Recommended Reading: 'Meet Me in the Bathroom'

The greatest book about music and New York City is the classic Please Kill Me which is the oral history of the birth of punk in the 1970s. Last year, a spiritual sequel of sorts was released by author Lizzy Goodman who documented the New York City garage and indie scene of the turn of this century with the brilliant and instant classic Meet Me in the Bathroom. 

Meet Me in the Bathroom is the oral history of those who lived in New York pre and post-9/11 and how the city was shaped by the artistic boom coming from the Lower East Side and eventually spilled over to Brooklyn. With first person accounts from The Strokes, Ryan Adams, LCD Soundsystem, Interpol, TV on the Radio, The National, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the artists discuss their origins and how things progressed for them to get to the status they are currently at. Goodman takes us on a tour of the city in the way she formulates the interviews to flow like a narrative and timeline of places and events which transpired over the years. Meet Me in the Bathroom is not just a love letter to New York City, it is a love letter to rock and roll and how in every generation the cycle will not destruct and for better or worse keeps pushing. This is for any music fan.

The Hold Steady Release 2 Singles For Charity

The Hold Steady released two brand new songs Monday -- “Entitlement Crew” and ” Snake In The Shower.” These are the first tracks with pianist Franz Nicolay in almost a decade and the proceeds for the songs will go to charity.

Read Our 2009 Interview with Franz Nicolay

"These will be available for the fans here on Bandcamp for this week, and next week we will make them available via the major digital music providers. If you choose to download these two songs, a donation will be made to benefit the K+L Guardian Foundation. ALL monies received from downloads will be transferred to the K+L Guardian Foundation. The K+L Guardian Foundation was formed to benefit “Jersey” Mike Van Jura’s children after he suddenly passed away in November 2012 at only 36 years of age. Jersey Mike was the unofficial leader of The Unified Scene," they said in a statement.

Craig Finn on 'Seth Meyers'

Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn performed "Preludes" from his new album, We All Want the Same Things, on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Take a look!

Listen to Our Essential Hold Steady Playlist on Spotify! 

QUICK SPINS

Depeche Mode – Spirit

Over 30 years and 14 albums together, Depeche Mode are still going strong with their brooding dark synths, themes, and message. Their new album, Spirit, takes all of the musical elements they have been working on since 2005’s Playing the Angel and gives it a political twist. Exposing the themes of Brexit, the Trump campaign, and the instability of the EU, Depeche Mode tells their fanbase how to rise up should they need a lesson. When not singing about the social issues of the world, the band of course look inward with introspective tunes about their lives and well-being.  While it is not too adventurous in sonic cannon it makes up for itself in the motifs they are playing on.

FINAL GRADE: A

Spoon – Hot Thoughts

In what could be one of their best albums, Spoon return with their ninth album and exceed all expectations. Hot Thoughts is one of their most musically provoking and catchy albums. The Austin band has seemed to shed a skin where they do not hold back.

FINAL GRAE: A

Conor Oberst – Salutations

The electric version of last year’s quiet Ruminations is the same record but totally different. The passion, feeling and lyrics are all equal to last year’s album but the music is Oberst showing off that his is much more than an acoustic folk hero.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Sleaford Mods – English Tapas

The diabolical duo come out swinging on their latest and like Slaves did last year with Take Control, Sleaford Mods pick up the anger and intensity with English Tapas.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Raekwon – The Wild

Part super hero storyline, part typical Raekwon record. The Chef returns with his latest solo venture that hears him sharpening his storytelling skills like his Wu-Tang brothers Ghostface Killah and Inspectah Deck have done and bringing a fury only he can.

FINAL GRADE: B

Wire – Silver / Lead

The post-punk legends return with their 16^th studio album and while many would expect it to be a typical Wire record, they change their pace. The band outwit their critics and longtime fans to bring a modern twist to their sound and style but keep the blueprint of what they have done in the forefront.

FINAL GRADE: B+

British Sea Power – Let the Dancers Inherit the Party

In one of their most complete records and best in over a decade, British Sea Power proves they can still write catchy tunes. The band have been in a free fall musical state since 2008 trying to stay with the times but with their latest, they seem to not attempt to keep up with the pack but stick to the music that made them a popular naughties band.

