Project Jenny Project Jan
“Liars” (Mute)
This time around Liars focus on actual rock songs (instead of barely-controlled noise). They’re still unpredictable as ever, cranking out metal riffs one minute, Beck-ian collage pop the next.
Black Swans
“Change” (La Société Expéditionnaire)
Leonard Cohen is the closest comparison for Jerry DiCiccia’s otherwise incomparable voice—It’s a moan as much as a song sung, shot through with Noel Sayre’s soaring violin lines. This lovely, minimalist album is not to be missed.
Chamillionaire
“Ultimate Victory” (Motown)
Even Tipper Gore can appreciate Chamillionaire’s advisory-free sophomore album, which features plenty of slip-sliding rhymes, reflections on the state of celebrity, and appearances by notables like Bun B, Devin the Dude and Slick Rick.
Lewis & Clarke
“Blasts of Holy Birth” (La Société Expéditionnaire)
Listen to this if you want to feel like you’re surrounded by trees, even (or especially) in the midst of Manhattan. Lou Rogai has a gift for atmosphere, and here he’s created humble narratives that are both honest and uplifting.
LCD Soundsystem
“Sound of Silver” (DFA)
All those raves are well-deserved. James Murphy proves he’s honed the craft of songwriting; we already knew he’d honed the craft of making dance music.
Mary Gauthier
“Between Daylight and Dark” (Lost Highway)
Singer-songwriters are a dime a dozen, but few pack the brutal punch of New Orleanian Mary Gauthier. This unflinching collection of tales about transients, prison, and her devastated hometown is her finest yet.
Blonde Redhead
“23” (4ad)
Nine Inch Nails enabler Alan Moulder may be responsible for the over-production, but this is still a stellar Blonde Redhead album: hypnotic layers of minor chords and electronic effects topped with Kazu Makino’s impossibly cool voice.
Project Jenny Project Jan
“Xoxoxoxoxo”(Might)
Too bad this came out mid-August; it’s a prime summer jam. Pick up a copy for next year so you can fire up the bbq, mix up some drinks and make all your friends get sweaty.
Low
“Drums and Guns” (Sub Pop)
Low is still wrestling with big monsters of faith, doubt and mortality, and they’re still taking them personally. This record is packed with loops and drum machines, which takes some getting used to, but the urgency’s the same.
The Shamblers
“First Album” (Colonial Recordings)
DIY’s not dead. Nor is it living along the L. The (beat) happening-est band in New York City is fomenting lo-fi revolution down in Bay Ridge, so hop the R and don’t tell a soul. It can be our secret.
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