Editors' Choice for March 2011

Album cover for Tan Bajo

Tan Bajo

In the Red Records

The Puerto Rico-based garage punks' second album is just as much wall-shaking, snot-nosed fun as their debut.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Deep Politics

Deep Politics

Temporary Residence

Grails add more dramatic textural elements to their sound and create a heavier-than-thou brand of 21st century library music.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for I Remember Me

I Remember Me

Arista
R&B

The follow-up to Hudson's Grammy-winning debut is highlighted by collaborations with Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Salaam Remi, and R. Kelly.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for Junkyard Speed Ball

Junkyard Speed Ball

Alive / Alive Records

Left Lane Cruiser's fourth album (and third for Alive Records) continues the two-piece band's distinctive and searing merger of North Mississippi hill country blues with thrash punk.

— Steve Leggett

Album cover for Fading Parade

Fading Parade

Sub Pop

Though Jason Quever and company pursue a bigger and brighter sound, Papercuts' pop pleasures are as subtle as ever.

— Heather Phares

Album cover for Perseverance

Perseverance

Distribution 13 / Wide Hive Records / Wienerworld

Phil Ranelin's Perseverance, with Big Black and Henry Franklin, showcases the compositions of a visionary jazz master at a peak.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for Pedals

Pedals

Atlantic / Photo Finish Records

Rival Schools return with a focus on melody on their long-awaited sophomore album, Pedals.

— Gregory Heaney

Album cover for The MGM Singles

The MGM Singles

Sundazed

This irresistible set collects all of Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs’ singles and B-sides for MGM Records between 1965 and 1968, plus lead singer and organist Domingo Samudio’s one-off comeback single for the label from 1973.

— Steve Leggett

Album cover for Belong

Belong

Slumberland

Belong has the sonic qualities of a classic early-'90s alt-rock album along with the high-quality songwriting and energetic performances that made the group's debut so satisfying.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Screws Get Loose

Screws Get Loose

Oh Wow Dang

On their second album, Those Darlins toss aside the folk, country, and cowpunk of their debut in favor of a garage punk attack that sounds more Detroit than Tennessee.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Civilian

Civilian

Merge

Wye Oak's third album is their best yet; passionately autumnal and full of memorable indie rock songs.

— Tim Sendra