So welcome back. We took last week off and are returning with a change in format, narrowing our focus. You'll now be able to read about the week's best/most notable releases in greater detail, and can explore the endless other releases on your own time. Suggestions, comments, etc are welcomed and will be responded to. Thanks for reading, listen to new good music!

New Releases 11.1.2011

Black Milk & Danny Brown _ Black & Brown EP (hip-hop)

(3.0/4.0)

Detroit duo Black Milk and Danny Brown prove that Detroit has more to offer than Eminem, GM cars, and $1,000 houses on their debut disc. From the stuttering guitar and bass of "Sound Check" through the self titled closer the beats are unique. Live drums meet eerie samples and stuttering rhythms to give the record a gritty feel.

"Wake Up," "Loosie" and "Zap" set the tone with Brown's unique, dirty flow over classically flowing beats and are all outstanding tracks. "Jordan VIII, " and "Dada"move to more a more adventurous sound with interludes "Dark Sunshine" and "Wtf" ensuring the weird quota is met.

The closing title track is a return to the traditional hip-hop format where they're at their most effective. A promising EP from a promising duo from one of the most depressing places in the country and a must listen for bored hip-hop fans.

Key Tracks: "Wake Up," "Loosie," "Zap," "Black & Brown."

The Decemberists _ Long Live The King EP (indie/folk)(1.5/4.0)

Long Live the King finds Portland indie kings looking to do something beyond their standard sound, which is admirable. While the band undoubtedly has the right intentions with this EP, the songwriting pales in comparison to their early work.

The opener "E. Watson" feels weak and uninspired, relying too heavily on an understated acoustic guitar to propel the song forward. "Forgone" is an excellent track with crystal clear pedal steel swooning over a crisp electric guitar line. "Burying Davy" is a somewhat awkward attempt at the dark prairie ballad and might be the least successful track of the short record.

"I 4 U & U 4 Me" finds the band back in their sweet spot playing bright, upbeat folk perfect for a day in the sun. "Row Jimmy" moves back into unfamiliar territory for the band with elements of classic bluegrass although the results are better than could be expected. Colin Meloy's nasal nerd-croon is carefully accented and drawn back when needed, but even this isn't enough to make this EP a worthwhile buy, or even inclusion on our internet radio playlists.

Key Tracks: "Forgone," "I 4 U & U 4 Me."

____________New Releases 10.18.2011 Big Pete _ Choice Cuts Dutch blues master makes his American debut. Recommended for fans of the genre. Bjork _ Biophilia Icelandic legend’s latest is as pretty and weird as possible. Brantley Gilbert _ Modern day Prodigal Son Ridiculous muscle country. Chris Isaak _ Beyond The Sun Isaak pays tribute to the legendary Sun Records. Class Actress _ Rapproacher Brooklyn duo play quality synth pop. See “Bienvenue,” “Keep You.” Cradle of Filth _ Evermore Darkly Extreme metal. Everlast _ Songs of the Ungrateful Living Dark, raspy, folk/rap from an original white rapper. Freestyle Fellowship _ Promise Interesting, experimental hip hop from LA collective. Gauntlet Hair _ Gauntlet Hair Chicago indie rockers mix sub-bass and electro drums with trebly guitar for an interesting whole. I Break Horses _ Hearts Swedish duo play understated synth pop. James Blake _ Enough Thunder EP UK Hipster hero features Bon Iver but might just be too boring for the big time.. Jane’s Addiction _ The Great Escape Artist Alt heroes enlist Dave Sitek on their first new set since 2003’s Strays. John Cale _ Extra Playful EP 21-minutes of art-rock from Velvet underground co-founder. June Tabor & Oyseterband _ ragged Kingdom Classical folk from English legends. **Kitty, Daisy, & Lewis _ Smoking in Heaven UK trio play fresh, eclectic 60’s tinged rock’n’roll. Lalah Hathaway _ Where It All Begins Critically adored R&B from ‘The First Daughter of Soul.’ M83 _ Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming French electropop act play huge, upbeat indie rock. Montgomery Genry _ Rebels on the Run Cringe-worthy country pop would have anyone in their right mind on the run and hiding. **My Brightest Diamond _ All Things Will Unwind Inventive pop combining elements of chamber music, opera and cabaret from NYC singer/songwriter. See “Reaching Through to the Other Side,” “Escape Routes,” “High Low Middle.” Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds _ Self Titled Oasis leader aims to outshine Liam on his solo debut. Patrick Stump _ Soul Punk Former emo-king’s attempt at R&B is a bit confusing but has decent moments. See “Spotlight,” “The I in Lie,” “Run Dry.” Real Estate _ Days NJ/BK blog kings play their brand of sleepy pop/rock. See “Out of Tune.” Shelby Lynne _ Revelation Road Grammy winning Virginia songstress plays pretty roots-pop. T-Bone Burnett _ Presents The Speaking Clock Revue _ Live From The Beacon Theatre Great American producer welcomes a list of legends for an energetic collection of great live music. The Kentucky Headhunters _ Dixie Lullabies Authentic country rock. Recommended for fans of the genre. **recommended

