Music

This Week's Best New Music Releases - May 18, 2010

by Josh

Band Of Horses – Infinite Arms

For a band that has experienced almost a complete changeover in their lineup, you wouldn’t really know it from listening to each album. The individual styles may have changed, but their sound as a whole remains what was when the band formed in 2005 – pure, blissful folk rock. Perhaps their most distinguishable characteristic is Ben Bridwell’s vocals, which are sometimes forced and urgent, other times subdued and calm, but always beautiful. For their third album, “Infinite Arms”, the band has parted ways with Subpop, and have teamed up with Fat Possum/Columbia. Label: Fat Possum/Columbia

The Black Keys – Brothers

In his youth, The Black Keys front man Dan Auerbach was surrounded by music, though most predominately by blues. This passion led to his eventual departure from post secondary academics to pursue a career in music. In 2001, he formed The Black Keys with drummer/producer Patrick Carney, and released a slew of albums in the following years. In 2008, their sound took a left turn when Danger Mouse took the role of producer. Their bluesy sound took on a new soul. With their sixth album, “Brothers”, they have taken a few steps back towards their roots, but still put forward some of what Danger Mouse taught them. Label: Nonesuch

The Sadies – Darker Circles

There is something intimidating about writing about a band as epic as The Sadies. It could be that I fear lumping them into the alt-country category will have me burned at the stake by their diehard fans. Or it could be that they are so local (their annual New Years gig at the Horseshoe is a block away from Criminal) that I feel the need to give them the necessary props. Or it simply could be that they are just that good – because they are THAT good. After over a decade of live shows and eight odd studio albums, they only get better and better. There is a reason why they are Neko Case’s go-to back up band. And “Dark Circles” is proof. Label: Outside

Wintersleep – New Inheritors

The great thing about Wintersleep is that they do not stop evolving. This could be due to the polygamist nature of the band, with most members having a decent stack of side projects on the side. It’s with this evolution that each album has taken on a persona of its own. Their first album was very introverted and brooding. Since then, they’ve been gradually unraveling into a well polished and well rounded band. Their latest album, “New Inheritors”, is joyous and peppy, but maintains a layer of melancholy, a style Interpol has had much success with. And it is their ability to explore and evolve that will keep Wintersleep on the path towards greatness. Label: Labwork

Jamie Lidell – Compass

Prepare to get funky! Jamie Lidell is back, and this time, he’s brought some of his friends. Feist, Gonzales, Beck, members of Zeus and Grizzly Bear come along for the ride to once again help Lidell release his inner Stevie Wonder. Over the years, the U.K. native has been shedding all traces of mediocrity, and has been taking steps towards the deliciously absurd. Production from Beck and Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor help Lidell take more adventurous and advantageous steps. The result is an album that sticks in your head, and serves as a worthy candidate for this year’s “summer record”. Label: Warp