Lambchop "This (is what I wanted to tell you) (Merge)"
There is no getting around the fact that the career of Lambchop has been unexpected. It was easy to call them something like alternative country in their first few years, but if in 1998 while I couldn’t stop listening to “What Another Man Spills” you told me that in 20 years Lambchop would be an esoteric autotuned vocals and synth project I don’t know what I would have said. Probably something like “what’s autotune?” But if you really listen to what Kurt Wagner is doing lately, with Mr. M and FLOTUS, and here on This (is what I wanted to tell you) (Merge) he’s doing what he’s always been doing. Subverting expectations all while delivering lyrical mastery that’s nearly unsurpassed. This time we find him paired up with Hiss Golden Messenger and Bon Iver drummer Matthew McCaughan. They formed something of a musical pen-pal relationship. Kurt would send Matt acapella vocal performances, and Matt would arrange something for them using his newly-found love of rack synths. The results are as unexpected and lovely as anything Lambchop has done in their career. Expect the unexpected and you will get exactly what you are looking for here. Check out the subtly groovy “Everything For You.”
Oozing Wound "High Anxiety (Thrill Jockey)"
Look… If you aren’t already a fan of thrash metal, there’s very little I can say here to convince you to check out the amazing new Oozing Wound record, High Anxiety (Thrill Jockey). Conversely, if you are already a big fan of Oozing Wound, there’s little I could say here to get you even more excited than you already are to hear their latest collection. And if you are a fan of Mel Brooks’ oft-forgotten movie High Anxiety, look elsewhere. This has naught to do with that. Those are the only two kinds of people, right? Those who don’t like thrash metal, and those who love Oozing Wound. Makes sense to me. Check out “Tween Shitbag” and finally decide once and for all what kind of person you are.
The Lasso "The Sound Of Lasso (Mello Music)"
The Sound Of Lasso (Mello Music), the solo debut from The Lasso, is exactly what the title says. Stepping out from his normal role as producer and beatmaker, The Lasso is free here to make whatever kind of music he wants. This is not the first time he’s released a solo album, but this one feels like a focusing and rebirth sort of affair. Armed with a drum machine and 13 talented musicians, the sound here is varied from song to song. Occasionally sounding like ‘90s trip-hop, other times like experimental electronica a la Books or Liars, and other times mixing Brian Eno passages of ambient beauty with hip-hop sensibilities. Passages also can remind the listener of Stevie Wonder, or the French band Air at times. Needless to say (but I’m gonna say it anyway) this is a gorgeous collection of (mostly) instrumental music. Chill, sophisticated, vibe-y. Get into the vibe with the uplifting “Heaven.”
Turning Jewels Into Water "Map Of Absences"
Like a lot of the best music, Map Of Absences-the debut from Turning Jewels Into Water-is easy to listen to but hard to describe. Thankfully, someone better equipped than I am this morning did all the heavy lifting. “Turning Jewels Into Water is a live electronic duo led by Indian-born drummer/producer Ravish Momin along with Haitian electronic percussionist Val Jeanty. They seamlessly blend futuristic turntables, ritual chants, polyrhythmic percussion, live loops and synth melodies along with rhythms inspired by global dance music.” Thanks fperecs.com! Check out the hypnotic drive of “Dark Waters Rushing In.”