FINAL GRADE: B

Grandaddy – Last Place

In their first album in 11 years, Grandaddy return with nothing too crazy but a nice reintroduction to fans and audiences who may have forgotten about them along the way.

FINAL GRADE: B

The Shins – Heart Worms

The Shines made a new record that sounds like a Shins record. It is not bad, just another Shins record.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Circa Waves – Different Creatures

The second album from the English rockers picks up where they acclaimed debut left off and gives fans a few more tunes to add to the arsenal.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Laura Marling – Sempre Femina

What could be one of the most ultimate girl power records of the year comes from Laura Marling. The British singer-songwriter’s sixth record is her most political, socially aware and evocative to date.

FINAL GRADE: B-

The Jesus and Mary Chain – Damage and Joy

For their first record in 19 years, the Scottish indie heroes return with a record of basic beats, their infamous rhythms, and lyrics about modern pop culture. It sort of sounds like a Jesus and Mary Chain but doesn’t feel like one. After 19 years, one would expect more from the icons.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Alexis Taylor - Listen With(out) Piano

The new album from the Hot Chip frontman is a reworking of last year’s somber and quiet, Piano. Now, the record has a little more flair and can be played with Piano or separately. It is as if he is adding stereo to his mono record.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Brian Jonestown Massacre – Don’t Get Lost

The 14^th album from the noise-pop vets is a continuation of the sound that has made them indie darlings for over 20 years.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Craig Finn – We All Want the Same Things

The Hold Steady frontman goes solo for the third time and brings with him his master storytelling. The record, unlike his previous, is much more quiet and somber but still leaves the listener in awe of his lyrics.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Goldfrapp – Silver Eye

The electronic songstress returns with her latest offering of dance ready hits that strike the heart as well as the feet.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Dave Hause – Bury Me in Philly

The punk singer-songwriter returns with his third solo record and delivers an album chock full of personal stories, tragedy, triumph and the never-say-die spirit that has made him an East Coast icon for decades.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Live Review: Bash & Pop at Mercury Lounge

Following a 20-plus-year hiatus, Tommy Stinson resurrected his post-Replacements band, Bash & Pop late last year. The band will release their sophomore album, Anything Could Happen, Friday and to support the records release, they hit the road and landed inside the intimate Mercury Lounge in Manhattan's Lower East Side.

The sold-out gig was the first time the band has played New York City since 1992 and for fans inside, it was a trip down memory lane as Stinson played songs from nearly all of his solo work which highlighted how the Minneapolis musician knows how to compose a great pop-rock tune.

The five-piece band, which also features The Hold Steady's Steve Selvidge on guitar, hit the stage in shiny red suits and black dress shirts that made them resemble a doo-wop group of the 1950s rather than a garage band but it added to the excitement of the show and a way to mark the special occasion.

Opening with "Not This Time" and "Fast and Hard," Stinson then went right into The Stones' "Rip This Joint," and the fans were eating it up -- in fact too much. The crowd, which was packed in like sardines in a can, averaged about mid-to-late 50s and some probably haven't been to a gig since The Replacements reunion a few years ago. With elderly men shouting and heckling Stinson, he took it in stride, smiled and kept playing, but things got awkward when the middle aged crowd started moshing halfway through the concert, which lead the former Guns N Roses guitarist to say, "Hey, keep it down. We are a little too old for that!"

In the near 90-minute set, the band seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were a few technical glitches but they took it on the chin and still delivered a fun rock and roll set. As fans got a chance to see their rock God in an intimate room, the early Wednesday night gig was certainly too good to pass up.

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Quick News

In March, Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn will release his third solo album, We All Want the Same Things. Take a look at the cover, above.

In a magazine clip posted to their Facebook page, Andy Bell spoke about Ride's upcoming album which will be due in the summer. He said the record will sound: "At times, it's quite trash and poppy and other times it's quite ambient psychedelic. It's equal parts Motörhead and William Basinski. Aggressive ambience!" He added that the band linked up earlier this year following their 2015 reunion gigs to see if they could work together on music again for the first time in 20 years. He said: "We made it out in the country. We recorded it in 17 days, in a studio called The Vale. We went to hang out there when we announced the reunion, in 2014 We hadn't picked up instruments together for 20 years so our way of celebrating the fact that we were going to get back together was to go down to this studio miles from anywhere, plug in and see if it works."

