100 Best Albums of the Decade

via GIPHY


This list has been 10 years in the making. Here are my picks for the 100 best albums of the decade.

1	To Pimp A Butterfly	Kendrick Lamar	2015
2	DAMN.	Kendrick Lamar	2017
3	Run The Jewels 2	Run The Jewels	2014
4	Transgender Dysphoria Blues	Against Me!	2014
5	Black Star	David Bowie	2017
6	Body Talk	Robyn	2010
7	James Blake	James Blake	2010
8	Plastic Beach	Gorillaz	2010
9	The Epic	Kamasi Washington	2015
10	We Got it From Here…	A Tribe Called Quest	2016
11	Suck It and See	Arctic Monkeys	2011
12	Overgrown	James Blake	2013
13	21	Adele	2011
14	Ceremonials	Florence & The Machine	2011
15	In Spades	The Afghan Whigs	2016
16	Until the Quiet Comes	Flying Lotus	2012
17	The Suburbs	Arcade Fire	2010
18	Beyonce	Beyonce	2013
19	Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City	Kendrick Lamar	2013
20	The Far Field	Future Islands	2017
21	Recovery	Eminem	2010
22	4:44	Jay Z	2017
23	High Violet	The National	2010
24	A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings	Beach Slang	2016
25	The Magic Whip	Blur	2015
26	Post Pop Depression	Iggy Pop	2016
27	Adore Life	Savages	2016
28	Channel Orange	Frank Ocean	2012
29	Wasting Light	Foo Fighters	2011
30	AM	Arctic Monkeys	2013
31	Everything is Love	The Carters	2018
32	Everything is Recorded	Richard Russell	2018
33	LP1	FKA Twigs	2014
34	Dogrel	Fontaines D.C.	2019
35	Remind Me Tomorrow	Sharon Van Etten	2019
36	Songs of Innocence	U2	2014
37	DAYTONA	Pusha-T	2018
38	The King of Limbs	Radiohead	2011
39	Koi No Yokan	Deftones	2012
40	Biophilia	Bjork	2011
41	Well Done	Action Bronson	2011
42	Life Is Good	Nas	2012
43	Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds	Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds	2011
44	My Beatiful Dark Twisted Fantasy	Kanye West	2010
45	Reflektor	Arcade Fire	2013
46	Ghosteen	Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds	2019
47	III	BADBADNOTGOOD	2014
48	MASSEDUCATION	St. Vincent	2017
49	The Skeleton Tree	Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds	2016
50	Do to the Beast	The Afghan Whigs	2013
51	Vulnicura	Bjork	2015
52	Cuz I Love You	Lizzo	2019
53	Hamilton	The Cast of Hamilton	2015
54	This Is Happening	LCD Soundsystem	2010
55	El Pintor	Interpol	2014
56	Cocoa Beware	Young Fathers	2018
57	Run The Jewels	Run The Jewels	2013
58	Nightmare Logic	Power Trip	2017
59	Everybody	Logic	2017
60	Kill For Love	Chromatics	2012
61	Sweet Heart, Sweet Light	Spiritualized	2012
62	Otta	Solstafir	2014
63	The Monitor	Titus Andronicus	2011
64	CTRL	SZA	2017
65	Awaken, My Love	Childish Gambino	2016
66	House of Balloons	The Weeknd	2011
67	St. Vincent	St. Vincent	2014
68	Chasing Yesterday	Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds	2016
69	IV	BADBADNOTGOOD	2016
70	Skying	The Horrors	2011
71	In Colour	Jamie xx	2015
72	David Comes to Life	Fucked Up	2011
73	Royal Blood	Royal Blood	2014
74	El Camino	The Black Keys	2011
75	Infest the Rats Nest	King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard	2019
76	… Like Clockwork	Queens of the Stone Age	2012
77	What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?	The Vaccines	2011
78	American Ghetto	Portual. The Man	2010
79	Apocalypse	Thundercat	2013
80	We're New Here	Jamie xx & Gil Scot Heron	2011
81	Czarface	Czarface	2013
82	Black Messiah	D'Angelo	2014
83	2014 Forest Hills Drive	J. Cole	2014
84	Diamond Eyes	Deftones	2010
85	Coloring Book	Chance the Rapper	2016
86	Go	Jonsi	2010
87	Hurry Up, We're Dreaming	M83	2011
88	Handwritten	The Gaslight Anthem	2012
89	Coexist	The xx	2012
90	Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2	Beastie Boys	2011
91	Gang Signs and Prayer	Stormzy	2017
92	12 Reasons to Die	Ghostface Killah	2013
93	Bloodsports	Suede	2013
94	The Hunter	Mastodon	2011
95	Everyday Robots	Damon Albarn	2014
96	You're Dead	Flying Lotus	2014
97	Ukulele Songs	Eddie Vedder	2011
98	The Last Days of Oakland	Fantastic Negrito	2016
99	R.A.P. Music	Killer Mike	2012
100	The 1975	The 1975	2013

