to date.
Phil Selway