Beck's new album, which was supposed to arrive this summer then was pushed to November and never arrived will come out in 2017. In an interview with KROQ he said "we just finished it" and it is "forthcoming... very soon."

Yoko Ono has been cast in Wes Anderson's forthcoming animated film  Isle of Dogs, which is slated to arrive next year.

Royal Blood posted on Twitter that fans should be on the lookout for something from the British duo next year, everyone hopes it is a new record. 

2017. pic.twitter.com/yd102MLUmC

— Royal Blood (@royalblooduk) December 21, 2016

20 Best Gigs of 2016

via GIPHY

As 2016 winds down, we look back at the year in live performances and the best we attended in the last 12 months. 

From large stadiums to indoor arenas to the intimate venues were the future of music flexed serious muscle -- here are our picks for the 20 best gigs of 2016.

1. Tuelo & Her Cousins at Rockwood Music Hall

2. Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band at Barclays Center

3. The Cure at Madison Square Garden

4. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at Beacon Theater

5. The Hold Steady at Brooklyn Bowl

6. Black Sabbath at Madison Square Garden

7. Greg Dulli at Roulette

8. Kamasi Washington at Central Park Summer Stage

9. Lady Lesherr at Gramercy Theater

10. Pig Destroyer at Music Hall of Williamsburg

11. Savages at Irving Plaza

12. Iron Maiden at Madison Square Garden

13. Eagles of Death Metal at Warsaw

14. The Stone Roses at Madison Square Garden

15. Guns N Roses at Metlife Stadium

16. Wolves in the Throne Room at The Marlin Room of Webster Hall

17. AC/DC with Axl Rose at Madison Square Garden

18. The Lemon Twigs at Rock and Roll Hotel

19. Bear Vs. Shark at Bowery Ballroom

20. Temple of the Dog at Madison Square Garden

The Hold Steady on 'Meyers'

Following their four-night sold-out run at Brooklyn Bowl, The Hold Steady performed "Most People Are DJs" on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Take a look!

Live Review: The Hold Steady at Brooklyn Bowl

A decade ago, Brooklyn's The Hold Steady released their third album, Boys and Girls in America. The record was a critical success and it ushered the band into a whole new realm of fans, including the creator of this website. The record single handily changed the band's life and they went from struggling musicians to a rock band that has been able to find success in an era when artists within that genre struggle. Since the release of Boys and Girls, they released three other records, lost members, gained members but stayed true to who they are and to their fans.

Listen To Our Essential Hold Steady Playlist on Spotify

On Wednesday night, they celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the album in the first of four sold-out nights at the 500-person Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg not far from where they all live in Greenpoint.

Stuck Between Stations! #THSBB

A photo posted by The Hold Steady (@theholdsteady) on Nov 30, 2016 at 7:07pm PST

The band hit the stage just after 10, maybe symbolically, maybe pure coincidence and began a positive rage as fans rushed to the stage as the massive night began. As the six members walked on stage, fans saw Franz Nicolay for the first time since he left the group in 2008 and gave him thunderous applause as he took his keys. As he uncorked his wine and the band got to their positions they opened with "Stuck Between Stations" and played Boys and Girls from start to finish in perfect display.

At points they were joined by Jessica Louise Dye of High Wasted and  Patrick Stickles of Titus Andronicus, who were the surprise opener of the night, as the killer party continued through the night.

The reason for celebration wasn't just that the record thrust the band into the limelight it was also a raw rock record and might be the last real rock record to come in the last 10 years. While subgenres of good old fashion rock and roll have come about thanks to Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, they stayed true to the bar band ethos they wanted from day one.

Boys and Girls in America is also a record about leaving the shithole town you grew up with and returning to see that you have changed but everyone else has stayed the same. It is about nostalgia. It is about growing up. It is about finding yourself and losing yourself at the same time. It is also the reason why fans inside the venue ranged from 25 to 55 years old.

