It is perfect for lazy summer afternoons, cozy winter nights, or anytime you might want some music that's blissfully peaceful and sweet, but never boring.

With James' voice and nearly iconic harmonic sensibility as a guide, these genres flow into, rub against, and ultimately redefine one another. His creative reach, at least at this juncture appears to be boundless.

Things Are Great Here is a lovely collection and another unique release by one of the era's most distinctive artists.

Given how fickle Bemis perceives some of his fans, changing up the formula so drastically is a bold move on his part, but it's one that ultimately pays off, making the album a creative high point capable of spawning enough critical debate to fuel a lifetime of Say Anything albums.

The band does everything right on Wooden Head, from songs to sound, and while Hoare probably shouldn't quit his day job, if he and Claps keep making records as good as this he might seriously consider it.

Hornet's Nest confirms that at the age of 64, he has an awful lot of life left in him.

Even when the tracks sound more sketch-like, not fully formed--2013 single "Airglow Fires" is a trifle by Cutler's standard--the sheer moods are appealing.

Ultraviolence thrives for the most part in its density, meant clearly to be absorbed as an entire experience, with even its weaker pieces contributing to a mood that's consumptive, sexy, and as eerie as big-budget pop music gets.

As inspired, awful, and awesome as their debut, the only bummer about Donker Mag is that H.P. Lovecraft, H.R. Geiger, and H.R. Pufnstuf didn't live long enough to hear it.

The album's focus on horn arrangements and roomy, dreamlike production gives it a singular feel, one where listening through the entire album feels not unlike wading through a field of tall reeds as an inexplicably sad autumn day fades into twilight.

Fans of complex, smart pop will be attracted to Williams' attention to detail, but the songwriting itself is also deeply melodic and more lyrically and emotionally honest than before.

Equally critical and affectionate and entirely fascinating, it's some of Daniel's most personal music.

Tthe songs on Noise all fit nicely and naturally into a well-considered larger statement, making it one of Boris' most captivating and all-encompassing efforts in their abundant and colorful oeuvre.

This album's depth and excellence--only the tedious "Like That" falls short--suggest that Deykers should consider going all analog all the time.

There's an open-minded exploratory edge to everything here, as if Black Prairie were delighted to discover that genres are really just in the mind of the beholder.

On Band of Brothers, Nelson reminds us that no matter the iconic place he occupies in American popular music as a vocal stylist, he is a classic country singer and songwriter first.

Grey remains a subtle songwriter, but these songs are direct and often slyly hooky, which means Mutineers makes a striking initial impact then seeps in deeply.

La Petite Mort is a quality release and a welcome return for a band that refuses to sit down.

Weird, wonderful, and otherworldly stuff, as if Lil B. Lil Kim, Beenie Man, Beyonce, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter were spliced together with all their collective sass preserved, then piled high.

The entire album sparkles with this same brilliant pacing and the group's thoughtful trek between detached analog electronics and passionate acoustic instrumentation.

The songwriting, playing, and production here are inspired, kinetic, and far more accessible than ever before.

Much of the album is infused with a Casablancas-meets-RSO Records aesthetic circa 1980. Ultimately, it’s just that style, matched with musical substance, that helps Cruel Runnings register as a lot more than just retro hipster pastiche.

Refreshing in its conciseness and brightness, Shaken Up Versions embraces change even as it unites the different eras of the Dreijers' music.

All these light moments are tempered with Joakim's wistful, distant vocals, as if the album were a lazy getaway where breezy beaches during the day give way to bittersweet memories around the evening campfire. Sweet stuff, and besides that, it sticks.

Just as they did on their best album, Ashes Grammar, the band takes risks and makes leaps, and the results on Sea When Absent prove that they are one of the best, most interesting under-the-radar bands of their era.

Once again, HMD appeal to novices and experts alike.

With Neon Icon it's just as easy to tune in, drop out, and twerk.

Noisy yet nuanced, Electric Brick Wall delivers some of the high points of Herrema's discography.