Joshua Pressman

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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...

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.

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....

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,...

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...