Editors' Choice for October 2024

Album cover for Little Big III

Little Big III

Blue Note

Parks' quartet returns to Blue Note with a compelling third chapter, reflecting a euphoric approach to adventurous composition and improvisation.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for Honey

Honey

Merge

Dan Snaith extends the club-friendly sound of his work as Daphni into his main project, resulting in his most outwardly expressive music.

— Paul Simpson

Album cover for Mad Sometimes

Mad Sometimes

Fire Records

The sweetly wistful, haunted debut LP of a U.K. singer/songwriter whose influences span French pop, exotica, and Karen Dalton.

— Marcy Donelson

Album cover for Goat

Goat

Rocket / Rocket Recordings

The band deliver the usual dose of gnarly guitars, freak folk, and mystical biker psych, this time with some well-played hip-hop influences added in.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Blues Blood

Blues Blood

Blue Note

With a quartet, vocalists, and select guests, the alto saxophonist explores a racial incident from 1964 through a lens that reflects modern society.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for I Want Blood

I Want Blood

Double J / Universal Music

A bold and bruising nine-song set befitting an architect of grunge and alternative hard rock.

— James Christopher Monger

Album cover for Lively Premonition

Lively Premonition

Grand Jury / Grand Jury Music

The Maryland singer/songwriter embraces a cozy, soulful '70s Los Angeles pop vibe.

— Matt Collar

Album cover for Backbone

Backbone

Essence Records / Essential Media Group

The brilliant Australian singer/songwriter boldly demonstrates why she's been a giant of roots music for a quarter-century.

— Mark Deming

Album cover for Majician

Majician

Rhymesayers Entertainment
Rap

Focused and fun effort by the New York hip-hop lifer, executive-produced by a longtime associate, the late MF Doom.

— Paul Simpson

Album cover for Leon

Leon

Columbia

An inviting, emotionally complex nostalgia trip taken primarily with Kacey Musgraves collaborators Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian, and Josh Moore.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for Memorial Waterslides

Memorial Waterslides

Fire Records

The debut album from members of Electrelane and It Hugs Back is a sonically impressive entry in the always fascinating genre of cinematic psychedelia.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Terra Firma

Terra Firma

Foreign Exchange Music

A varied and cohesive collaborative work from the Grammy-nominated producer, this ranges from some unexpected boom bap to an "IYKYK" nod to Stevie Wonder.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for Doggerland

Doggerland

New West

A more ruminative and atmospheric version of the already moody New Zealand trio emerges on an EP named for the submerged land mass.

— Marcy Donelson

Album cover for Memory of a Day

Memory of a Day

Neon Gold / Virgin

The duo's best album to date finds them adding shoegaze noise and dream pop atmosphere to their predictably emotional and melodic electronic pop sound.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Rough & Ready

Rough & Ready

Paul Institute / XL Recordings

Synth funk, art pop, and soft rock are fused by the singer/songwriter on the second LP from Jai and A.K. Paul's Paul Institute label.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for Cherry Blossom Baby

Cherry Blossom Baby

Ghostly International

The producer and DJ collaborates with other members of Detroit's rich musical community, such as Kesswa, Ahya Simone, and Tammy Lakkis.

— Paul Simpson

Album cover for Got a Story to Tell

Got a Story to Tell

Daptone
R&B

On their second long-player, the California trio expand their musical reach in juxtaposing soul and retro-R&B with classic American pop.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for Slipping Away

Slipping Away

Bloodshot

The noted funnyman shifts gears with a moody, contemplative look at adult life that's intelligent and powerful.

— Mark Deming

Album cover for Acadia

Acadia

Nonesuch

The Virginia guitarist's first release for Nonesuch is effervescent and adventurous with many collaborators.

— Timothy Monger