Ebo Taylor: Love & Death (Strut)

Ebo Taylor: Love & Death (Strut) - Thanks to his inclusion on several Soundway and Analog Africa compilations, Ghana highlife legend Ebo Taylor is finally reaching a wider audience. Known for fusing Ghanaian Highlife with Afrobeat and jazz, the now 74-year-old master presents a new album. Supported by Berlin based collective Afrobeat Academy (featuring members of Poets Of Rhythm, Kabu Kabu and Ghanaian legends Marijata) the tracks crackle with energy and authenticity. The propulsive rhythmic grooves open for incendiary rotating solos. His re-worked classic "Victory" is totally smoking. Nearly Highly Recommended. Start on 1 2 3 4 6

Highlife: Best Bless [ep] (The Social Registry)

Highlife: Best Bless [ep] (The Social Registry) - Conceived in the small island of Gaspar Grande off the coast of Trinidad, Best Bless is an EP of tropical psych-pop by Highlife. Masterminds Sleepy Doug Shaw and Mira Billotte of White Magic (Drag City) named this project Highlife for its feeling of rejoicing, high consciousness and, of course, the guitar styles influenced by African 'Highlife' music. Let the layered guitars, breezy keys, Caribbean percussion and sing-along vocals carry you away. Recommended. Play 2 3 4

Various Artists: Fania Essential Recordings: Salsa Explosion: The New York Salsa Revolution 1969-1979 (Strut)

Various Artists: Fania Essential Recordings: Salsa Explosion: The New York Salsa Revolution 1969-1979 (Strut) - Without a doubt, NYC's Fania Records and its artists produced some of the best Salsa music ever recorded. The genera's formative heavy hitters are well represented on this 65+ minute collection guaranteed to get you dancing. This is the inaugural release in Strut's mining of Fania's rich catalog. Nearly Highly Recommended.
Start on 1 2 3 4 6 9 10 13 14

Bruce Haack: Farad- The Electric Voice (Stones Throw)

Bruce Haack: Farad- The Electric Voice (Stones Throw) - A collection of vocoder-based electronic recordings from late music pioneer Bruce Haack (1931-1988). Beginning his career in commercial and children's music, this set starts off with his rock-influenced conceptual album "Electric Lucifer", where earth was caught in the middle of a war between heaven and hell. Farad, the name he gave his self-made vocoder, was a forerunner. Coupled with Moog and homemade synthesizers, he advanced electronic music with his psychedelic, futuristic sound. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 6 10 14

Swans: My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky (Young God)

Swans: My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky (Young God) - Michael Gira re-conviens his ensemble Swans for another chapter of American underground rock. Shadowed spiritual music that invites you in with chiming bells, and before you realize what's happening, you are asunder in fire and brimstone. Driving rhythms pull you through, as various sonic layers fly past at a dizzying pace. Set yourself free. Recommended. Play 1 2 5 (FCC 3)

Blonde Redhead: Penny Sparkle (4AD)

Blonde Redhead: Penny Sparkle (4AD) – Upon seeing the cover of Penny Sparkle, it seemed odd that Blonde Redhead chose to apply their name like a banana sticker. As I pealed back the cover, with the highest of expectations, I found something unwelcomely soft. Fifteen years into the journey, they seem to have settled into a gentle gallop. The guitars were largely left at the stable, as the bouncing mane glistens in a reverb, dub kissed fog. Kazu Makino's lovely vocals are lush, understated and ethereal, as she seems to be in control of "Penny Sparkle", the album's namesake horse. Though well worth getting to know, I'd buy a copy of "Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons" or "23" instead. Nearly Recommended. 1 2 3 4 6 9

Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca (Expanded Edition- Disc 2) (Domino)

Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca (Expanded Edition- Disc 2) (Domino) - In March of 2009 Dirty Projectors released "Bitte Orca" to much deserved acclaim. Eighteen months later, Domino decides to expand the offering with a second slab of goodness. Lo-fi experimental-ism at it's best, with fractal guitar, lovely harmonies, looped electronics and Afro-centric touches. Centered on a June 2009 live acoustic set from New York's Other Music, and extended with previously exclusive 7" and 12" gems, the material moves from sparse to tricked out. While I doubt I'd but it again, I'd strongly recommend those who missed it on the first round grab it now. Recommended. Play 2 4 6 7 9 10 12-Dylan Cover

Ólöf Arnalds: Innundir Skinni (One Little Indian)

Ólöf Arnalds: Innundir Skinni (One Little Indian) – Though best known for her work with Múm, "Innundir Skinni" is the sophomore release from Icelandic singer/ multi-instrumentalist Ólöf Arnalds. Images of windswept wilderness develop from the mostly sparse guitar based arrangements with some strings, harp, balafon and piano support. Her lovely, ethereal vocals warm your soul with both Icelandic and English lyrics. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 8-w/ Björk

Black Mountain: Wilderness Heart (Jagjaguwar)

Black Mountain: Wilderness Heart (Jagjaguwar) – The 3rd album from Vancouver space rockers Black Mountain distills the tracks into more focused statements. Amber Webber's roll is now balanced with fellow guitarist/vocalist Stephen McBean. Whether alternating or in harmony, their vocals shine amid moods of 70s rock. "Wilderness Heart" is a fresh and powerful blend of electric heaviness, acoustic fragility. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 6 8 10

of Montreal: False Priest (Polyvinyl)

of Montreal: False Priest (Polyvinyl) - of Montreal’s mastermind Kevin Barnes teams up with Grammy-nominated producer Jon Brion (Kanye West, Fiona Apple) for an ecstatic glam meets sultry R&B romp. Playful high falsettos play off guest appearances from Janelle Monáe and Beyoncé’s sister Solange Knowles, as funky rhythms keep you grooving. Electro and organic instrumentation run you faster in physical matters. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 7 8 12

