If in some rare occurrence Beirut, Yann Tiersen and Efterklang were to perform all at once, then you would get a rough idea of what Detektivbyrån sound like. The Gothenburg-based instrumental trio have gradually moved towards a more mature sense of identity and purpose. And even though their 2008 debut, E18, is predominantly comprised of songs from 2006's Hemvägen EP, Detektivbyrån demonstrate a breadth of sound that is awe-inspiring. ... [continue]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “It was the sound of post-independence Nigeria, not Vampire Weekend.” Suffice it to say that Afrobeat has become an increasingly prominent element in today’s fusion music. Yet we seldom stop to think where these unique tones originated. So this compilation marks the beginning of a series dedicated to investigating the peaks and troughs of a glossed-over genre. After all, no musical victory is without its unsung heroes. ... [continue]

Nomo have found themselves at the intersection of utmost experimentalism and a certain savoir-faire. Much like Sun Ra's work during his sojourn in New York, the songs on Ghost Rock—their third album to date—are far removed from previous work. And the assemblage of these spatial jams is such that it is nearly impossible to discern the composition from the improvisation.... [continue]

The slight air of glockenspiel clinks, modest orchestration and cyclical fluctuations of acoustic guitar has never been so much as a commanding figure. But North London-based Broadcast 2000, the successors to acoustic troubadours Artisan, have successfully employed such delicate forces in the most arresting manner feasible. And, as always, the power lies in front man Joe Steer's ability to stray from not only convolution but also the thick glaze of production which plagues most modern-day recordings.... [continue]

Welcome to Matt Gangi's extremely stylized yet vaguely recognizable world. Gangi's debut, A, acquires strength from not only the exemplary songwriting, but the vast array of musical personalities that the band displays. In a span of minutes, they could turn from Neil Young to Jethro Tull. And to that end, Gangi certainly shows signs of musical schizophrenia—juxtaposing various elements that shouldn't mesh, and yet somehow they do.... [continue]

Some musicians make use of the advantages afforded by their symbiotic relationships. First Aid Kit—a Stockholm-based duo comprised of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg—are certainly one of them. Their debut Drunken Trees EP, which was released via the Knife's Rabid Records this last April, exemplifies the surreal properties innate to flesh and blood. ... [continue]

Some people are simply born to play music. To some extent, the language appears to be innate to them. Such is the case with Minneapolis-bred Martin Dosh. On his fourth full-length to date, the multi-instrumentalist (machine)—perhaps best known for his significant role in shaping Andrew Bird's 2007 album, Armchair Apocrypha—churns out a stirring mishmash of experimentalism. In Dosh's virtuosic world, notes are merely toys. He manipulates and arranges them to make it sound as though his band consists of an ensemble—when in actuality it essentially consists of him. Ultimately, however, Wolves And Wishes relies on a certain synergy between Dosh and a vast array of collaborators (Andrew Bird, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Fog, Odd Nosdam, Mike Lewis and Jeremy Ylvisaker).... [continue]

Like some seasoned busker on the sidewalks of Philadelphia, folk-blues rocker Langhorne Slim puts it all on the line. His well-worn larynx, which sporadically emits a impassioned noise comparable to yelping, is his last hope. His stories are his livelihood. And there’s just no mistaking it.... [continue]

Sunday afternoon marked yet another turn in what has come to be a rather unpredictable career for Randy Randall and Dean Spunt. The Los Angeles-based duo—who formed No Age after the demise of hardcore punk rockers the Wives—are not only known for their experimental noise rock music, but also for their extemporaneous performances in unorthodox locales. Last November, I was lucky enough to experience one of these impromptu gigs, which occurred in the Los Angeles... [continue]

It's safe to assume that Walter Meego—who formerly resided in Chicago—wanted to be a star. Otherwise, they wouldn't have picked up and moved to Los Angeles. On their impressive debut, Justin Sconza and Colin Yarck convey knowledge of modish electronic music, but nothing beyond their years. Yet ultimately, it is their proclivity for incorporating the past, present and future that distinguishes them from their contemporaries.... [continue]

