Lykke Li — “Wounded Rhymes”
(Atlantic/LL)
If the spooky cover art is any clue, Lykke Li’s sophomore effort seems a bit on the dark side. Like in “Youth Novels,” Li spins an LP about love, lust and the like, but she adds sadness and loneliness to that mix of vulnerability. Though there definitely is enough gloom to go around in each song, there is also a glimmer of shielded optimism — that this is only a dark chapter, but not the end of the story. The minimalist instrumentals of “Youth Novels” are largely absent here, allowing Li to expand her sound to something approaching a mini-avant-garde orchestra. Where this album will lead to next is a bit of a mystery. Will her third LP be light, happy and eardrum-damagingly loud? Time will tell, but “Wounded Rhymes” is a major clue to stay along to find out.
Listen if you like: The xx, El Perro Del Mar, Bat for Lashes
Recommended Tracks: 3, 4, 6, 7
— Allison Porambo
J Mascis — “Several Shades Of Why”
(Sub Pop)
Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis has spent over two decades deafening audiences with notoriously loud guitar performances, so the fact that “Several Shades Of Why” is a hushed and primarily acoustic affair might come as a surprise to some. The album’s sonic palette is comprised of a gently strummed six-string, Mascis’ vulnerable voice and a few fuzzy guitar fills thrown in for good measure. This stripped-down aesthetic provides a strong foundation for his emotive lyricism. Unlike 1996’s similarly unplugged “Martin + Me,” this isn’t just a collection of Dinosaur-esque songs played on acoustic guitars — this is uncharted territory for Mascis, and it’s a testament to his supreme talent that he can pull it off so well.
Listen if you like: Jerry Garcia, David Lowery, Dinosaur Jr.
Recommended Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7
— Peter Gill
J. Rocc — “Some Cold Rock Stuf”
(Stones Throw)
J. Rocc is not to be confused with Jay Rock, J. Cole, J-Live and whoever else seems to be drawn to the 10th letter of the alphabet. Co-founder of The World Famous Beat Junkies, Rocc is one of those silent legends in the DJ world. With his mile-long resume, it feels almost unnatural to call “Some Cold Rock Stuf” which is all original hip-hop instrumentals, a debut album,. The drums carry the album through the different moods, from old school to lo-fi to jazz and back. This is the type of music that would play at one of those parties where everyone is just a little bit cooler than you, and you’re not exactly sure how or why you’re there, but you’re glad that you are. Accompanying the album is one of three mystery discs, all of which have the same label and no tracklist.
Listen if you like: J Dilla, Madlib, Cut Chemist
Recommended tracks: 1, 5, 7, 10
— Kevin Kunitake
… And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead — “Tao of The Dead”
(Richter Scale)
On their seventh studio album, Austin’s …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of the Dead return with a stripped down album that might be their most accessible yet. Sticking to the tried and true formula of quiet-loud-quiet, “Tao of the Dead” exhibits the epitome of self-indulgence in a concept album. With rumbling guitars that spontaneously burst into what can only semi-ironically be called epic riffs, “Tao of the Dead” manages to blend progressive rock with gentler melodies, creating a more listenable album than Trail of the Dead is usually known for.
Listen if you like: Queens of the Stone Age, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Rush
Recommended Tracks: 2, 4, 6
— Nico Chapin
