Sunflower Bean: Shake

Sunflower Bean has decided to ROCK OUT on their latest ep, Shake. It's a five song powerhouse from the NYC band that is a much appreciated addition to their musical lexicon.

Cursive: Devourer

I've always loved that late 90's post punk sound. Omaha's Cursive fits that vibe perfectly. Their latest is called Devourer and it has certainly consumed me with its power and energy these last few weeks. Check it out and ROCK ON!

Toro Y Moi: Hole Erth (Album of the Week)

Toro Y Moi is an earth bound treasure. His latest record is a veritable cornucopia aural landscapes that expand the mind into the cosmos. Hole Erth is also quite down to earth as is evidence by this wistful track...

Ah, 21st century nostalgia...

The next track that really got me was this one...

Stunning vocal arrangements.

The album closes with a trip out to the cosmos.

Start listening!

Coldplay: Moon Music

Stadium superstars Coldplay are back with their final (?) album and it's quite interesting in terms of theme. Moon Music is the outfit's wonderful attempt at making scifi rock. And they succeed massively.

My favorite track is "Alien Hits/Alien Radio" which sounds like music the Legion of Super Heroes would listen to flying through space...

Angel Olsen: Windows (Autumn Music Series)

The haunting, early evening tone of Angel Olsen's "Windows" makes for the perfect fall song. It's chilling and wonderful in the first wisps of October chill...

Pale Waves: Smitten

Manchester's own Pale Waves are back with a wonderful record called Smitten. The pure pop bliss drips throughout all twelve tracks. This is the group's fourth long player and is easily their best so far!

Opening track...

Alan Sparhawk:White Roses, My God

Minnesota native Alan Sparhawk has a fab new record out called White Roses, My God. His first since the death of his wife and Low bandmate, Mimi Parker, sees Sparhawk striving for new frontiers and horizons.

Opening track...

The The: Ensoulment

London's The The are back with yet another amazing record. The veterans of cryptic alternative music have really outdone themselves with Ensoulment, a deep exploration into the darker corners of the human psyche. 

Opening track...

Dummy: Free Energy

L.A.'s own Dummy has a wonderful new record out called Free Energy. There is certainly a great deal of power on this album both thematically and stylistically. And they've tapped into multiple genres which is always a plus. 

One of my faves...so 60s!

David Gilmour: Luck And Strange (Album Of The Week)

For as long as I can remember, David Gilmour has been a part of my musical life. My dad played Pink Floyd when I was growing up. All of their records, and especially Gilmour's incredible voice, colored my childhood and adolescence. 

David's ethereal cosmic connection to the universe continues with Luck and Strange, an absolutely astounding work that is most welcome after a nearly decade absence of musical releases. The album opens with a brief instrumental track followed by the title track which ranks right up there with any Floyd track...

"A Single Spark" is just all shivers...

My favorite track features his daughter on vocals.

So many wonderful sounds on this record. Go listen!

The Dare: What's Wrong With New York?

The Dare has finally released his first full length record and the Los Angeles native has really hit it out of the park with this one. What's Wrong with New York is a giant party from start to finish. The honesty and the passion really come through, more and more on each listen.

Opening track...

Niki: Buzz

The heart, soul and pride of Jakarta has her third long player out and it's a complete wonder of indie pop. NIKI is a world treasure indeed and Buzz proves her dominance of our planet. The whole record is filled with catchy tracks that are just plain fun.

Title track...

Sofi Tukker: Bread

Man, I love me some Sofi Tukker. In fact, a whole lot of Soffi Tukker is always a good thing. The musical duo from NYC never ceases to amaze with their style shifts and amazing grooves. Their latest is called Bread and it's fabulous.

Opening and title track...

Bloomsday: Heart of the Artichoke

Brooklyn's indie pop duo Bloomsday have a fantastic record out called Heart of the Artichoke. In so many ways, it's the perfect fall album. Lazy guitar based tracks that just gently wash over you.

Here is one of my faves...

Matty: Pops (Album of the Week)

Matthew Tavares's latest offering is quite a gem. It reminds me of a soundtrack to a long lost late 60s or early 70s sitcom about a family band. Pops is just pure psychedelic pop fun. Example...

I love how he explores the human heart...

The opening track is also one of my faves...

This is mos def in the running for album of the year!

Foster The People: Paradise State Of Mind

 L.A.'s Foster The People are likely known by most as a one hit wonder. Yet they have many amazing songs that are guaranteed to make you get up and shake it! Their latest is called Paradise State Of Mind and is dance pop at its finest. 

Opening track...

Fontaines D.C.: Romance

Irish post punk superstars Fontaines D.C.  are back with yet another stunner. Romance has all the angst, strom and durge that one needs to get through life. It's dark and it's beautiful.

One of my faves...

Gillian Welch: Woodland

Gillian Welch is an American treasure. Her latest is called Woodland and it's the perfect fall album. It just slides over you like a cool breeze that demands snuggling with a loved one. With her partner David Rawlings, they have created a folk rock masterpiece.

Opening track...

John Grant: The Art Of Life

John Grant is back with a towering effort called The Art Of Life. Listening to the record gives you the same experience as watching a Stanley Kubrick film. The songs make you drift forever in an otherworldly realm. 

Here is one of my faves....

Snow Patrol: The Forest Is The Path (Album of the Week)

Snow Patrol is back with a deep and loving lament of an album called The Forest Is The Path. The lads have really hit an emotional depth on this one that has heretofore never been reached by the Dundee outfit.

The album opens with this slinky plead...

Later we have this haunting, yet uplifting number...

The album closes with the title track, sure to be a stadium sing along number...

The human heart and condition all perfectly explained. Start listnening!