Pop Duo Kit Sebastian Thrill on Thoughtful ‘New Internationale’
Kit Sebastian’s New Internationale is a robust pop masterpiece, a boldly artful work that is refined but not restrained, tasteful but never bland.
psychedelic pop
Los Bitchos’ ‘Talkie Talkie’ Is a Genre-Defying Celebration
Los Bitchos’ Talkie Talkie builds an immersive experience with a larger narrative. They challenge the conventions of rock through sound and representation.
Tame Impala: The Champion of Introverts
Despite society’s antagonism toward introverts, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker steadfastly offers himself as a vulnerable, somewhat blushing symbol of the gifted loner.
The Fiery Furnaces’ Songs on ‘Widow City’ Are Multiverse 45s
The songs on the Fiery Furnaces’ Widow City are like a multiverse 45; they’ll never be hits on this Earth but might sell millions in a world slightly tweaked.
This Is Your Life: XTC’s ‘Oranges & Lemons’ at 35
In 1989, XTC released Oranges & Lemons, one of their finest. There are nods to trippy 1960s touchstones, but it’s more of a lush, power-pop celebration.
The Wondrous Weirdness of Deerhunter’s ‘Weird Era Cont.’
Deerhunter’s Weird Era Cont., the companion to Microcastle, lives in its shadow and yet eclipses it with a bizarre brilliance all its own.
The Polyphonic Spree Return with Lovely Melodies
As a Tim DeLaughter solo album featuring guest musicians from the Polyphonic Spree, this would be an easier sell. As a full-band LP, it feels undercooked.
Miracle Sweepstakes Craft a Marvelous Trip on ‘Last Licks’
Miracle Sweepstakes’ Last Licks is full of sweet psychedelic pop. The guitar effects and whimsical orchestrations throughout are reminiscent of the late 1960s.
Vanishing Twin Balance Grooves, Ambience, and Psychedelia
Vanishing Twin’s Afternoon X is a worthwhile musical journey through a wealth of different ambient, psychedelic, and groove-based sounds.
Traffic’s Free-Flowing British Soul Masterpiece at 55
No British album better synthesized the warmth, energy, and funkiness of New Orleans R&B, Southern soul, and rock better than Traffic’s 1968 self-titled LP.
Panda Bear and Sonic Boom Re-interpret ‘Reset’ with ‘Reset in Dub’
Reset in Dub marks another attempt by Panda Bear and Sonic Boom to arrive at a new alchemy between past and present musical traditions.
Lana Del Rey Lets the Light in on Her New Album
With Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Lana Del Rey implores us not to forget her and has ensured that we can’t possibly.