This week’s best albums
– Phantogram releases one of the best pop albums of the year so far, highlighted by its vocal contributions and occasional stylistic excursions.
– Junius delivers the perfect soundtrack for all your burning, post-apocalyptic hell-scape needs.
– With her first full-band release, indie singer/guitarist Angel Olsen combines gentle guitar strumming with languid melodies, sparse bass, and an airy, aching voice.
– John Zorn writes a new album of progressive avant-rock for Abraxas, a super-group that was first assembled for part of Zorn’s massive second Masada songbook.
– A bevy of high-profile guests create a remix album for Empty Flowers that reworks the source material in atmospheric, inventive ways.
Honorable mention
New Bums: Voices in a Rented Room (Drag City)