Marissa Nadler: Strangers
Marissa Nadler’s newest release is the type of solid work we've come to expect from her.
Marshall Gu
Drake: Views
Views is step backwards in quality, certainly, but it’s a step sideways in some ways.
MED, Blu & Madlib: Bad Neighbor
A new collection of Madlib beats is a gift, no matter who’s rapping or singing on top.
Dr. Dre: Compton
A rapper/producer that started in the '80s raps and produces a surprisingly good album three decades later.
Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge: Twelve Reasons to Die II
Much too short, but as solid as you'd expect given the name of the rapper, the name of the producer, and the names of the features.
Christopher Owens: Chrissybaby Forever
Chrissybaby Forever's invariant topic matter coupled with saccharine singing over slow-mid-tempo songs become much too much over its lengthy tracklisting.
St. Vincent: St. Vincent (Deluxe Edition)
Dying her hair white is sadly analogous to the record as a whole. She sounds quirky for the sake of being quirky.
J. Cole: 2014 Forest Hills Drive
With 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole relies on on stimulating emotions by telling instead of evoking emotion by showing.
Gruff Rhys: American Interior
American Interior certainly sounds like the most ambitious Rhys project since he belonged in a bigger band.
Thurston Moore: The Best Day
Thurston Moore's most ambitious solo album and possibly the best Sonic Youth-related release since 2004's Sonic Nurse.
Various Artists: Song Reader
Interesting concept, failed execution.
“Celebrating” Wilco’s A Ghost Is Born’s 10-Year Anniversary
Ten years after the release of A Ghost Is Born, the songs still just aren't there.