Phoenix’s Ti Amo released on June 8th and is a bright and fun album. It captures the sound of a pleasant and warm Italian summer, with hummable electronics and synths. Phoenix is known for their blend of synthpop, alternative rock, and disco, and on Ti Amo they showcase that blend in spades. Two of the best tracks are “Lovelife” and “Goodbye Soleil”.
The Best of Big Star is a compilation released on June 16. It collects the best of early 70’s power pop band Big Star’s music. Fronted by brilliant songwriters Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, Big Star was a fantastic band that blended classic rock, folk, and introspective lyrics to create a unique and highly …show more content…
With their new album released on September 1st, American Dream, frontman James Murphy brings his heady mix of post-punk, dance, and Madchester music to create a record that’s a breath of fresh air. Songs on this record are full of funky basslines and atmospheric guitar. Key tracks include “Other Voices”, “Tonite”, the thrilling “Call the Police”, and the David Bowie tribute “Black Screen”.
Indie rockers The National released their seventh studio album Sleep Well Beast on September 9th. Filled with angular guitars, pensive piano, and thoughtful lyricism, the album is full of what The National does best. Frontman Matt Berninger steals the show with his emotive and colorful vocals. A few of the greatest tracks on this album are “Walk It Back”, “The System Dreams In Total Darkness”, and “Sleep Well Beast”.
On a sad note, Grant Hart, drummer and songwriter for Hüsker Dü, died on September 13. Hüsker Dü was one of the most influential alternative bands of all time. Fueled by the songwriting of Grant Hart and Bob Mould, they defined alternative rock in the 80’s. After they broke up, both Hart and Mould pursued solo careers, and both made fantastic records. If you’re interested in his music, listen to Hart’s solo material and his work with Hüsker