The long-overdue return of Organized Konfusion’s mind-bending MC Prince Po(etry) with the infamous Danger Mouse on the boards. And, yes, that’s a Massive Attack sample on “Better Things.”
The Magic Magicians
Wild-eyed garage romps from the super duo of John Atkins (764-Hero) and Joe Plummer (Black Heart Procession, Caustic Resin).
Calexico
Calexico sound at home in whatever spin they put on their decidedly Southwestern flavor — from smoldering mariachi (“Stray”) to box-step blues (“Sunken Waltz”). Tequila not included.
The Six Parts Seven
Artful (but not artsy) soundtracks for the thinking person who still wants to walk away humming a tune.
Iron and Wine
Just when you thought Sam Beam’s unassuming masterpiece The Creek Drank the Cradle couldn’t be outdone… check the pure intimacy of “Naked As We Came.”
Offwhyte
An instant collectors’ item in its vinyl form, Offwhyte’s dense, hypnotic swagger still sounds as fresh as when it first dropped two years ago.
Adem
Intricate, next-level folk music from Fridge bassist Adem Ilhan.
Kid Dakota
Wonderfully lonesome lyrics delivered over vast, taut soundtracks.
TV on the Radio
I won’t add myself to the list of those who have failed to describe TVOTR’s sound in words. That’s why they invented MP3s…
The Mountain Goats
John Darnielle may not be singing into his trusty Panasonic boom box anymore, but his incisive, tuneful narratives are as raw and compelling as ever.