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