This release week finds Deerhunter trading in their atmospheric pop for straight up rock and roll, but nobody’s going to mind because it’s still the same edgy, dark, brilliant Deerhunter underneath all the fuzz and crackle. Another veteran changing it up is none other than Patty Griffin, whose new record, American Kid, is her very first solely Americana effort. Savages is finally releasing their debut, which will knock you on your ass and then some with its no-nonsense, post-punk intensity. Lo-fi folk singer-songwriter, Gambles, will settle your stomach a bit after all the ruckus with his melancholy, simple warmth. Ty Segall’s buddy, Mikal Cronin, dropped his second, more chiseled-out classic rock meets pop record this week.
Two other smokin’ sophomore releases are coming from soul pop debonnaires, Fitz & the Tantrums, who added dance floor flair this time around, and Little Boots, who unifies and tightens her glitzy pop into the shape of a disco ball. And don’t sleep on the psychedelic folk of Ohio band, Way Yes, whose record merits repeated listens, as it carries endless tones and textures that will make you weak in the knees. Lastly, there’s the high profile soundtrack for The Great Gatsby featuring The xx, Beyonce covering Amy Winehouse, Jack White, and more — so killer, it might outdo the film.