_______________New Releases 10.11.11

Bjork _ Biophilia

Bjork's music is as intense, beautiful, and fiercely creative as ever.

Electric 6 _ Heartbeats and Brainwaves

Prolific Detroit based garage-electro act are obviously having fun on their 8th studio effort. See "The Intergalactic Version."

Erasure _ Tomorrow's World

Brit synth-pop duo sound the same as always, but now their sound is hip again.

Five Finger Death Punch _ American Capitalist

Tongue-in-cheek LA metal act mix hardcore and nu-metal with mixed results.

**Joe Henry _ Reverie

Accomplished producer shows off on this atmospheric, largely acoustic set.

Joe Jonas _ Fastlife

Even the slickest, most expensive beats money can buy can't save this confused disaster of a solo effort.

Marketa Irglova _ Anar

The female half of The Swell Season has an incredibly mature sound for a 23-year-old on her solo debut.

Modeselektor _ Monkeytown

Berlin IDM group features Thom Yorke and others on their latest set of trippy electro.

Peter Gabriel _ New Blood

Legend is as innovative and dramatic as ever on his latest.

**Rachel Yamagata _ Chesapeake

Singer/pianist plays warm, intelligent pop on her third solo album.

Radiohead _ Tkol Rmx 1234567

Complete collection of previously unreleased remixes finds Radiohead at their weirdest.

Rich Robinson _ Through A Crooked Sun

Black Crowe plays standard blues-pop.

Ryan Adams _ Ashes & Fire

From overacheiver to underacheiver, Mr Mandy Moore adds to his musical legacy with this set of intricate folk.

The Parlor Mob _ Dogs

NJ alt-rockers sound like one part Jack White, one part The Academy Is.

Wednesday 13 _ Calling All Corpses

Snarling, theatrical hard-rock

White Williow _ Terminal Twilight

Norwegian art-rockers continue their trend towards darker, more guitar-driven tunes.

