Crate Diggers

Stereolab continues exploring how pop music can be applied to question patterns, structures, and politics. Their mix of steady krautrock rhythms, soft melodic lines, and French pop influences is still present, but the songs feel more stripped down and intentional. Collaborators Cooper Crain and Ben LaMar Gay add new textures—modular synths, woodwinds, and ambient layers—that push the album into more...

Earcandy is an apt name for an album that delivers pure pop sugar—but it’s not all empty calories. The songwriting throughout the record is superb. Hong Kong-born, British-Japanese artist Miso Extra deftly switches between English and Japanese over a sound heavily influenced by UK garage and R&B. It’s a fun and luscious record, perfect for getting through the traffic doldrums...

Smerz’s Big City feels like wandering through a city where relationships shift like streets and shadows. It reflects the struggle between closeness and distance, certainty and doubt. With subtle field sounds and whispered vocals, the album carries a quiet sensuality and tension—capturing the ache of feeling alone even when surrounded by people. Big city life by Smerz

The secretive Soul R&B collective releases another stellar record. Tasteful as ever, Sault proves once again how prolific and fluent they are at the genre. Perhaps another nod from the Mercury Prize jurors for 10. 10 by SAULT

Daughter of Swords’ Alex moves away from the quiet folk of Dawnbreaker, embracing bright synths and upbeat indie pop. Co-produced with Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath, it explores identity and change with warmth and clarity. It's an album worth listening to from beginning to end. Alex by Daughter of Swords

A great debut album from one of the founders of Underground System, "Lobby Call", the first track on Hotel PM, is great start, evoking early 90s San Francisco rave vibes with hints of house, disco and rare groove beats. Peter Matson, hits the spot on this first outing, collabs from friends and other luminaries in the genre. Releases under the...

Dan Bejar, like many of his contemporaries, appears to be waxing philosophical as he reflects on life and the impending mortality that we, as members of Generation X, face.. In Dan's Boogie, he ruminates on themes of aging, self-reflection, and personal growth. The nine-track record includes standouts like "Bologna" and "Cataract Time." Simone Schmidt’s vocals bring a distinctive energy to...

Perfume Genius's Glory has been widely acclaimed for its emotional depth and bold lyricism. With a 91/100 Metacritic score, it explores time and legacy through intricate arrangements and contributions from Alan Wyffels, Blake Mills, and Aldous Harding, solidifying its place as one of his most celebrated works.

Neil Young has always been dedicated to preserving music in its original form. With Oceanside Countryside, he shares a project recorded back in 1977 that has stayed unreleased for decades. One side features gentle folk tunes, while the other leans into country music. This album is a great way for longtime fans to reconnect with Young’s early work after his...

Yo La Tengo’s soundtrack for Old Joy comes from a session where the band recorded their music as they played, fitting the film’s calm mood perfectly. It features Smokey Hormel’s careful guitar work, adds warmth to its simple and subtle sound. Songs like “Leaving Home” and “End Credits” invite quiet reflection, taking you on an honest musical journey. This set...

Respite ∞ Levity for the Nameless Ghost in Crisis by Colin Self spins 12 haunting tracks in Latin and Polari, blending electronic, experimental sounds. Drawing on themes from his opera “Tip the Ivy,” the album explores hidden struggles and queer history. The lead single, “Respite for the Tulpamancer,” guides listeners through a labyrinth of resilience, whispering tales of marginalized identity....

Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) shaped experimental pop through solo projects and Animal Collective. His work, from Person Pitch to the darker Sinister Grift, blends psych-pop, rock, and electronic textures. Created in his Lisbon studio with Josh Dibb, Cindy Lee, and Rivka Ravede, Sinister Grift challenges expectations while staying true to his creative roots.

Glutton for Punishment channels Jojo Orme’s raw emotion and turbulent experiences, from foster care to her fierce DIY ethic. Produced by Dan Carey, the album blends gothic and post-punk influences to create a dark, cinematic debut. Exploring themes of punishment, war, and personal struggle, this outstanding release firmly establishes Heartworms as a major force in music—and the best debut album...

Sly Lives! (Aka The Burden of Black Genius) celebrates Sly Stone’s music with remastered classics and unreleased tracks. Mixing funk, soul, rock, and psychedelia, it showcases his creativity and influence on artists like Prince. Despite personal challenges, Stone’s work broke barriers. Curated by Questlove, this album honors his artistry and keeps his music alive.    

The Moses Yoofee Trio's debut album, MYT, combines jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and soul, showcasing Berlin's vibrant jazz scene. Moses Yoofee plays piano, with Noah Fürbringer on drums and Roman Klobe-Barangă on bass. Recorded at Glaswald and Funkhaus studios, the 13-track album features collaborations like ENNY. This is great head-nodding music. MYT by Moses Yoofee Trio

Showbiz! by rapper Mike, also known as DJ Blackpower, features collaborations with Venna, 454, duendita, and Surf Gang. Combining spiritual sounds with introspective lyrics, the album reflects resilience and self-discovery. With soulful beats and thoughtful themes, it shows Mike’s evolution as an artist and his connection to his audience. Showbiz! by MIKE

Vol. II (Splendour & Obedience) draws on electronic styles, enriched with Detroit techno and Chicago house influences that make it feel personal to me. These sounds connect deeply with my love for the Midwest and its musical heritage. Contributions from Lias Saoudi and Fats McCourt add depth, creating a bold and captivating album that's both creative and meaningful . Decius...

The 2025 mono mix remaster of Mulligan Meets Monk revitalizes this celebrated 1957 classic. Not much needs to be said about such a beloved recording, where Gerry Mulligan’s baritone sax and Thelonious Monk’s angular piano interplay harmoniously. Enhanced clarity and warmth offer fans and new listeners a more intimate listening experience.    

Perfect Right Now: A Slumberland Collection 2008-2010 reflects The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s early years, featuring B-sides and rare tracks from 2008-2010. Combining C86 and Slumberland influences with an American edge, this compilation showcases the band's creativity and distinct sound during a key period that shaped their musical identity.     Perfect Right Now: A Slumberland Collection 2008-2010...

Penny and Sparrow's Lefty features Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke's emotional songs and rich sound. Themes of love, loss, and introspection are paired with influences like Simon & Garfunkel and Bon Iver. Produced by Dan Carey, with contributions from Annika Bennett and Tobe Nwigwe, the album stands out for its honesty and creative arrangements, although some may find that the...

Benjamin Booker's third album, Lower, shows his growth as an artist. Moving away from his earlier blues and garage rock style, it blends shoegaze, lo-fi hip-hop, and trip-hop. Produced by Kenny Segal, the album features textured beats and atmospheric sounds. Lower takes a bold step into experimental music while staying true to Booker's voice.    

FKA Twigs' Eusexua reaffirms her status as one of the most prolific artists of her generation. The album celebrates rave culture and delves into themes of euphoria and human connection. Collaborations with Koreless and Marius de Vries enrich its production. Twigs consistently pushes her creative boundaries, showcasing her growth and versatility.    

Universe Room shows Guided by Voices' refined style. The album retains their unpredictable energy but introduces clearer production, blending polished sounds with lo-fi roots from earlier works like Bee Thousand.This evolution is subtle, not drastic. The lineup's approach adds control and insight while keeping their charm. New listeners may find this balance a great entry point into their discography.  ...