The result is distinctly Dead in the Dirt. Subtlety is not in the cards, so the faint of heart, or those craving even the most inconspicuous of melodies, should look elsewhere.

To put it into perspective, if By the Hedges was Minks channelling Joy Division, Tides End is more New Order ("Doomed and Cool," quite literally), in both its disposition and potentail to reach a wider audience.

Every bit as accomplished and rewarding as Simian Mobile Disco's recent work, Swisher is electronic music for the connoisseur.

With Hobo Rocket, Pond once again step out from an ever-growing shadow to prove that they are far more than anyone's "other band."

It's unfortunate, really, since without any of that baggage [professional separation], The Civil Wars stands as a powerful and haunting collection that exemplifies Nashville's current fixation with slickly updating traditional themes.

On II, Moderat have created an evolving piece of art that manages to both reference and reinvent their respective musical blueprints.

To the Happy Few doesn't feature many standout songs, but as a whole, it's a remarkably cohesive, often unpredictable piece of work.

This three-disc set isn't just a nostalgia-inducing reminder of Killing Joke's tremendous evolution since 1979; it also showcases the striking consistencies in the band's sound and ethos.

If you like Soilwork, this is the album you've been waiting over a decade for.

Technically flawless, but focused to a fault, Albert Einstein is further proof that Alchemist could benefit from a mistake.

This is a fantastic debut full of genuine warmth.

Mixed with poppy tracks like "Top of the World," "Pressure" and Michael Jackson meets Hall and Oates ditty "Ain't No Hat 4 That," it's evident that Thicke has created his most fun and mainstream-friendly project yet.

It's difficult to see another album topping Bakersfield as this year's best pure country release.

AlunaGeorge have done the impossible with Body Music: they've made the dynamic, progressive pop album we all hoped for.

As you can imagine, BE doesn't tread any new ground sonically, but for fans of the group, and likely Beady Eye themselves, it's a welcome distraction as we wait patiently for an Oasis reunion.

Rhythm & Blues is a late career milestone that backs up all of the accolades Guy has ever received.

Ambitious, experimental and brilliant, The Inheritors is a unique release that confirms James Holden's place not only as a DJ to watch, but also as a producer to pay close attention to.

Hardcore Bronson fans may need a little time to get into SAAAB Stories, but it's worth it once you do.

Letters Home gives something to write home about, bringing to mind Have Heart's swansong, Songs to Scream at the Sun, while simultaneously containing Defeater's best material to date.

Paradise is a record with a big personality that demonstrates how much your integrity as an artist informs your music and why that slippery qualification separates someone like Hood from the legions of lesser producers out there.

True Widow's newest album, Circumambulation, does a brilliant job of expressing the network of confused and sometimes dark emotions that make us human.

Slow Focus was solely produced by Fuck Buttons; a decision that shows how confident, individualistic and fearless this duo have become in a short time.

Melbourne is just the type of promising debut destined for a either cult following or a prosperous career.

The clashing of stoner and smart post-hardcore works wonders, while the crashing, booming production keeps things just clean enough for an extremely satisfying listen.

In his quest for comedic and artistic transcendence, Kaufman's intense pursuit of the "real" was, at the very least, unwittingly timeless.

Shaw's songs, in particular, sound like lost X classics. This switch in sonic templates doesn't blunt Bogart's rapscallion personality, though, which ultimately is what lies at the heart of his music.

Songs Cycled is a striking reminder of Van Dyke Parks' songwriting strength and deft arranging touch (see the reworking of his classic "The All Golden") for those already in the know; for others, it might just make the perfect introduction to a legend so ahead of his time that his 1968 masterpiece is just now getting its due.

While not every track bangs, the three managed to create a fairly strong record.