**recommended

_________________New Releases 10.4.2011 Carolyn Wonderland _ Peace Meal Authentic blues via Austin. David Crowder Band _ Oh For Joy Bizarre Christmas/electronic album. Dessa _ Castor, The Twin MN spoken-word artist follows up the critically lauded A Badly Broken Code with more electro/spoken word. DJ Shadow _ Less You Know The Better Shadow suffers from ADD on his latest, skipping frequently between hip-hop, hard-rock, and trip-hop elements. Feist _ Metals Indie-queen Leslie Feist’s latest effort is less focused and cheery than her previous two albums. George Benson _ Guitar Man American guitar legend plays smooth Jazz. Hank Williams Sr _ The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams Godfather of country music’s never realized tracks done by Dylan, Jack White, Merle Haggard, Lucinda Williams, Nora Jones, etc.. Indigo Girls _ Beauty Queen Sister Stripped down adult rock. Jack’s Mannequin _ People & Things Emo-darling’s latest is the final of a three-part series. Piano-based power-pop. La Dispute _ Wildlife Concept album from MI post-hardcore act. LIGHTS _ Siberia Canadian electropop star’s standard tracks benefit from creative production. RIYL Owl City. Mayday Parade _ Mayday Parade Smooth emopunk from Tallahassee rock with sincerity but may lack dignity. Mayer Hawthorne _ How Do You Do Bookish LA producer's white-boy R&B/soul sounds more like the real thing than ever before. Merle Haggard _ Working In Tennessee American legend charms with his upbeat blend of outlaw country and honky tonk. MGMT _ LateNightTales Motely crew of artists offer up takes of MGMT tracks. MISFITS _ Devils Rain Highly anticipated record from goth-punk royalty is their first in over a decade. MUTEMATH _ Odd Soul NOLA prog-rockers have found their sweet spot. See “Tell Your Heart Heads Up,” “All Or Nothing,” “Allies.” New Found Glory _ Radiosurgery The most nasal emo-punk rockers of all are still making new music for 13-year-olds. Nicola Roberts _ Cinerella’s Eyes Cutting edge electropop from Girls Aloud singer. Patrick O’Hearn _ Transitions Haunting new-age on the 12th effort from West Coast fixture. Radical Face _ The Family Tree: The Roots Poorly named effort of forgettable indie folk from 24-year-old FLA native Ben Cooper Style P _ Master of Ceremonies The LOX rapper does what's expected on his latest; big beats, a-list guest spots, and gritty wordplay. **Sarah Jaffe _ The Way Sound Leaves A Room Pleasant, inventive art-folk from Denton TX beauty. RIYL early Feist. The Sheepdogs _ Learn & Burn Rollingstone Cover contest winners make up for the lame picture with great rock tunes. Tony Bennett _ Duets II Showtune legend features the biggest names in music on his latest set of wry Jazz. Transit _ Listen & Forgive Boston emo-act play hooky, nasal rock’n’roll. Wayne Static _ Pighammer Static X leader branches out on his own with more industrial/metal. **We Were Promised Jetpacks _ In the Pit of the Stomach Scottish indie-rockers play with a harder edge and increased focus on their sophomore effort. Zola Jesus _ Conatus Eclectic, cool electropop from Russian-American singer/songwriter. Zucchero _ Chocabeck Italian rock legend plays pretty acoustic and ballads on his latest. **recommended

_________________New Releases 9.27.2011

**9th Wonder _ The Wonder Years

Known for his seamless sampling, 9th doesn't disappoint on his first official album featuring a who's who of backpack rap. See "Enjoy," "Hearing the Melody," "No Pretending."

Allstar Weekend _ All the Way

Silly electropop courtesy of Disney.

Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa _ Don't Explain

Scorching blues set, highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Bill Frisell _ All We Are Saying

Legendary guitarist offers up his gorgeous instrumental takes on Beatles classics.

Blink 182 _ Neighborhoods

Former pop-punk kings return with (somewhat) adult material, too bad Tom Delonge still sings like he's mid-puberty.

Carolina Liar _ Wild Blessed Freedom

TV darlings play slippery smooth pop rock.

Chickenfoot _ Chickenfoot III

Sammy Hagar and Co rock sans inspiration.

Daryl Hall _ Laughing Down Crying

Great pop tunes, mildly stuck in the '80's.

Dum Dum Girls _ Only In Dreams

Critically acclaimed LA noise rockers play standard rock'n'roll on their sophomore LP.

Everclear _ Return to Santa Monica

Troubled pop heroes play their biggest hits and toss in a few hit/miss covers for good measure.

Evidence _ Cats & Dogs

Dilated Peoples star steps out on his own with solid results.

Harold Budd _ In the Mist

Veteran avant-garde American composer plays a minimalist, experimental set.

J Cole _ Cole World: Sideline Story

Up and coming NC rapper proves he's better than 96% of his peers in the mainstream. See "Lights Please," "Nobody's Perfect."

Johnny Winter _ Roots

American blues legend features some impressive guests on his latest set of classic blues.

John Scofield _ A Moment's Peace

Aptly named effort from American Jazz guitar virtuoso.

Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations _ Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations

American singer adds Spanish instrumentation and new life to his laid back folk.

Kasabian _ Velociraptor

English rockers are weirder than ever on their latest.

Mastodon _ The Hunter

Badass Atlanta prog-metal.

Maylene & The Sons of Disaster

Impressive, country-tinged hard-rock, by far the genre's best in recent memory.

**Phonte _ Charity Starts at Home

Gritty, intelligent rap from one of the most underrated rappers ever.

Steven Wilson _ Grace For Drowning

Porcupine Tree leader plays lazy folk on his second solo release.

