Editors' Choice for February 2023

Album cover for 7s

7s

Domino

The fourth solo album from the Animal Collective co-founder distills the wealth of strange sounds he's explored throughout his long-wandering history.

— Fred Thomas

Album cover for Pelican West 40

Pelican West 40

Edsel

Deluxe edition of the band's sophisticated pop classic, featuring B-sides, 12" versions, songs recorded for a never-finished second album, and a 1982 live show.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Dance Kobina

Dance Kobina

Blue Note

On his third Blue Note leader date, the veteran drummer/composer links jazz, Latin, and African music by focusing his attention on guaguancó.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for Raven

Raven

Warp
R&B

The progressive R&B singer/songwriter and producer returns from a lengthy absence with a potent, emotionally open, sometimes pointed second LP.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for All of This Is Chance

All of This Is Chance

Rough Trade

The distinctive Irish singer/songwriter's deeply felt fifth full-length effort seeks to reconnect to the natural world.

— James Christopher Monger

Album cover for This Is Why

This Is Why

Atlantic / Fueled by Ramen Records

An artfully raw post-punk vibe and candidly straightforward lyrics mark the Nashville group's sixth album.

— Matt Collar

Album cover for Our Best Place

Our Best Place

Good Charamel Records / The Imports

Into their fifth decade, the Japanese trio sound as happily hooky as ever as they tackle punky pop and poppy punk with joyous abandon.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Get Up Sequences, Pt. 2

Get Up Sequences, Pt. 2

Memphis Industries

Typically thrilling performances and insistently hooky songs from the long-running group, played here with extra verve -- and emotion.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Bless This Mess

Bless This Mess

4AD

The eighth album from this ever-changing art pop act intertwines themes of motherhood with accessible disco-funk and synth-heavy arrangements.

— Fred Thomas

Album cover for Soul'd Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection
Various Artists

Soul'd Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection

Craft Recordings
R&B

The last word on the living word -- a lavish 12-disc box set documenting Stax Records' 1972 benefit concert for the Watts Summer Festival.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for This Stupid World

This Stupid World

Matador

America's quintessential indie rock band embrace a new level of D.I.Y. with an album reflecting the mastery of their process.

— Mark Deming