Mice Parade: What It Means To Be Left-Handed (FatCat)

Mice Parade: What It Means To Be Left-Handed (FatCat) - Rearrange the letters of Mice Parade and you have Adam Pierce. Along with his cohorts, he skips around the world, refracting highlife, flamenco, Brazilian jazz, noise-pop and more in a gloriously elaborate array of sound. Guest vocalist Caroline Lufkin (aka Caroline), drummer Doug Scharin (Rex, Codeine, HiM) and classical guitarist Dan Lippel further the mélange of intricate percussion, layered guitars, keys, effects and voices. Warm, inviting and Nearly Highly Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 7 11 12

Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg: Je T'aime... Moi, Non Plus (Light In The Attic)

Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg: Je T'aime... Moi, Non Plus (Light In The Attic) - Sensual '69 reissue from Gallic pop star Serge Gainsbourg and British actress/vocalist Jane Birkin. Gainsbourg’s erotic lyrics and Jane’s passionate purrs on "Je T'aime... Moi, Non Plus" got it banned by the BBC, and the Vatican condemned it's immoral nature. Nevertheless, it sold around a million copies just a few months. Explore the baroque pop and cabaret sensibilities realized in sultry session of pumping organ, swooning strings, caressing guitar, throbbing bass and playful percussion. Jane's breathy vocals and Serge's cool croon electrifies the affair. Explore a musical testament to 1969 playful burlesque and deep erotica. Highly Recommended. [Grab the 180-gram wax and 7" bonus while its hot] Play 1 2 3 6 7 9 12

Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble: Blueprints (Chicago Sessions)

Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble: Blueprints (Chicago Sessions) – Trumpeter Victor Garcia and pianist Darwin Norguera lead this smoking Latin-Jazz ensemble that features guests Steve Turre and Neal Alger. Nice solos glide atop the infectious rhythms. The dynamic arrangements allow the musicians pack loads of emotion into the pieces. Blueprints is their debut. Recommended. Play 1 2 5 6

Tera Melos: Patagonian Rats (Sargent House)

Tera Melos: Patagonian Rats (Sargent House) - California trio Tera Melos craft experimental, noisy math rock with a freak-pop element. Discernible vocals, saxophone and effects are layered into the complex guitar and rhythmic structures. The lengthy journeys offer rewarding sonic surprises. Recommended. Play 5 6 7 9 (FCC 3 4 8 11)

Fitz and the Tantrums: Picking' Up The Pieces (Danderbird)

Fitz and the Tantrums: Picking' Up The Pieces (Danderbird) - Full length debut from California neo-soul six piece delivers a great balance of soul, gritty funk and blues. Fitz and singer Noelle Scaggs' playful interaction is great. The arrangements are tight, with spry horns, vintage organ, throbbing bass and Motown style drums forming sweet dance groove. Recommended. Play 1 2 4 5 7 (FCC 9)

Azure Ray: Drawing Down the Moon (Saddle Creek)

Azure Ray: Drawing Down the Moon (Saddle Creek) – After an extended absence, fem dream pop duo Azure Ray's next chapter is Drawing Down the Moon. Their lovely harmonies connect acoustic guitar, electronic embellishments and some chamber elements. The delicate, melancholy songs are remarkably cathartic. Nearly Recommended. Play 2 4 5 8 9 10

Dungen: Skit I Allt (Mexican Summer)

Dungen: Skit I Allt (Mexican Summer) - Apparently "Skit I Allt" is Svenska for "Fuck All." Lost is the translation was the connotation of party till dawn. Swedish quartet Dungen illuminate a swirl of effervescent psychedelia that ebbs from progressive rock to folk, pop and breezy jazz. They mesh flute, organ and strings with rock elements for a sound that's both nostalgic and fresh. Recommended. Play 2 3 5 7 8

Antony and the Johnsons - Thank You For Your Love [EP] (Secretly Canadian)

Antony and the Johnsons - Thank You For Your Love [EP] (Secretly Canadian) - Building toward their 4th LP, Swanlights (due October 12, 2010), this EP contains album track "Thank You For Your Love" plus 4 non-album tracks. His originals are paired with two covers. "Pressing On" (Track 4) is a Bob Dylan cover, featuring Stefon Harris on vibes and "Imagine" (Track 5) is the John Lennon classic, featuring avant-garde tape maestro William Basinski. As usual, Antony Hegarty's vocals are dramatic and stunning. "Thank You" features great NYC modern creative horn players Paul Shapiro, Briggan Krauss, Steven Bernstein and Douglas Wieselman. Sophisticated avant-pop not to be overlooked. Recommended. 1 3 or covers 4 5

Prince Rama: Shadow Temple (Paw Tracks)

Prince Rama: Shadow Temple (Paw Tracks) - Spawned in a Hare Krishna-centric Florida community, Brooklyn-based psychedelic rock trio Prince Rama (FKA Prince Rama of Ayodhya) are Michael Collins and sisters Taraka and Nimai Larson. Shadow Temple was recorded in a warehouse, which seems fitting for their urban, tribal, transcendental music. Ethereal chants, Indian drums, swirling keys, guitar and found percussion take you there. Recommended. Play 1 2 5 6