Me and my friends are like... #THSBB

A photo posted by The Hold Steady (@theholdsteady) on Nov 30, 2016 at 7:51pm PST

Following the performance of Boys and Girls in America, the band went into a hits set that featured "Constructing Summer," "Your Little Hoodrat Friend," "Certain Songs," "Yeah Sapphire" and "How a Resurrection Really Feels."

As fans threw glitter on one another and singer Craig Finn smiled from ear to ear screaming "There is so much joy in what we do," he, like the people in the room, is a clear fan of his own work. After all, certain songs they get scratched into your soul.

A Decade Under the Influence: 10 Albums For 10 Years

It is hard to imagine we have been doing this for 10 years. This website, blog, whatever you call it started in November 2006 when I was still living in my parents basement. I had graduated from college in May and still looking for work. I was a college radio DJ and many people kept asking me for new music, I figured a blog would be the best way to lay it all out.

In the decade we have been around, we may not have changed the landscape of anything but I am super proud of what we have accomplished. Having interviewed new artists from around the world and heroes like Mike D. of Beastie Boys, Dave Grohl, the Gallagher brothers, Bad Brains, Henry Rollins, Ian MacKaye, among others, this has been a music nerds dream.

Within this decade, so many wonderful records have come out that shaped the course of music forever. Some of those records just shaped our souls. Here is a look back what I feel are the 10 best records to arrive since we started in November 2006.

10.  The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (2006)

The sophomore record from these Jersey punks struck a chord with us thanks to their heartfelt lyrics, throwback to arena rock sound that made them feel larger than life. A decade later, the record still resonates with its themes of growing up, leaving things behind and starting anew.

9. Amy Winhouse - Back to Black (2006)

Without Amy there would be no Adele. Without Amy the music world would be a lot less funky. It was as if the Ronnettes were fronted by a woman who was able to sing and speak her mind and not be told what to do. It was a record of love, loss and liberation and 10 years later, we still go back to black.

8. Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014)

When Laura Jane Grace announced she was transitioning it shocked the music world due to her signature abrasive voice and style. Transgender Dysphoria Blues became a record of what it was like for her to realize what she needed to do and what needed to happen for her. It is a love letter to our bodies and the boldest, bravest statement in the history of music.

7. Robyn - Body Talk (2010)

When Robyn released her Body Talk series in 2010, the singer reinvented herself for a whole new audience. The spellbinding sounds of heartbreak and hip-hop mixed with Euro trash beats created one of the most loved albums of the decade.

6. Kanye West - Graduation (2007)

West broke hip-hop boundaries with Graduation and was, in my opinion, his final masterpiece. It was a transitional record that saw him sample Daft Punk, Elton John and call out Jay Z. It was a record that showed West had no boundaries and why, at that time, he was the most important name in music.

5. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (2007)

To sum up this whole record in with just one word - "Wow." Every band with one album out should take note, if you want to know how to define the sophomore slump and create a brilliant second disc, listen to Neon Bible. The Canadian 10 piece stormed back from their 2004 debut, Funeral, with a record about modern times. A much more mature album, they may have lost their random dance breakdown's in the middle of songs, but picked up a narrative writing style that rivals most poets. They express what they do not like in this world, our obsession with young celebrity, war, and how we respond to natural disaster. Their combination of folk and classical with a punk edge made them appeal to the masses.

4. Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2 (2014)

Since 2012, independent New York producer and rapper  extraordinaire El-P linked with Georgia emcee Killer Mike, these two have been making beautiful music together collaborating on their own albums and then coming together as Run The Jewels in 2013. heir debut was a great way to declare who they were and what they planned on doing, but it is the follow-up record that is their impact statement, their call to arms, their way of letting the world know they are not going anywhere. As Killer Mike proclaims on "Blockbuster Night Pt.1," "Last album voodoo, proved that we was fucking brutal," yet, is is the second album that takes that verbal and beat brutality to a whole other level. The only thing more aggressive than El-P’s beats is the sound of a black metal bands roaring guitars and that is not even touching on Killer Mike’s lyrical flow and words. What Killer Mike does on RTJ2 is become a hip-hop news commentator to tell us what it is like outside of our mindless lives and that we need to wake up, no wonder Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine jumped on to work with these two to craft this dynamic, diverse, and brilliant record.   

3. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) 

Two days after the 20^th anniversary of Tupac’s Me Against the World, Kendrick Lamar surprise released his sophomore album a week ahead of schedule and if anyone ever doubted that the Compton rapper could be the second coming of Pac, all doubts are officially pushed aside. Beautiful, raw, honest, intense, To Pimp A Butterfly is a modern poet putting social commentary and storylines over beats provided by the likes of Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Pharrell, Dr. Dre, among others. Clocking in at 80 minutes, which is long for any record, especially by today’s standards, Lamar lets his feelings about celebrity, love, the hood, and black culture out with a vengeance. Combining hip-hop, funk, jazz, psychedelica, and rock, Lamar defies the sophomore slump and proves he will not be pigeonholed. With lyrics about Trayvon Martin to Michael Jackson to Nelson Mandela, as well as his “interview” with Tupac, this record is a lyrical document of our times by a one-man verbal wrecking ball. It is an album that speaks to our times and a record that decades from now will still be the center of conversation. It became an instant classic and the soundtrack to a movement -- "We Gon' Be Alright!" was the anthem for those still fighting a struggle. The power and brilliance behind this record goes beyond it being the album of the year, it might become the album of the decade and one of the best we will ever hear in our lifetime. Hail, Hail King Kendrick!  

2. Radiohead - In Rainbows (2007)


Maybe it is because they told EMI to fuck off, maybe it is because they realize the golden age of album collecting maybe coming to an end and we need to adapt, maybe it is because they are musical geniuses. Whatever it is, Radiohead are always ahead of their time and are always willing to take chances. In Rainbows is no exception, announcing on their website just a week before they intended to release the new material, Radiohead told fans "pay whatever you want," and even do whatever you want with it. Granted an established band like so has the ability to do so, but the fact they did it is just very cool. Aside from a unique distribution, the record also pushed the band to beyond the limits of their control and showcased their genius once more.

1. The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America (2006)

This is not the best record musically in comparison to others on this list, but in every sense of the world Boys and Girls in America changed my life. I first heard it a few months after it was released and was blown away. It was everything a confused early 20-something-year-old needed to hear. A decade later, it is everything a sorta confused 30-something-year-old needs to hear. Life is going to be okay and the plan you have may not happen right away but the adventure that takes you there is what makes or breaks you. Your heart will break, you heart will get filled, your life is something all of your own. The Hold Steady told me that with this record and whenever things feel strange, this is the record to put on.

Quick News

The Drums have confirmed that their fourth album has been finished and they will be releasing information on it soon.

Franz Nicolay spoke to Riot Fest ahead of The Hold Steady's performance in Chicago at the festival this weekend where they will play Boys and Girls in America this weekend. He discussed the making of the record, saying: "I think you can hear the creative tension, the elbowing and jockeying for musical position. This is where the pressure of the moment manifested: everyone taking responsibility for putting us over the top. Turn up every part, because what if leaving it out is the one thing that keeps it from succeeding? And I know that at the end of the mix and master, not everyone was confident that we hadn’t blown it. Stay Positive was an easier record to make, because we had validation that it had worked, and we could relax into the roles we’d staked out. But perhaps it is the undertone of anxiety that leavens the ebullience, like the hangover that haunts the parties in the lyrics, that brings Boys And Girls In America to life."

Justice will release their new album, Woman, in November.  Take a look at the cover, below:

Lady Gaga will release her new album, Joanne, named after her late aunt, next month. Take a look at the cover, below:

Quick News

The Hold Steady have reunited with keyboardist Franz Nicolay for an upcoming series of concerts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their landmark third album, Boys and Girls in America. Nicolay left the band in 2010 to pursue a solo career. The band are also planning on reissuing their first two albums, Almost Killed Me and Separation Sunday, later this year.

The National have confirmed that they will begin work on their new album "soon." Guitarist Aaron Dessner told the news to Pitchfork.

