David Karsten Daniels and Fight the Big Bull: I Mean to Live Here Still (FatCat)

David Karsten Daniels and Fight the Big Bull: I Mean to Live Here Still (FatCat) – Richmond's own nonet Fight the Big Bull join San Francisco based folky troubadour David Karsten Daniels for a modernistic take on the poems of Henry David Thoreau. The poetic marriage of traditional hymnals and country with adventurous jazz arrangements of clarinet, saxophones, trumpet, trombones, bass and percussion yields a multi-dimensional album that’s rewardingly harmonious and complex. RIYL: Clogs Recommended.

Maps and Atlases: Perch Patchwork (Barsuk)

Maps and Atlases: Perch Patchwork (Barsuk) - The debut LP from Chicago 4-piece Maps and Atlases takes art rock into a fascinating, yet accessible sound all their own. It’s a manifestation of the dynamics of relationships, as darkness and light are lyrically and musically layered with complexity and color. RIYL: Born Ruffians, Vampire Weekend, Menomena, Dirty Projectors Recommended.

Baths: Cerulean (Anticon)

Baths: Cerulean (Anticon) - The debut from Los Angeles producer Will Wiesenfeld (aka Baths) blends warm synths, warped samples, layered instruments and hazy distortion with gingerly bouncing beats. Recommended.

Dan Sartain: Lives (One Little Indian)

Dan Sartain: Lives (One Little Indian) - Dan Sartain is a lo-fi rockabilly troubadour from Birmingham, Alabama. The grit of retro-garage rock swings with foot stomping beats and his aching voice that’s tapped into southern sensibilities. Nearly Recommended.

Dave Sharp's Secret Seven: 7 (Vortex)

Dave Sharp's Secret Seven: 7 (Vortex) - Ann Arbor, Michigan based bassist Dave Sharp (Sphere of Influence) presents a diverse stylistic palette of modern jazz which taps into African, Latin, New Orleans and Asian influences. Saxophonist Chris Kaercher delivers several sweet solos. The set really cooks. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 6

Tobacco: Maniac Meat (Anticon)

Tobacco: Maniac Meat (Anticon) - The sophomore solo LP from Tobacco, leader of Black Moth Super Rainbow, is a beefy stew of electro, noisy-rock, and hip-hop. The gently boiling rhythms, squelchy synths, oscillating melodies and processed vocals are both challenging and tasty. Nearly Recommended

Various Artists: Bustin' Out 1982 (Year Zero)

Various Artists: Bustin' Out 1982 (Year Zero) – Mike Maguire (of trance group Juno Reactor) presents the 2nd installment in his map of formative 80s industrial and electronica tracks. While the 80s were full of flamboyant color, this set is for those who wore all black and relished the underground dance club scene. Nearly Recommended.