You guys, there are just…a million awesome releases today. Seriously, there are a million — so many that we really had to edit this baby down to just our favorites. Let’s just jump right in, so you can start your listening.
She Owns the Streets – The Raveonettes // Buy
Observations – The Raveonettes // Buy
I first started listening to The Raveonettes (@theraveonettes) with their 2007 LP, Lust Lust Lust. Back then, the band’s sound was kind of gauzy and playful (remember Dead Sound?). The Danish duo’s new album, Observator, is slightly pared down — much more of a direct stylistic nod to late ‘60s/early ‘70s psych rock. Check out the lo-fi music video for “She Owns The Streets” below.
Who – David Byrne and St. Vincent // Buy
A while back, when I first heard that Talking Heads’ David Byrne and St. Vincent (@st_vincent) were collaborating on an album, I remember thinking to myself, “this is going to be so good and so strange.” Love This Giant, a project three years in the making, has a funk-pop vibe shaped largely by a prominent horn section throughout. It’s smart, cool, and classy — how could we expect anything less from these two?
After breaking into mainstream ubiquity with I and Love and You, The Avett Brothers (@theavettbros) are back to vie for the crown of best alternative-rock-folk group against the earstwhile Mumford and Sons. The Avett’s harmonies, simple songs and complete earnestness always win over even the most skeptical listener, and this album is sure to be no different.
Did you think we would let our indie sensibilities get the best of us and not write about the newest effort from the senior statesmen of music himself? Well, with his last release, Modern Times, going in the pantheon of Great Dylan Records, we absolutely had to give this one a listen. While it’s by no means of the same caliber, Tempest certainly deserves to be listened to. After all, he is Bob Dylan (@bobdylan).
It’s a folksy week of releases, and Field Report’s (@_fieldreport) new, self-titled album falls comfortably in line. With a chilled out yet epic sound, their music channels our favorite kind of Springsteen — the relaxed, no synths attached kind. Seems like songwriter Chris Porterfield (whose name is the anagram for Field Report) is doing quite alright without former bandmate Justin Vernon.
The Killing Type – Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra // Buy
Do it With a Rockstar – Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra // Buy
Amanda Palmer (@amandapalmer), perhaps one of the most prolific artists of our day, is out with another record under the moniker Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra, and we’re simply chomping at the bit to listen. With her wild creativity, each of Palmer’s albums is one for the books. Theater is Evil, which is laid out like a performance of sorts, including an intro and intermission, is sure to maintain that trend.
Seriously, how excited are you to really sit down and digest The xx’s new album? Personally, after so many years of waiting, I’m having a bit of a conniption fit. Dripping with slow-burning emotion and an incredibly smooth delivery, Coexist is, not surprisingly, a strong follow-up for the Mercury Prize winners. With sparse instrumentation and de-emphasized percussion, the album demonstrates just enough of a shift from xx to keep things interesting.
Lupine Dominus – Thee Oh Sees
I Was Denied – Thee Oh Sees
Garage-psych kings Thee Oh Sees (@theeohsees) are back with a new record full of jams perfect for that fall nip in the air. With enough distortion and fuzz to keep you warm all winter, Putrifiers II is just what the doctor ordered.