Top Of The Pops

Serena Maneesh – No. 2: Abyss In B Minor

Serena Maneesh prove they are more than mere distortion-heavy imitators on their wonderful second full-length record.

High Places – High Places Vs. Mankind

Some of the innocence of High Places’ previous outings is traded in for boldness that results in the creation of their best work to date.

The Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt

Kristian Matsson aka The Tallest Man On Earth matures and perfects his craft on just his second full-length album.

Frightened Rabbit – The Winter Of Mixed Drinks

If there was ever an album to make Frightened Rabbit huge, then The Winter Of Mixed Drinks is probably it.

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The Ruby Suns – Fight Softly

On their second album with Sub Pop, The Ruby Suns come into their own with an irresistible electro-pop album.

Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

Plastic Beach provides yet another reason to consider Damon Albarn one of the finest songwriters of this or any generation.

Ray Wylie Hubbard – A. Enlightenment, B…

Outlaw country staple Ray Wylie Hubbard presents a staggering full-length entrenched in Delta tradition and dazzling mysticism.

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Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

Local Natives channels Grizzly Bear’s glossier side as well as Bitte Orca’s R&B leanings with surprisingly stellar results.

The Knife – Tomorrow, In A Year

Swedish duo The Knife takes on a project of colossal scope with Tomorrow, In A Year, one as frustrating as it is inspiring.

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Thee Silver Mt. Zion… – Kollaps Tradixionales

Following yet another name and lineup change, Godspeed You! Black Emperor off-shoots return strong with their sixth album in ten years.

Holly Miranda – The Magician’s Private Library

Dreamlike and surreal yet grounded by fragile emotion, The Magician’s Private Library is mesmerizing.

Galactic – Ya-Ka-May

New Orleans troupe Galactic presents yet another fresh album brimming with funk, rock, blues, and more on Ya-Ka-May.

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Scout Niblett – The Calcination Of Scout Niblett

On her first Drag City full-length, singer-songwriter Scout Niblett forgoes pseudo-folk trappings in favor of dynamic bombast.

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Beach House – Teen Dream

Come December, don’t be surprised to see Teen Dream somewhere near the top of year-end lists. It really is that good.

Eels – End Times

Once more with End Times, Eels are able to make the inconsolable feelings of personal regret and tragedy sound quite wonderful.