The Bangles _ Sweetheart of the Sun

80's heroes haven't changed a beat.

Van Hunt _ What Were You Hoping For?

Bizarre experimental soul/rock/R&B from LA.

Warbringer _ Worlds Torn Asunder

LA thrash metal.

Wilco _ The Whole Love

Indie gods play fun, upbeat folk/rock on their latest. See "Dawned On Me," "Born Alone," "Capitol City."

**recommended

___________New Releases 9.20.2011

Ben Rector _ Something Like This

Sappy pop from Nashville singer/songwriter.

Boots Electric _ Honkey Kong

Eagles of Death Metal co-founder and QOTSA member plays hard-rocking electro. Not to be mistaken for The Apathy album of the same name.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah _ Hysterical

BK/Philly indie rockers have seen a steady decrease in the quality of their records since their self-released 2005 debut.

Ed Sheeran _ +

British youngster already has a massive hit off this record across the pond with his playful folk/pop.

Emily O'Halloran _ Morphine & Cupcakes

Raspy voiced singer plays stylish, smokey alt/country.

Gavin Degraw _ Sweeter

We suspect the person who beat him up recently on the Lower East Side may have heard this album. Not that beating people up is okay, but this music is absolutely horrible.

Ivy _ All Hours

Fun, funky pop set from NYC trio on their first record in six years. See "Fascinated," "Suspicious," "World Without You."

Jayhawks _ Mockingbird Time

Minnesota indie stalwarts show off great songwriting on their 8th studio album. See "She Walks In So Many Ways."

Jens Lekman _ An Argument With Myself

Fun Swedish guitar/electropop. May be too adventurous for the American ear.

Katie Herzig _ The Waking Sleep

Adventurous pop on this sophomore effort from critically acclaimed Nashville singer/songwriter.

Leslie West _ Unusual Suspects

Longtime American guitarist shows off fat tone, quick fingers for a big guy.

**Lisa Hannigan _ Passenger

Irish songbird charms with her unique brand of infectious, intimate pop. RIYL Feist.

**Megafaun _ Megafaun

Avant-garde NC rockers spew huge waves of atmospheric indie.

Miguel Migs _ Outside the Skyline

Forward thinking, soul-influenced dance music from CA dj.

Never Shout Never _ Time Travel

Confused post-emo act from Joplin, MI are at their best playing pop.

Opeth _ Heritage

Swedish progressive heavy metal act appeal to a very specific audience.

Pat MethenyRichmond Fontaine _ The High Country

Moody Portland alt/country

Superheavy _ Superheavy

Surprisingly decent superstar group featuring Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, Damian Marley and A.R. Rahman.

Thrice _ Major/Minor

Naturally we love The Illusion of Safety and had high hopes for this that were crushed in the first song and repeatedly defecated on track after lame track.

Tony Bennett _ Duets II

Legendary American crooner shares the stage with some big names.

Tori Amos _ Night of Hunters

The queen of angst is all grown up.

Veronica Falls _ Veronica Falls

Overrated dreary indie via the UK.

Will Dailey & The Rivals _ Will Dailey

Nauseatingly sappy pop from Boston golden boy. If you're tempted to get this, get Ed Sheeran's record instead.

Z-Ro _ Meth

Underrated Houston rapper rhymes about drugs but his melodic flow gives tired material a fresh sound.

**recommended

_________________New Releases 9.13.2011

Alice Cooper _ Welcome 2 My Nightmare

Somehow the father of goth is still going strong. I'm no doctor but maybe it's a steady diet Big Units (two-feet hotdogs named for the gargantuan MLB star) from his AZ eatery.

Anthrax _ Worship Music

Scott Ian and Co honor hard rock on their latest thrashfest.

**Blind Pilot _ We Are the Tide

Portland indie-folksters play earnest but sappy acoustic pop.

Blitzen Trapper _ American Goldwing

Critically adored Portlanders play classic-rock themed indie rock on their third record for Sub Pop.

Bush _ Sea of Memories

Gavin Rossdale and Co haven't changed much since the release of their '94 smash Sixteen Stone.

**Das Racist _ Relax

Silly but smart hipster rap group don't take themselves too seriously. See "Brand New Dance," "Shut Up, Man," "Rainbow in the Dark," "The Trade."

