Editors' Choice for October 2008

Album cover for Tronic

Tronic

Fat Beats
Rap

The late, great Dilla’s posthumous fingerprints are all over TRONIC.

— Matt Rinaldi

Album cover for Microcastle

Microcastle

Kranky

Lush, aurally absorbing, and a step forward for one of rock’s most unique voices.

— Anthony Tognazzini

Album cover for In Ear Park

In Ear Park

4AD / 4AD/Beggars Group

Compelling sophomore record, part freak folk, part elegant pop, by band led by Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen.

— Jason Thurston

Album cover for Civil War

Civil War

Fat Wreck Chords

Minneapolis pop-punk crew blusters like classic Midwest punk without neglecting pop hooks and songcraft

— Tom Forget

Album cover for If the World Was You

If the World Was You

Slow Curve Records

With backing from piano, standup bass, drums, saxophone, and trumpet, Souther's music relaxes and breathes in a captivating fusion of country-rock and jazz.

— Rovi Staff

Album cover for Of All the Things

Of All the Things

Verve

Jazzanova’s indisputable skill with sampling, layering, and pristine production makes the music crackle and gleam with excitement.

— Anthony Tognazzini

Album cover for Funhouse

Funhouse

LaFace

Pink’s powerhouse vocals and in-your-face approach, backed by stadium-sized production, are in full effect.

— Anthony Tognazzini

Album cover for Just a Souvenir

Just a Souvenir

Warp

The soundtrack to a vivid dream, Just a Souvenir is kinetic and hyperactive, quickly changing from one unimaginable piece of music-making to another.

— Rovi Staff

Album cover for Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia
Various Artists

Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia

Legacy / SMG

This four-disc box set paints the fullest picture of the Philly soul sound pioneered by songwriter/producers Gamble & Huff and partner Thom Bell.

— Rovi Staff