The force is strong for Jeff Tweedy and co.
Wilco fans were treated to the group releasing their ninth album for free online. Star Wars is the most experimental LP the veteran band has offered since A Ghost Is Born – from the spiky, distressed guitars of opening instrumental “EKG” to the stunningly hazy fugue state conjured by closer “Magnetized.” –Michelle Solomon
CURATOR’S DISCOVERY
Beloved British space rockers make an unexpected return.
Flying Saucer Attack frontman David Pearce goes it alone on Instrumentals 2015, the first FSA release in 15 years – and a stunning collection of abstract sonic sketches. These impressionistic instrumentals smolder, shimmer and occasionally howl. They drift between pastoral twang, blurred prismatic thrum, keening feedback-drenched drone and hazy smears of soft-focus sound. –Andee Connors
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Dej Loaf masters hardcore flow and sex appeal on the #AndSeeThatsTheThing EP.
Slowing down to sing half her raps over syrupy beats, Dej Loaf paints a clear picture of the summer’s hottest rapper from the D. On the flip, Deja keeps it Motor City tough, talking a mean game without half steppin’ on the mic. –J Boogie
Five strings, two fingers, one single.
There’s a viral meme that reads, “We need to start worrying about what kind of world we’re going to leave behind for Keith Richards.” The single “Trouble” from his forthcoming solo album Crosseyed Heart perpetuates the myth of Keith’s immortality – this catchy blues-rocker could’ve been recorded in the ‘70s. It’s not retro. It’s timeless. –Eric Shea
Seven Davis Jr. redefines future funk
Trained in gospel and jazz and molded by San Francisco’s eclectic dance underground, Seven Davis Jr. has found a home in LA’s thriving electronic scene alongside forward-thinking compatriots like Kutmah and Flying Lotus. Universes overflows with disco tempos and raw, snappy drums – his jittery funk beats inspiring critics to call him “the new Prince.” –Party Ben
Southern California rockers eschew the LA sunshine for darkness.
With so many longhairs riding shotgun on the stoner rock bandwagon, it’s refreshing to hear a heavy trio unapologetically inspired by the occult. Occult Wisdom’s eponymous debut album wastes no time digging into Pentagram flavored riffs (“Reflections On Elephants”). But it’s “Look at the Sun” that delivers the darkest psychedelia here. –Eric Shea
Jill Scott is back with Woman. Hear her roar.
From top to bottom, Woman is filled with energy, soul and attitude. Heavy drums and bass run throughout the backdrop to fittingly compliment Scott’s powerful voice. This album promises head nodding and a vibe that can only be described as a gospel choir meeting up in a cocktail lounge –Z. Mack