Dream Theatre _ A Dramatic Turn Of Events

Prog legends balance the epic with the intimate.

Girls _ Father, Son, Holy Ghost

San Fran '60's garage act show off great Elliot Smith-style vocals but also a major lack of originality. See "Vomit," "Magic."

Lady Antebellum _ Own The Night

Country's music's biggest, sappiest new band

Ladytron _ Gravity The Seducer

80's influences take over on English electro-poppers latest effort.

Laura Marling _ A Creature I Don't Know

Highly touted English folk singer/songwriter plays subdued, moody folk.

Levin Torn White _ Levin Torn White

Three prog legends join forces on this energetic, experimental set.

**Mates of State _ Mountaintops

Kansas indie pop duo release their most fully imagined effort yet.

Neon Indian _ Era Extrana

Highly anticipated sophomore effort from Denton, TX chillwave act. Good but annoying at times. See "Polish Girl," "Hex Girlfriend," "Era Extrana."

Nick Lowe _ The Old Magic

Legendary English singer-songwriter still has it at age 61.

Pajama Club _ Pajama Club

NZ legend Neil Finn and Co play catchy rock with dashes of electro.

Primus _ Green Naugahyde

Les Claypool and Co return with more of their super-weird, hard-rocking prog funk.

Reckless Kelly _ Good Luck & True Love

Stylish country pop, recommended for fans of the genre.

Saves The Day _ Daybreak

NJ emo legends hope for improved success after their extremely disappointing recent records In Reverie, Sound the Alarm, and Under The Boards.

Spyro Gyra _ A Foreign Affair

One of the best-selling Jazz fusion acts of all time, this band offers a uniquely dazzling blend of Jazz, reggae, and world music.

Staind _ Staind

Former Limp Bizkit protégés release their 7th album of standard mod rock.

St Vincent _ Strange Mercy

Polyphonic Spree/Sufjan Stevens cohort plays awesome, stylish future pop. See "Cruel," "Northern Lights."

The Drums _ Portamento

Overrated BK indie rockers somehow manage to be lighthearted and whiny at the same time.

The Gourds _ Old Mad Joy

American alt/country act hope to translate their live success to a recording with this strong, eccentric set.

The Kooks _ Junk of the Heart

'60's-styled pop from controversial but hyped Engligh quartet.

Todd Rundgren _ [Re]Production

Legendary American producer/singer/songwriter writes awesome songs with ease. See "Leave Me Alone With My Baby."

Trombone Shorty _ For True

This 25-year-old Treme native has been a bandleader since age 6, and it shows on this set of fresh, funky Jazz. See "The Craziest Thing."

Umphrey's Mcgee _ Death By Stereo

Chicago prog-rock/Jam band follow up their 2009 hit Mantis.

Wild Flag _ Wild Flag

Carrie Brownstein hopes to follow up her IFC hit Portlandia with a hit record.

Wooden Shjips _ West

Interesting set from this San Fran experimental/drone rock group.

Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton _ Play The Blues

Living legends unite for authentic blues, also available live from Jazz at Lincoln Center.

**recommended

_______________New Releases 9.6.2011

**Bombay Bicycle Club _ A Different Kind Of Fix

English indie folk/rockers latest is their best yet. See “Shuffle,” “Leave It,” “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep.”

**Gary Clark Jr _ The Bright Lights EP

Awesome blues rock in the vein of the Black Keys; the problem is it’s only 4 tracks.

George Strait _ Here For A Good Time

Country royalty plays tasteful country.

Grace Jones _ Hurricane

Jamaican-American singer/actress/eccentric plays crazy, interesting reggae influenced dance tunes. See “I’m Crying (Mother’s Tears)."

Hank 3 _ Cattle Callin’

Bizarre cow auction meets metal.

Hank 3 _ Ghost To a Ghost/Gutter Town

Rebel country legend plays badass country.

Hank 3 _ Hank 3’s Attention Deficit Disorder

Hank plays fully realized sludge metal.

Jessy J _ Hot Sauce

Mexican-American singer/songwriter saxophonist plays feisty Jazz on this instrumental set.

Lindsey Buckingham _ Seeds We Sow

Fleetwood Mac legend continues to push himself on his 6^th solo effort.

