Numbers – MellowHype – I thought their name was ironic, but on their second record MellowHype live up to its name. All very Wiz Khalifa but without the pop sensibility. The best tracks owe debts to Odd Future team mates Frank Ocean and Earl Sweatshirt, in other places it is too down beat and dreary. And while I love the horn on "Brain", and quite like the rap, exceptions don't make rules – Grade: B-
Close Up, Vol 4, Songs Of Family – The poster girl for every lousy chick with guitar opening act in the country has been re-recording her somber singer-songwriter catalog unplugged. Begging an answer to this musical question: what the hell did she think it was before? -Grade: C
Halycon – Ellie Goulding – If this is a pop move, it neither pops nor moves enough to do the job. And though the single is a killer, it's a long drag to "Explosions" which is really pretty but not vaguely explosive. There is a complete disconnect between this singer-songwriter stuff and her live show, not to mention her boyfriend – Grade: B
Out Of The Black – Boyz Noize – On my radar for years now, the Gernan DJ is one of the best in the business. Nobody does bass this well. Plus a track like "Conchord" is almost as exciting on record as it is live. Yep, you read it. He is better live – Grade: B
Shut Down The Streets – A.C. Newman – Not a fan. This is tasteful, clever, lyrically quick on its feet. But it is boring and obvious. Plus, I don't like his name – Grade: B-
Diluvia – Freelance Whales – I don't like these indie guys name either, and they were a snooze on "Governor's Island". And they are too tasteful. And the lead singer looks like a schmuck. As boring on record as they are in person – Grade: B-
Live In Europe – The Brew UK – A fine English Blues band, as willing to ascend to haunted Zepp-y hard rock bombast as post-punk agitprop. On "KAM" they do it for ten minutes.Grade: B+
Naplam -Xzibit – "What's the meaning of life? I can't tell ya…" Hmmm, The West Coast rapper has a great voice, and with tracks like "Always A G" (featuring Wiz) and "Gangster Gangster" we all know where it's going. Still, despite its obviousness and voice, Xzibits voice makes it just about palatable – Grade: C+
#3 – The Script – Irish lads who can write a catchy melody if you put a gun to their head. But all these deep and meaningless songs drag fast – Grade: C
Release Me – Barbra Streisand – Searching the vaults, Barbra found a handful of killer cuts that never made the albums for some reason, probably as baffling to you as to me. Really excellent but a special shout out to Jimmy Webb and Randy Newman and the Bergmans come to think of it – Grade: A
Lonerism – Tame Impala – Modern dance rock from Australia. Actually, from Perth, Australia – Grade: B
Monster – KISS – Three years after the excellent "Sonic Boom", this isn't as consistently great but it is close. Best song? "Back To The Stone Age" – Grade: B
Glad All Over – The Wallflowers – I can't take Jakob's voice any more and while we are all well aware of Dylan's adoration of the Clash, Mick Jones doesn't add much. Still, from time to time, the songs make it on their own steam – Grade: C+
Story – David Branson – Seven years in the making and yet the perfectionism doesn't deader this collection of lovely 70s flavored indie rock songs, with a lead singer with a great lead singer voice. It draws you in and plays off its lightness with an emotional depth. The first three songs are among the best starts of the year – Grade: B+