Liam Gallagher has praised a rough cut of the upcoming Oasis documentary that is being done by the same team that did the award winning Senna and Amy. Gallagher tweeted his review:

Just seen the 1st cut of the OASIS film BIBLICAL what ever happened to my ROCKNROLL LG x

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 5, 2016

A REAL FILM ABOUT A REAL BAND FOR REAL FANS NONE OF THEM FAKE 1s YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE LG X

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 5, 2016

Warner Bros. will being rolling out Prince reissues later this year. The label plans on reissuing many of his records between 1985-1992. Here is the official list:
June 21st: “Around the World in A Day” (1985)
July 19th: “Parade (Under the Cherry Moon soundtrack)” (1986)
August 23rd: “Sign o’ the Times”(1987)
September 20th: “The Black Album”(1987 recorded; 1994 released)
October 18th: “Lovesexy” (1988)  and “Batman” soundtrack (1989)
November 22nd: “Graffiti Bridge” soundtrack (1990) and “Diamonds and Pearls” (1991)
December 13th: “The Love Symbol” (1992)

James Blake has surprised fans by releasing his third album, The Colour In Anything, this evening. Take a look at the cover, below:

Titus Andronicus and Craig Finn Cover Each Other

The Hold Steady's Craig Finn and Titus Andronicus are set to embark on a spring tour next week. The "No Faith, No Future, No Problem" tour starts in New York on Monday and ends in Philly at the end of March.

To get fans pumped for the gigs, each artist has a song called "No Future" and they decided to cover their tourmates version. 

Take a listen!

The 20 Best Gigs of 2015

via GIPHY

As 2016 turns, we look back at the 20 best concerts we covered last year. In the hundreds of gigs we attended, here were the cream of the crop.

Read: Our Picks for the 10 Best Albums of 2015

1. U2 @ Madison Square Garden

2. Blur @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

3. Run the Jewels @ 50 Kent

4. Foo Fighters @ CitiField

5. Dillinger Escape Plan @ Irving Plaza

6. Blur @ Madison Square Garden

7. Bjork @ City Center

8. The Hold Steady @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

9. Stretch Armstrong and Bobitio @ Central Park Summer Stage

10. As Tall As Lions @ Webster Hall

11. Gang of Four @ Irving Plaza

12. Action Bronson @ BB King's Blues Club

13. Gogol Bordello @ Terminal 5

14. Pixies @ Beacon Theater

15. Against Me! @ McCarren Park

16. Gary Clark Jr. @ Terminal 5

17. Incubus / Deftones @ Jones Beach

18. Non Phixon @ Highline Ballroom

19. Ghost @ Terminal 5

20. Baroness @ Rough Trade 

Read: Another Look at 2015

Craig Finn on Seth Meyers

Watch The Hold Steady's Craig Finn perform a track from his solo album, Faith in the Future, on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

QUICK SPINS

 

New Order – Music Complete

In the decade since their last album, New Order broke-up, then reunited without founding member Peter Hook and now released their 10^th album – as much as fans may scratch their head that it isn’t New Order without Hooky, this album is some of their best material since the 1980’s. New Order take the new wave style they helped usher in, add more Euro trashness to it and sharp delivery for a record that is a party from start to finish. What is missing is Hooky’s signature bass lines and playing but it is made up for in Gillian Gilbert and Phil Cunningham’s synths. New Order fans of every generation will eat this record up.

FINAL GRADE: A

Everything But The Girl  - Walking Wounded / Temperamental (Reissues)
The final two reissues and the final two albums from one of the most underrated groups of the last 30 years has been released. Everything But the Girl's 1996 underrated classic The Walking Wounded and 1999's Temperamental still resonate and hold up to high standards today. It was on these records you can hear how the duo were a clear cut influence on artists like The xx, Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd, and James Blake. These reissues remaster the records sound and coupled with bonus cuts, it makes for the ultimate guide to the ultimate throwback. One of the finest reissues of the year.
FINAL GRADES: A 

Foals – What Went Down

British indie rockers Foals have been pushing the boundaries with their sound since they bursted onto the scene a decade ago. Their latest album, What Went Down, is an epic adventure that makes the listener feel as if they are surfing the highest waves and then crashing down at the beach after 48 minutes and 12 seconds.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique – Love is Free EP