2018 The Albums: Top 10

via GIPHY

It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as well look back on the year in music and let you know our choices for the 10 best albums of the year.

See Our Pick for 2018's League of Their Own Album 

Here are our picks for the 10 Best Albums of the Year: 

10) Robyn - "Honey

9) Kamasi Washington - "Heaven and Earth"

8) David Byrne - "American Utopia"

7) Sudan Archives - "Sink"

6) J. Cole - "K.O.D."

5) Black Panther Soundtrack

4) Logic - "Young Sinatra IV"

3) Young Fathers - "Cocoa Sugar"

2) Pusha-T - "DAYTONA"

1) The Carters - "Everything is Love"

See Our List of 2018's Honorable Album Mentions  

 

Now in long form with explanations.

 10) Robyn - "Honey"

Robyn left fans patiently waiting for eight years before she would release a proper album. After a handful of collaboration projects, the Swedish pop sensation returned to once again change the course of dance music. Robyn has a knack for making her audience dance through her heartbreak and emotions, the irony of doing something joyous as heavy lyrics about love and loss sing through a speaker make her a sensational artist. "Honey" is a record about recovering from the heartbreak and finding hope. It is a record that was also worth the wait. 

9) Kamasi Washington - "Heaven and Earth" 

The sophomore release from the modern jazz genius is a statement record. Following the mammoth and brilliance of his 2016 debut, "The Epic," Washington returned with the fury that society has seen in the Trump-era.  "Heaven and Earth" is his political album, it is his samurai record, it is also another display of his brilliance. 

8) David Byrne - "American Utopia"

The former Talking Heads front man returned with his first solo record in 14 years and brought the funk. "American Utopia" is a record about modern society as told through the eyes of one of musics most eclectic and pragmatic auteurs. 

7) Sudan Archives - "Sink"

Sudan Archives is the stage name of Los Angeles-based musician Brittney Parks. The violinist and singer took us by surprise this year with her fantastic offering, "Sink." The album is a subtle and relaxed record about love, being black in America in 2018,  and going against the trends. 2018 saw the return of the "short" album meaning many with 7-9 songs were released much like what was done in vinyl heyday of the 60s and 70s, and while "Sink" is technically an EP, we don't look at it this way because EPs are not nearly this perfect.

6) J.Cole - "K.O.D."

For his latest album, J.Cole once again didn't have any features but really why should it matter? "K.O.D." was a record about trying to escape the toxic environment you are in and much like a folk singer wouldn't feature drums or bass and wants you as the listener to focus on the stories and lyrics, Cole follows that same method.

5) Black Panther Soundtrack

Black Panther was unquestionably the biggest film of the year and it should come as no surprise that its soundtrack is on this list. Curated by Kendrick Lamar, the soundtrack plays more like a concept record about roots and representation. Using the concepts of the characters of the film and comic book to drive some of the storylines, the soundtrack is one hell of a compilation featuring Kendrick, SZA, The Weeknd, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and others. It is a musical voyage to Wakanda and back.

