Deerhunter: Monomania (4AD)

Deerhunter: Monomania (4AD) - Monomania finds Deerhunter embracing a willfully raw sound and scrappy punk aesthetic that celebrates a tough/vulnerable duality.  A nocturnal garage rock album full of the layered and hazy vintage guitar sounds. Recommended.Play  3  5  6  8  9  10

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