M83 "Knife + Heart OST (Mute)"
Are you ready for a new M83 album? Well this is it – sort of – the third soundtrack from Anthony Gonzalez, and let’s give out some bonus points as it’s the first record from M83 with founder Nicolas Fromageau since Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts! What ends up landing on your eardrums is a mainly instrumental album (we did say score didn’t we) with some touches of the M83 we know and love (BUILDING? DID I SAY BUILDING? Check out “La Caverne”), with some more 70’s/80’s disco synths from the Junk-era M83 sounds added to the mix. Sound fun? You get 27 jams to roll through but start with the oh so frightening and danceable “Malaria-Thrash Me”.
Mountain Goats "In League With Dragons (Merge)"
Look. You know you wanna hear the new Mountain Goats record regardless of what its deal is. It just so happens, though, that its deal this time around is that it’s sort of about Dungeons & Dragons. In League With Dragons (Merge) is their latest, and if you couldn’t already tell from my spiel and the title… DRAGONS! So while you are waiting for Winter to come, check out “Cadaver Sniffing Dog.”
PAWS "Your Church On My Bonfire (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
For a band that has never shied away from their emotions, Paws’ Your Church On My Bonfire (Ernest Jenning Record Co. ) is particularly emotive. The guys in the band have had some hard times in their lives, but they aren’t letting that hold them back. They are, however, gonna let you know how they feel. And more than ever, their vocals and lyrics are given the chance to shine here as producer Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit has brought out a softer, gentler Paws, one that has less distorted guitars, and way more string arrangements. This record is a revelation–exposing Paws for what their fans knew they were all along. Sensitive lads who can write a great song. Check out “Honoured To Be Honest.”
Reigning Sound "Abdication…For Your Love (Reissue) (Merge)"
You love the Reigning Sound, right? Of course you do. Memphis’s king of garage rock – what is not to love. Originally “released” in 2011 as a promo only giveaway (huh?), and co-produced by that one guy from the Black Keys, Abdication…For Your Love is a killer collection of killer tunes with some of the most fun guitar/keyboard work I’ve heard since the Specials debut (not that it sounds like that but…..). Wanna rock? Check out “Watching My Baby”.