4) Logic - "Young Sinatra IV"

If "Everybody" was a turning point in Logic's career to fully enter the mainstream, "Young Sinatra IV" is him delivering his sucker punch while everyone is expecting another hip-hop / pop record. The record not only is the second he put out this year, it is one of his best and in fact gets a seal of approval from Wu-Tang thanks to the entire Clan appearing on one of the best tracks of the year.

3) Young Fathers - "Cocoa Sugar"

Taking clear inspiration from TV on the Radio, Young Fathers come back with their sophomore album and showcase they too can turn heads. Combining funk, rock, hip-hop, electronica, and jazz, "Cococa Sugar" is the true definition of alternative rock. The Scottish trio rip roar into uncharted musical territory much like what the Talking Heads were doing in the 80s, this is a modern version of that.

2) Pusha-T - "DAYTONA"

One of the most talked about albums came from the former Clipse man. Pusha-T delivered his best work as a solo artist with this Kanye West produced album. "DAYTONA" is a middle finger to everyone, from its cover which is allegedly the bathroom where Whitney Houston died, to firing shots at Drake with the epic "Infrared," it might be the best rap takedown since Nas' "Ether." "DAYTONA" was King Push making a statement and not only did he do just that, he threw the entire kitchen sink out while doing it.

1) The Carters - "Everything Is Love"

One elevator incident a few years ago gave us four brilliants records but now it seems as if that night has officially been put to a close thanks to "Everything Is Love." Jay-Z and Beyonce come together for the year's biggest and best record. It is a record about their reconciliation, their love, their marriage, but also a love letter to each other. While Jay-Z is the rapper in the house, Beyonce showed that she not only can keep up with her husband's talent but outdo him on the mic. This album is Beyonce at her finest and fiercest. The cathartic process of salvaging their marriage so publicly now seems to have been closed and affirms their love for each other. No one needs another "Watch The Throne," but the world might need another record from the Carters.

Quick News

ALADDIN SANE 45TH ANNIVERSARY SILVER VINYL DUE - “Just in time for sunrise...” - April sees the release of two limited edition Bowie vinyl albums, Aladdin Sane and CHANGESTWOBOWIE. This strictly limited one run only silver vinyl edition of Aladdin Sane will contain Ken Scott’s approved 2013 remaster and will be released on 20th April, 2018, 45 years to the day since the original release date for the album. Previously thought to have been issued on 13th April, 1973, new evidence has come to light that proves the release date was officially the 20th, but being Good Friday in the UK the album was 'made available' on the 19th. This silver vinyl edition of Aladdin Sane will only be available to ‘bricks and mortar’ retail stores and not through on-line stores. CHANGESTWOBOWIE will be reissued on the 13th April with all tracks remastered on CD in a digipak sleeve, high-resolution 192/24 and 96/24 digital and standard digital for streaming and download, as well as a 180gram vinyl edition available randomly on its initial limited run in black and blue vinyl before reverting solely to black vinyl. Finally, 192/24 and 96/26 high-resolution digital versions of CHANGESONEBOWIE will be released for streaming and download on April 13th too. - Go here for the full press release: http://smarturl.it/AS45thANNIsilverBNet - #AladdinSaneSilver #BowieVinyl

A post shared by David Bowie (@davidbowie) on Feb 14, 2018 at 7:58pm PST

This year marks the 45th anniversary to David Bowie's landmark album, Aladdin Sane, and to celebrate, his estate is releasing a silver vinyl of the record. The announcement came on Instagram, for more details see above.

After 8 years of waiting, Robyn is teasing a new album following her 2010 Body Talk series. A fan recently asked her on Twitter: "Who decides your next album release date tbh?” Robyn then replied: “I do. Some time this year honey.” No further details were given.

The Sword will release their new album, Used Future, next month.

