Fans of his hip-hop and R&B work will certainly be challenged by the sparse and experimental nature of Xen, which makes it one of the most satisfying listens of the year..

Michael may very well contain the best material Bundick has released throughout his already stellar career.

Clark is anomalous but deeply rewarding. It's the type of release you could easily live inside for weeks and still find interesting nooks every single day.

The best moments on La Isla Bonita evoke the inventiveness of Deerhoof's classic albums and their ability to explore seemingly limitless possibilities within their own (admittedly unique) framework.

When he calls the 92-piece orchestra in, the results are mixed.

Only the lengthy closer "Made of Air," while in line with Harris' more drone-based experimental output, seems somewhat unnecessary here.... Otherwise, Grouper's latest is yet another exceptional offering that captures a truly unique voice in a uniquely natural setting.

Dope Body deliver hard-hitting rock, employing skill and effects while keeping things more accessible for their audience (heavy alt-rock lovers) than they did on 2012's Natural History.

Though this is his most contemplative release to date, Flatland still seems fidgety, with each track seemingly owing little to the ones before it.

Once you get through "The End" (which is actually near the beginning)--with a barrage of cymbals care of Brian Blade--Flesh And Machine is a relatively subdued affair.

Sometimes the album's constant zigzagging can create a bit of a discombobulated effect, but Medicine have never been the sort to adhere to any rules but their own.

Restorations have left everything on the table with LP3, and the enormity of their vision as a rock band has largely been realized.

It's the layering and attention to detail on these tracks that further reaffirms that Black Milk is now firmly in his own lane.

Under Pressure finds Logic breaking out as an all-star emcee, raising the bar higher than anyone could've predicted.

Yet because the beats are so fierce and the flows so varied, there is no slogging through this 39-minute hurricane. It's been a minute, but RTJ have reminded us that, yes, rap music can be fun and opinionated simultaneously.

The songs, although well assembled, lack the edge that the band is known for, which could be hazardous.

Once More With Feeling… acts as both a great introduction for new fans, highlighting their DIY aesthetic and their ability to subvert their own song structures, and as a nice addition to Ought's already great discography for existing fans.

This is a perfect match of old school talent and righteous inspiration.

The Calgary-born singer and songwriter showcases an even wider palette on her debut full-length, Sound Of A Woman.

The production is top notch, Tip is rapping tighter than ever, and clearly knows who and what to work with, but the rare glimmers of originality and risk only further exposes the safeness of this Pharrell-tweaked new T.I. album.

Soused is a powerful and arresting album that will appeal to fans of Scott Walker's later work.

Purists will always pine for Sonic Youth and their glory days, but with a band and album this good, who cares about the past?

Though it does eventually get bogged down under its own excess, considering the weight Slipknot had to shoulder to even get this album out, it's a considerable accomplishment and a lovely eulogy to their fallen comrade.

As a rock and roll journeyman, Lanegan's interesting direction on Phantom Radio is commendable even if it is not entirely magnetic.

Tough Love is a tour de force album, one that nails heartache with sophistication and class.

With minimalist lyrics, easy-going beats and subdued horns, Ford's songwriting and voice shine through, tempting to you to press the repeat button.

Single Mothers sound consistent throughout this set of ten beer-soaked songs, but after just 20 minutes, that consistency is far too homogenous and one-note to be interesting.

On their debut, Museum of Love have created a tight debut that seems more interested in its primal appeal than it does its cognitive.

All of this freedom has culminated in a stellar debut full-length for Arts & Crafts.