Howlin' RainMagnificent FiendAmerican RecordingsRelease Date: 04/01/08If you've ever listened to Comets On Fire, then you're only partially familiar with the free-wheeling mind of Ethan Miller. Fortunately for us, Miller's musical persona encompasses a rather intriguing dichotomy between neo-psychedelia and blues-rock. Howlin' Rain—an offshoot of the aforementioned act—represents the latter half of this revivalist duality. The Oakland-based group's sophomore album, Magnificent Fiend, brings new vigor to a chapter of rock and roll that is easily forgotten.... [continue]

photo by Julius Metoyer01. Elliott Smith - New MoonMy first introduction to Elliott Smith came at a time when I was most malleable. My freshman year of college marked the beginning of a long, uncertain journey and Elliott Smith's gentle crooning silenced my discontent. His death, which occurred mere months after I started listening to him, impacted me tremendously. I woke up that grave morning, read the news and sadly placed a pitiful, succinct note... [continue]

photo by Julius Metoyer26. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of SilverAnyone who's anyone listened to this record in 2007. And if you didn't, then you're wronging yourself. James Murphy brought electro back like never before and it couldn't have come at a better time. Sound of Silver will forever remain a cult classic of sorts, and rightfully so.LCD Soundsystem - "Someone Great" &righticonhover=0x333232&text=0x333232&slider=0xF2F2F2&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0xFFFFFF&loader=0x838383&soundFile=http://www.box.net/shared/static/8pe6ag1wgo.mp3"> 27. Patrick Wolf - The Magic PositionHe's got one hell of a backdrop,... [continue]

photo by Matt Craig50. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 NightsSharon Jones has been singing since the 70s and was even a prison guard for a short time. Her live performance is unbelievably tight, inspiring feel-good shimmying all throughout the night. There's been a ton of revivalism of outmoded genres this year and Jones is bringin' back the funk! This record sounds like it came from the mid 60s during the height... [continue]

75. The Cave Singers - Invitation SongsAccording to Seattleist, guitarist Derek Fudesco makes "sammiches" during the day and strums hypnotic lines by night. The Cave Singers encapsulate all that I love about the Northwest. Invitation Songs is chocked full of cozy, folk-bluegrass-tinged battle songs. "Helen" is built upon one savory guitar line and handful of reverb. Think Mountain Goats meets Will Oldham.The Cave Singers - "Lena" &righticonhover=0x333232&text=0x333232&slider=0xF2F2F2&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0xFFFFFF&loader=0x838383&soundFile=http://www.box.net/shared/static/7vw3ha90kk.mp3"> 76. Busdriver - RoadKillOvercoatThis madman put on one... [continue]

I've always been intrigued by other "best of" lists, but this year I decided to take it to a whole new level. I e-mailed a handful of bands that I've seen this past year in order to unearth what exactly captivated them in '07. As music listeners, it is our duty to take a keen interest in our favorite musician's influences. After all, they rocked our little world, might as well see what rocked their... [continue]

I've always been intrigued by other "best of" lists, but this year I decided to take it to a whole new level. I e-mailed a handful of bands that I've seen this past year in order to unearth what exactly captivated them in '07. As music listeners, it is our duty to take a keen interest in our favorite musician's influences. After all, they rocked our little world, might as well see what rocked their... [continue]

I've always been intrigued by other "best of" lists, but this year I decided to take it to a whole new level. I e-mailed a handful of bands that I've seen this past year in order to unearth what exactly captivated them in '07. As music listeners, it is our duty to take a keen interest in our favorite musician's influences. After all, they rocked our little world, might as well see what rocked their... [continue]

I've always been intrigued by other "best of" lists, but this year I decided to take it to a whole new level. I e-mailed a handful of bands that I've seen this past year in order to unearth what exactly captivated them in '07. As music listeners, it is our duty to take a keen interest in our favorite musician's influences. After all, they rocked our little world, might as well see what rocked their... [continue]

I've always been intrigued by other "best of" lists, but this year I decided to take it to a whole new level. I e-mailed a handful of bands that I've seen this past year in order to unearth what exactly captivated them in '07. As music listeners, it is our duty to take a keen interest in our favorite musician's influences. After all, they rocked our little world, might as well see what rocked their... [continue]