Flatbush Zombies will release their new album, Vacation in Hell, in April.

Soft Cell will reunite for one night only in September for a farewell concert at London's O2 Arena.

Speaking to Double J in Australia, The National's Matt Berninger has revealed that he, his wife, and brother are developing a sitcom based on their lives. The singer and his filmmaker brother, Tom, will star in the series. "My brother and my wife and I have been creating it, and then we teamed up with Trent and his wife […] It’s something we’ve been cooking for a while," he said. Trent O’Donnell (New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) will also assist in developing the show. No network or release date has been given.

Quick News

Soul singer Charles Bradley passed away over the weekend at 68. The singer, who found fame later in life, was said to be surrounded by loved ones in New York City when he passed. Earlier this month, he cancelled the remainder of his 2017 tour after it was announced that cancer returned to his body following a bout with stomach cancer last year, which he had beat. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

The Darkness have announced that they will release their new album, Pinewood Smile, next month.

El-P of Run the Jewels was asked to score the trailer for the upcoming Blade Runner 2049 and took to Instagram this weekend to announce that his music was rejected. He did share a snippet and was happy he was at once in consideration for the role.

here is a snippet of my rejected (or ignored) blade runner 2049 trailer score. honestly even being asked to demo it up was an honor. all synths done on the yamaha cs80, which as you may know is the same synth vangelis used for the original.

A post shared by thereallyrealelp (@thereallyrealelp) on Sep 22, 2017 at 8:31pm PDT

Robyn has taken to Instagram to tease that she is working on some new music after the success of 2010's Body Talk series.

I know its been a while since i released something that connected to where the last album left off. Thank you for all the love and care im recieving here and in other various places on the internets. Lucky for me that you're sticking around even though Im taking my time. Working on something, trying to make it worth the wait. 🤞🏻

A post shared by robynkonichiwa (@robynkonichiwa) on Sep 25, 2017 at 4:42pm PDT

Noel Gallagher is selling off loads of vintage Oasis gear and equipment. If you got the cash, take a look at Reverb for what he is selling.

U-God of Wu-Tang Clan has announced that he will release his memoir, RAW: My Journey Into the Wu-Tang Clan, which will follow his days as a child in Staten Island to joining one of the most influential groups of all time.

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.

The Swedish Mixtape

Sweden is the land that have us Zlatan Ibrahimovic's amazing kicks, meatballs, Ikea, Bjorn Borg's swing, Dolph Lundgren's muscles, Anita Ekberg's looks, but above all, they have us great tunes.

Read Our 2011 Interview with The Sounds

The music of Sweden is unlike any other country in the world. It is poppy and upbeat even when it tries to be sad. It is the sound of hope in eras of despair. 

Read Our 2012 Interview with The Soundtrack of Our Lives

From musical heroes like Abba to pop princesses like Robyn to the energetic rock and roll of The Hives, Sweden has given us so much. For our latest Cultural Mixtape, we take a listen to the sounds of Mother Svea. 

Quick News

As fans patiently wait for new music from Robyn, the Swedish singer has invited nine artists to remix her songs that span her career. The series will be released next month. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
Axel Boman: “Hang With Me”
Cassius: “Dancing On My Own”
Harry “Choo Choo” Romero: "Love Kills”
Joakim: “With Every Heartbeat”
Mr. Tophat: “Main Thing”
The Black Madonna: “Indestructible”
The Mekanism: “Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do”
Wolfgang Voigt: “Who Do You Love?” [ft. Robyn] 
Zhala & Heal the World: “Stars 4 Ever”

If you attend a Modern Baseball concert this summer and see some shit go down, please call a hotline. The band have set up a help hotline in effort to keep fans safe at concerts. Take a look at the promo video, below:

The Strokes will release their new EP, Future Past Present in physical formats next week. The band surprised released the EP on streaming services on Friday.

Playlist

November's 26-song playlist of random musical musings is here. Take a listen!

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-