Label: spinART

The second release by local favorites Lotion, is nothing short of profoundly solid. This is a band who sound vocally a little like The Samples (if they were even remotely cool) with a hint of REM circa “Fables of The Reconstruction.” They write topical songs about New York without sounding cliche, play loud long riffs without sounding too hard, and acknowledge their influences without exploiting them. More than anything they spin an upbeat web of song that seems to fit just about any mood. Nutshell: unpretentious, relentless, contentness.

Label: Drag City Records

This Kentucky quartet sound, on the surface, much like an even funnier, more sarcastic 90′s version of the B-52′s. On this, their third full length effort, we are given a concept album- the concept being songs about a Yak. For the most part, King Kong take the hilarious exploits of a yak and set it to a neo-funk beat. Although this package may seem too outrageous to actually be anything more than gimmick record, the reality is that these folks can actually play their instruments quite well. It’s an album that you can really listen to, laughing hysterically through it all, or just kind bounce your head to without paying much attention. Nutshell: funny, funky, musical comedy.

Label: Sub Pop

Damon & Naomi are the legendary rhythm section of the critically acclaimed bands Galaxie 500 and Magic Hour. On this, their second solo effort, they play an atmospheric blend of fragile introspective pop. Sharing vocal duties, Damon & Naomi have constructed a kind of audible “Alice In Wonderland.” Although the focus on topical themes like love and friendship, they do so by providing weightless poems that flow effortlessly from guitar, drum and bass lines. Nutshell: misty, blissy, surreality.