Editors' Choice for June 2018

Brahms, played convincingly in Casals' style, on Casals' cello.

— James Manheim

The Indiana University Philharmonic scores with this world premiere of Diamond's neglected Symphony No. 6.

— James Manheim

For her album Beyond Bach and Vivaldi, Augusta McKay Lodge plays Baroque works for unaccompanied violin that have long been neglected.

— Blair Sanderson

Superb Shostakovich recordings of deep emotional sensitivity.

— James Manheim

Widescreen ambient pop that demands both patience and, if available, a quality set of headphones.

— James Christopher Monger

Superb interpretations of Schubert, technically flawless, intimate, and deeply felt.

— James Manheim

Utilizing wind and brass instruments, his voice and electronics, the saxophonist/composer delivers a subtle but menacing horror film score.

— Thom Jurek

A moody, meditative record that showcases a weathered, middle-aged Matthews.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Communication is the core of Dawes' sixth album, a sophisticated, warmly rendered set of '80s-style adult contemporary anthems.

— Matt Collar

A collection of the band's pop-metal albums from the '80s, plus an early EP, a live set from 1983, and a disc of B-sides and single mixes.

— Tim Sendra

The second half of a funky gig from the sainted Detroit club is a stunning portrait of the guitarist and the Lyman Woodard Trio.

— Thom Jurek

The L.A. experimental pop maverick offers a synth-heavy sophomore set describing his breakup with America.

— Timothy Monger

The glorious music composed for the Basilica of San Marco is presented in this Accent release by Étienne Meer and Les Traversées Baroques.

— Blair Sanderson

Express Rising's second release as a trio is another sparse, airy set of downcast instrumentals.

— Paul Simpson

God's Favorite Customer is designed to be the digestif after the multi-course feast of Pure Comedy.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

On Prologue, soprano Francesca Aspromonte presents opening scenes from early Baroque operas that provide an emotional connection to the drama.

— Blair Sanderson

François-Xavier Roth and Les Siècles present orchestral music by Maurice Ravel in period instrumentation that sparkles with distinctive sonorities.

— Blair Sanderson

A lovely a cappella recording that effectively ties together early Renaissance and modern compositions on Marian themes.

— James Manheim

Returning from a seven-year hiatus, the band delivers a message of hope that sounds timely and eternal.

— Heather Phares

The alt-rock quartet integrate classic pop hooks with futuristic electronic production on their innovative sophomore effort expanded here with bonus tracks.

— Neil Z. Yeung

Collection of two rare demo acetates the former Byrds singer cut in 1966 and 1967, cleaned up and showing him in fine form.

— Tim Sendra

Beethoven's Eighth and the Piano Concerto in D major receive period-style performances from Martin Haselböck and the Wiener Akademie Orchester.

— Blair Sanderson

A nice summary of Graham Nash's peak, supplemented by a lovely collection of original demos.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Celebrating a decade together, the band's first live album is not only a dream come true for fans, but a definitive introduction for new listeners.

— Thom Jurek

Hervé Niquet and Le Concert Spirituel revive the music of Baroque composer Orazio Benevolo with this disc of polychoral sacred works.

— Blair Sanderson

Short, spontaneous album recorded by Jamal Moss during a visit to the Moog Sound Lab in London.

— Paul Simpson

On the second entry in his Mansion trilogy, Ethan Miller and an entirely new lineup seek America via ragged guitar rock glory.

— Thom Jurek

Isabelle Faust and friends perform Schubert's Octet with an ease and warmth that one would expect of a more experienced ensemble.

— Blair Sanderson

Originally thought to be lost, an adventurous, invigorating album culled from a March 1963 session by Coltrane's classic quartet.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

A melancholy and subtle collection of songs by the former Brunette; the most intricate and accomplished of his albums yet.

— Tim Sendra

Sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti alternate with pieces by György Ligeti on harpsichordist Justin Taylor's 2018 release on Alpha.

— Blair Sanderson

On his sophomore full-length, the Los Angeles-based saxophonist, arranger, and bandleader retains his maximalist aesthetic to excellent effect.

— Thom Jurek

This eponymous debut from Kanye West and Kid Cudi is a compact, lushly produced, and thrilling collaboration.

— Neil Z. Yeung

The sophomore album from the San Diego-born keyboardist showcases his spacy jazz, hip-hop, and electronic grooves.

— Matt Collar

New Zealand-based musician emulates '60s baroque Moog-pop with this fun, creative album of celebratory instrumentals.

— Paul Simpson

Hector Berlioz and Carl Maria von Weber share the program of this Hyperion release by Andrew Manze and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

— Blair Sanderson

Lera Lynn loosens up on this atmospheric collection of duets.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

The duo's vibrant second album dives into synth pop epics and introspective rock with thrilling results.

— Heather Phares

French musicians bring the 17th-century English song to life.

— James Manheim

Another exciting installment of rough-and-ready garage punk from the former Headcoatee with songs written and played by the Masonics.