Luke Temple _ Don’t Act Like You Don’t Care

Impressive acoustic pop/folk from MA/NYC artist.

Paul McCartney _ Chaos & Creation In The Backyard

Not a bad effort, for a Beatle.

Samiam _ Trips

Berkeley indie rockers return with their first studio record in over five years.

Saviours _ Death’s Procession

Oakland stoner-metal.

**The Horrible Crowes _ Elsie

Brian Fallon side project benefits from adventurous instrumentation and the Gaslight Anthem frontman’s traditional songwriting. See “Ladykiller.”

The Rapture _ In The Grace Of Your Love

NYC post-punk pioneers are hit and miss on their latest, recording in Paris and Greenpoint, BK.

The Tierney Sutton Band _ American Road

Renowned American Jazz singer shows off versatile vocals and meticulous arrangements on her latest.

Tom Russell _ Mesabi

Prolifc Texas folk fixture keeps the laid back Americana coming.

WU LYF _ Go Tell Fire To The Mountain

Raspy voiced indie rock. RIYL Modest Mouse. See “Cave Song,” “Heavy Pop.”

**recommended

___________________New Releases 8.30.2011

Blood Orange _ Coastal Grooves

Dev Hynes (Lightspeed Champion) mixes twangy guitars with 80’s electronics on this interesting but bizarre project. See “Sutphin Boulevard,” “S’Cooled,” “The Complete Knock.”

**Butch Walker _ Spade

It’s been along time since the Marvelous 3 singer scored a hit with “Freak of the Week” but he’s still going strong. Spade is packed with lighthearted, anthemic pop/rock tunes. See “Summer of ’89,” “Day Drunk,” “Synthesizers.”

Cobra Starship _ Night Shades

Gabe Saporta alienated just about all of his fans from his days as frontman of the legendary NJ punk band Midtown, and with this effort of sleazy dance rock there will definitely be none remaining.

Counting Crows _ August & Everything After: Live From Town Hall

As hard as it is to look at Adam Duritz these days, this was a great record and the performance comes close to doing it justice. See “Omaha,” “Rain King.”

David Guetta _ Nothing But The Beat

French DJ/producer has officially taken over pop music by blending super-poppy production with elements of hip-hop and thumping bassdrum.

Doug Benson _ Potty Mouth

The Super High Me legend’s latest comes with a bonus DVD of his six-episode cult-hit The Doug Benson Interuption.

Edwin McCain _ Mercy Bound

Cringe-inducing soul pop from 90’s hero, singer/songwriter Maia Sharp.

Glasses Malone _ Beach Cruiser

Solid LA gangsta rap.

Great Lake Swimmers _ Bodies and Minds

Soothing indie folk/pop.

Jake Owen _ Barefoot Blue Jean Night

Feel good country pop.

Jill Scott _ Hidden beach Presents: the Original Jill Scott

12 soulful, funky previously unreleased tracks from her days at Hidden Beach. See “The Light,” “Wake Up Baby,” “I’m Prettier.”

Killinger _ Killinger

Horrible 80’s rock.

Lenny Kravitz _ Black & White America

Kravitz tackles race with his typical, classic-rock influenced guitar pop.

Light Asylum _ In Tension

80's centered indie electro.

Lil Wayne _ The Carter IV

The king of rap seems lackluster on his latest effort, gets upstaged by his army of guest stars.

Male Bonding _ Endless Now

Lo-fi English punk/noise rockers second Sub Pop release isn’t bad but is definitely not great. See “What’s That Scene.”

**Mike Doughty _ Yes & Also Yes

Ex-Soul Coughing frontman has kicked the smack, still writes shockingly good pop rock.

Red Hot Chili Peppers _ I’m With You

Cali legends follow up their epic double LP Stadium Arcadium minus Frusciante.

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus _ Am I The Enemy

FLA rockers’ latest effort is a confusing amalgamation of emo, rock, mod-rock, and pop.

Robert Earl Keen _ Ready For Confetti

Longtime TX singer/songwriter sounds great on his 11th-studio album. See “I Gotta Go,” “The Road Goes On And On.”

Ry Cooder _ Pull Up Some Dust & Sit Down

Eclectic American singer/songwriter draws from traditional blues/Americana for a pleasant, sparse, original sound. See “No Banker Left Behind,” “Quick Sand,” “Lord Tell Me Why.”

