Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree
If Nick Cave stopped making music after the tragic death of
his teenage son last year, the world would have understood. However, for Cave
to take the darkest chapter in his life and turn it into his greatest album in
decades is something else. This album plays like an Academy Award winning film
that features such heavy subject matter it leaves you tattered, torn and in
hysterics and the fact that he can do this without shedding a tear playing the
songs is something else. A remarkable, heavy record that needs to be heard and
experienced.
FINAL GRADE: A
Beach Slang – A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings
Following their sublime 2015 debut, The Things We Do To Find
People Who Feel Like Us, Philly’s Beach Slang return with a record so good, it
defies the sophomore slump idea. A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings is raw emotion
over a punk rock score. This band is quickly turning out to be a modern version
of The Replacements and we are more than fine with it.
FINAL GRADE: A
Slaves – Take Control
Finally a punk band that are actually punks – UK duo Slaves
return with help from Mike D. of Beastie Boys on deck as the producer for their
sophomore album, Take Control. The record is a loud bash of fuck you to the
system and bring forth the attitude of the genre’s yesteryear.
FINAL GRADE: A
Vince Staples – Prima Donna EP
If this wasn’t an EP it would probably be the hip-hop album
of the year. Staples brings with him the lyrical power and realness the music
world needs right now.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Zomby – Ultra
The grime producer and DJ returns with more hypnotic beats
and adventures into a new world of sound.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Okkervil River – Away
This might be the final Okkervil River album and if it is,
Will Sheff and co. head out on a high note.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Pixies – Head Charger
The iconic band returns with their second album since their
reactivation in 2011 and bring forth their classic sound as well as a new
direction. Incorporating Paz Lenchanten on vocals adds something new to the
mix.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Against Me! – Shape Shift With Me
As Laura Jane Grace becomes her own woman she is documenting
it through her music. Following the brilliant and painful Transgender Dysphoria
Blues, the Florida punks return with the further stages of Grace’s
metamorphosis and how she is dealing with the world around her.
FINAL GRADE: B+
The Lemon Twigs – Do Hollywood
The Long Island art band release their fantastic debut and
show that the land of Billy Joel is so much more than shit show tunes. These
young lads use the influence of The Beatles, Bowie and Zappa to give it a
vaudeville and DIY aesthetic that has not been seen in band in years.
FINAL GRADE: B
Empire of the Sun – Two Vines
The Aussie dance duo brings the noise and party with their
latest. Fans of the band will not be disappointed as new material is added to
their fun arsenal.
FINAL GRADE: B
MIA – AIM
If this is to be the controversial singer and rapper’s final
album, MIA does it with flying colors. AIM is a record that makes the world’s
issue its bullseye and fires dead center without missing. It is the record of
our times and her struggle to be the expressive person she wants. AIM is
without a doubt her finest work since Kala and she leaves us on a high note.
FINAL GRADE: B
Local Natives – Sunlit Youth
The indie favorites are back with a record that doesn’t
change the musical landscape but adds to their collection.
FINAL GRADE: B-
KT Tunstall – KIN
The Scottish singer-songwriter takes a whole new pop
approach to her folk sound and not only does it work, she does it with flying
colors.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Suicidal Tendencies – World Gone Mad
The influential hardcore and thrash icons return with album
No. 12. A new collection for a new era of pain they have developed over the
years.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Bon Iver – 22 A Million
After being seduced by For Emma, Forever Ago, Bon Iver feels
he can do whatever he wants and transform into whatever he wants and get away
with it. His new album is proof that if that is his theory, it is far from the
truth. This latest record is a total mess. The songs are all over the place and
have no coherence due to its lack of soul and feeling.
FINAL GRADE: D