— Tim Sendra

The Swedish singer's heartbreaking fourth set laments the last gasps of a relationship with cold pop production.

— Neil Z. Yeung

On its first effort in six years, the Midwestern indie rock trio debuts a reinvigorated, pop-friendly approach.

— Neil Z. Yeung

A dusty and deeply satisfying union of American folk, blues, and West African influences from the acclaimed Portland guitarist and composer.

— Timothy Monger

Free-flowing prog-psych made under the imaginative direction of Melody Prochet with help from members of Dungen and the Amazing.

— Tim Sendra

Cathartic song arc that chronicles Shinoda's grief in the wake of Linkin Park co-vocalist Chester Bennington's 2017 death.

— Neil Z. Yeung

The band's cathartic third album turns hardship into ferocious inspiration.

— Heather Phares

The sophomore studio effort from the English folk singer is as compelling and powerful as it unwaveringly intimate.

— James Christopher Monger

The producer scorns existing musical genres and invents android folk, mutant R&B, and futuristic opera along the way.

— Heather Phares

The Philly-based indie rocker's relatability and knack for crafting delicious earworms render even her most painful admission or rumination a small joy to ingest.

— James Christopher Monger

A wistful and summery slow blast of hazy, shoegazey goodness that owes as much to power pop as it does early-'90s slacker rock.

— James Christopher Monger

The debut album of progressive, thought-provoking, groove-based jazz from keyboardist Robert Glasper's supergroup.

— Matt Collar

Rachel Barton Pine and Jory Vinikour present Bach's six Sonatas for violin and harpsichord with a conversational feeling that is quite enjoyable.

— Blair Sanderson

Fascinated since his twenties with Byrd's keyboard music, Richard Egarr presents a selection of representative pieces on One Byrde in Hande.

— Blair Sanderson

The band's debut album surpasses the jangle pop potential of their previous EPs to become an instant, hit-packed classic of the genre.

— Tim Sendra

The British duo combine twangy '50s rock, Everly Brothers harmonies, and Scott Walker-esque theatricality on their Rick Rubin-produced debut.

— Matt Collar

Fascinating, innovative debut album from Turkish beatmaker Sami Baha, offering a global perspective on the trap phenomenon.

— Paul Simpson

A passionate, complex debut album that unites gospel, classical, R&B, and avant-garde on songs that glow like religious icons.

— Heather Phares

The full-length debut of singer/songwriter/guitarist Lindsey Jordan and band impresses with soundscape and sentiment.

— Marcy Donelson

Public and reflective sides of Vaughan Williams' sacred music, neatly summarized.

— James Manheim

A lovely set of miniatures, personal, original in concept, and filled with music to rediscover.

— James Manheim

After a lengthy hiatus, Sugarland return with a mature, confident country-pop record.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Australian quintet Tangents continue to display their "post-everything" approach to improvisation on their third full-length.

— Paul Simpson

Recorded at a Portland studio instead of at home, the band leaps into mid-fi with sweetly hooky songs and laid-back style fully intact.

— Tim Sendra

Uniform and the Body unite for a brief yet powerful LP of bleak, pummeling industrial noise rock.

— Paul Simpson

After a long break, the chamber pop maestros return with an album that's focused, hooky, and emotional in typically understated fashion.

— Tim Sendra

Definitive career overview of the U.K. pub rock hopefuls turned new wave heroes.

— Mark Deming

Double shot of vivid orchestral soul and jazz from Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and a cast including Raphael Saadiq and Marsha Ambrosius.

— Andy Kellman

One and only album by an L.A. band that flavored its glittering and weird power pop with a big dollop of glam.

— Tim Sendra

The Pride of Cabbagetown return after an 18-year layoff, sounding less manic but every bit as intense.

— Mark Deming

The Nashville-based country-rockers' third full-length effort goes down like a cold lawnmower beer.

— James Christopher Monger

Valery Gergiev leads the Munich Philharmonic in the second installment of their Bruckner cycle, the 1888/89 version of the Symphony No. 3.

— Blair Sanderson

A decade after the popular first volume, Analog Africa presents another set of electrifying Afro-funk from Benin.

— Paul Simpson

The duo's heartfelt, innovative third album is its finest work yet.

— Heather Phares

London's errant rock & rollers return with a record that is weirdly wild, yet hugely approachable.

Debut release from an alias of Tadd Mullinix that takes influence from mid-'90s jungle and Detroit techno while sounding fresh and unique.

— Paul Simpson

The band celebrates its 50th anniversary with a box of remixed, high-resolution LP versions of its five classic '70s albums.

— Thom Jurek

After guitarist Mike Scheidt suffered a life-threatening illness and surgery, YOB emerged with the most innovative, poetic album in their career.

— Thom Jurek

Young Widows round up non-album tracks, starting with their more atmospheric newer material and moving back to their post-hardcore days.

— Paul Simpson