Sweden’s finest pop princess and La Bagatelle Magique team up with Maluca to honor late Magique member Christian Falk on their debut EP, Love is Free. The EP is a confession for the dance floor and brings Falk back to life with the sounds of Europe on this collection of songs.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Craig Finn – Faith in the Future

The Hold Steady’s front man Craig Finn goes on his second solo outing and this time the lyrical master gets more personal than ever before. Faith in the Future is his unofficial love letter to his time in New York City since moving to the Big Apple from Minneapolis at the turn of the century as well as finding beauty in negative spaces. The record is also his most minimal in terms of music forcing the listener to pay attention to his brilliant songwriting and story telling.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Ghost – Meliora

As the Pope arrives in New York City this weekend, Ghost have given the papal visit something to sing about. The doom-and-gloom rockers return with another tongue-in-cheek look at Christianity and the church.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Public Enemy – Man Plans God Laughs

The 13^th album from Long Island rap icons Public Enemy might be their best this millennium. Chuck D has channeled all of his anger, frustration that has gone on in the news and crafted his most vicious and headline worthy lyrics in a while. This is a Public Enemy album for all to endure and hear.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Mac Demarco – Another One

Canada’s Mac Demarco currently lives in the Rockaway section of Queens, New York, and found a way to tie in his homelands into one creative mini album. The record is for Demarco’s fans that have been with him every step of the way.

FINAL GRADE: B

Willis Earls Beal – Noctunes

The artist and musician that is Willis Earls Beal never fails to impress and Noctunes does just that. It is a record that what written at the end of his marriage and creates lullabies that he can calmly sing himself to sleep with at night and now his most personal thoughts are exposed before you go to bed.

FINAL GRADE: B

Spector – Moth Boys

English rockers Spector return with their sophomore effort, Moth Boys, and still bring the slick Britrock inspired tunes that gained them attention when they first arrived.

FINAL GRADE: B

Radkey – Dark Black Makeup

Finally! The debut from Missouri’s Radkey has arrived and does not disappoint. The young garage band of brothers combines the ethos of early Arctic Monkeys and Strokes and mix it with the attitude of Fishbone for a solid first outing.

FINAL GRADE: B

Beach House – Depression Cherry

Beach House return with another lush, sexy, and often times musically erotic LP to seduce your new lover to.

FINAL GRADE: B

Teenage Time Killers – Greatest Hits Vol. 1

This massive metal super group features everyone from Dave Grohl and Nick Oliveri to Corey Talor, Randy Blythe, members of Clutch, Fear, Alkaline Trio, Sun O))), Corrosion of Conformity, and a shit load of other dudes that plug in their gear and blow the fuck out of each other in a room.

FINAL GRADE: B

Lana Del Rey – Honeymoon

Everyone’s favorite songstress to hate, Lana Del Rey, returns with her third album and like her other moody releases, this one does nothing different and it proves she doesn’t have to.

FINAL GRADE: B

Beirut – No No No

Four albums in and Beirut’s Balkan-inspired folk and pop is as infectious as ever.

FINAL GRADE: B

The Arcs – Yours, Dreamly

The debut album from Black Keys front man Dan Auerbach’s other band is here and basically sounds like The Black Keys with a full band.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Slayer – Repentless

It is a new Slayer record, there is no need for a review.

FINAL GRADE: \m/ \m/

Health – Death Magic

The LA noise rock superstars Health return with their first album in six years and third overall and still have the same flavor they did when they were at their height.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – Blossom

When Frank Carter left Gallows to form Pure Love, his electronic experimental project, he left a void in the hardcore and punk scene. Now one of the greatest frontmen to ever do it is back in the genre he was born for.

FINAL GRADE: B-

No Devotion – Permanence

Former Thursday front man Geoff Rickly teamed up with the innocent members of LostProphets and created No Devotion. Now, after a few years together, the band have released their debut which is a post-punk extravagaza that is almost a natural progression for the Welsh band and the New Jersey post-hardcore singer since the fall of their prior groups. For fans of Rickly and LostProphets this is one to hear.

FINAL GRADE: B-