Sharon Isbin & Friends: Guitar Passions

Modern guitar legend shows off some serious classical chops and explores the music of Latin America.

Tame Impala _ Inner Speaker

Standard psychedelic groove rock via Australia.

Tinariwen _ Tassili

Highly anticipated record from the kings of African rock’n’roll.

Tom Morello the Nightwatchman _ World Wide Rebel Songs

Guitar legend/activist offers his heaviest solo material to date. See “The Dogs of Tijuana, “It Begins Tonight,”

**recommended

____________________New Releases 8.23.2011

**Active Child _ You Are All I See

Full length debut mixes Pat Grossi’s heavenly tenor with stylish electro production. RIYL James Blake.

**Ana Egge _ Bad Blood

Saskatchewan native plays masterful folk on this latest set of Steve Earle produced gems.

Blue Highway _ Sounds of Home

Bright contemporary bluegrass.

Connie Smith _ Long Line of Heartaches

Longtime country singer has been making records for almost 50 years.

CSS _ La Libercion

Sao Paolo hipsters feature Ratatat, play predictably spaced-out upbeat indie jams. See "I Love You"

Dave Stewart _ The Blackbird Diaries

Eurythmics co-founder plays gorgeous country-tinged pop. See “Magic in the Blues,” “All Messed Up.”

Dee Dee Bridgewater _ Midnight Sign

American Jazz vocalist displays timeless vocals and infinite class on her latest.

Deepak Chopra _ The Secret of Love: Meditations for Attracting and Being In Love

Soothing meditations, instrumentation by Adam Plack. Plays like a less trippy version of The Books new-classic The Way Out.

Gabe Dixon _ One Spark
Piano pop in the vein of Ben Folds, but with less humor, more sap.

Ganglians _ Still Living

Sacramento indie/psych act gets some much needed assistance from producer Robby Moncrieff ( Dirty Projectors Bitte Orca) but are still missing something.

Ghost Brigade _ Until Fear No Longer Defines Us

Finnish prog-death metal.

Goldie _ Fabriclive 58

Longtime drum ‘n’ bass master live at London’s Fabric.

Icon For Hire _ Scripted

Female fronted nu-metal.

Jay-Z & Kanye West _ Watch The Throne

Good but obnoxious. Worth a listen for fans of either.

Jen Shyu, Mark Dresser _ Synastry

Innovative Jazz singer, bassist join forces on this envelope pushing set.

Jorn _ Live In Black

“Norse God Of Metal” plays high-quality hair metal and shows off some serious vox.

Moreland & Arbuckle _ Just A Dream

Gritty, haunting blues from Kansas duo. RIYL Black Keys, BRMC.

OuterSpace _ My Brother’s Keeper

Philly duo Crypt the Warchild and Planetary kick out the violent underground jams in typical Jedi Mind Tricks fashion.

Razika _ Program 91

Impressive indie pop/rock from energetic Norwegian teens.

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks _ Mirror Traffic

Pavement legend meets Beck production on his most focused, catchiest solo effort to date.

Stephin Merritt _ Obscurities

Light, experimental indie pop from Magnetic Fields frontman.

Sun Araw _ Ancient Romans

High concept album of experimental electro indie.

Sunny Sweeney _ Concrete

Bubbly pop country with some TX influence (upbeat tempos, booze-soaked lyrics).

The Game _ The R.E.D. Album

Impressive mainstream rap effort, features beats by Dr Dre and verses from Nas and Rick Ross.

The McClymonts _ Wrapped Up Good

Australian sisters brand of country pop is turning heads in Nashville.

the SLoT _ Break The Code

Russian rock stars bring their aggressive brand of alt/metal across the Atlantic.

Trevor Hall _ Everything Everytime Everywhere

Lighthearted reggae-influenced pop from this SC youngster.

**We Are Augustines _ Rise Ye Sunken Ships

Expansive indie rock debut from BK trio is truly an inspired effort.

**Zee Avi _ Ghostbird

Malaysian singer/songwriter has youtube, and her silky voice to thank for her discovery. Recorded in LA for Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records this is a record fans of good music will not want to miss. See “Swell Window,” “The Book of Morris Johnson,” “Concrete Wall.” RIYL Feist.

**recommended