Editors' Choice for October 2011
IWW Music Group / Koch / Traffic Entertainment Group
The Wonder Years is the North Carolina producer and former Little Brother member’s first high-profile solo effort.
Lefse Records
A Classic Education's debut album is instant classic indie rock that conjures up blurry ghosts of Galaxie 500 and early Shins without sacrificing the band's own laid-back identity.
Universal
Biophilia explores humanity’s relationships with sound and the universe in an educational, emotional, and uniquely approachable way.
Domino
The Dirty Projectors and Björk collaborate to save the oceans, and make some inspired music in the process.
Ba Songs / Brett Anderson
Brett Anderson returns to rock on Black Rainbows, and it's his strongest, most confident solo album yet.
Carpark Records
On their beguiling debut full-length record, Class Actress split the difference between icy synth pop and fuzzy chillwave with plenty of drama provided by Elizabeth Harper's powerful vocals.
Merge
Recorded with Pixies live engineer Matt Yelton, the album finds the singer and guitarist with another album of plaintive, wonderfully understated songs.
Cantora Records
Emil & Friends' full-length debut takes listeners on a sprawling, otherworldly journey through pop, R&B, electronica, folk and more.
Hip-O Select
A survey of her entire career, this set makes clear that Etta James was one of the best singers of her generation.
VP Records
On his third major release, the reggae artist continues to mix the political with the romantic.
Emarcy
At the Crossroads features the James Carter Organ Trio (and special guests) innovating and firing on all cylinders.
Stones Throw
This mysterious yet adorable bit of electronica is multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist Jonti’s debut album.
Because Music / Ed Banger Records / Elektra
More rock and more guitars are found on the French dance duo’s sophomore effort.
RCA
Kelly Clarkson comes back Stronger than ever on her fifth album.
Mute
Sprawling, lush, and retro-futuristic, Anthony Gonzalez's double-album statement helped set the tone for synth pop in the 2010s.
Universal Republic
The neo-soul singer makes his major-label debut with this nostalgic, Motown-loving success.
Sargent House
Russian Circles return with Empros, their rawest and heaviest album to date.
Warp
Rustie's first album is an overwhelming amalgamation of unhip and hip sources, from late-'80s synth rock to state-of-the-art bass music.
Sub Pop
Drenched in reverb and layered with the haunting vocals of singer Tessa Murray, Still Corners' debut album delivers mysterious psychedelic pop with an expansive, cinematic feeling.
Rhino / Warner Bros.
With its exceptional remastering of the Smiths' four albums, three compilations, and lone live album, this set is essential listening for the band's fans.
Rough Trade
The Strange Boys sound rootsy, fresh, and straight from the heart of Austin, Texas on their third album.
Show Dog Nashville / Show Dog Universal Music
Toby Keith hoists a "Red Solo Cup" and parties on Clancy's Tavern.
Various Artists
Analog Africa
Bambara Mystic Soul is a revelatory look at the amazing but hidden music scene in Burkina Faso during the 1970s.
Various Artists
Columbia / Smi Col
For this imperfect yet resonant project, an all-star cast of artists wrote and performed new songs that breath life into lyrics Hank Williams left behind.
MCA Nashville / Universal
After being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Vince Gill delivers yet another reason why with Guitar Slinger.
Fat Cat / FatCat Records
In the Pit of the Stomach unleashes We Were Promised Jetpacks’ full fury with impressive results.
Sacred Bones
With abstract electronics and searing vocals, Zola Jesus' third album paints a striking portrait of the times when crisis and opportunity meet.