Best Albums: St. Vincent, Beck, Davidge, The Notwist

This week’s best albums

– Immediately recording after touring with David Byrne, St. Vincent releases an album that tries to capture her essence — “a party record you could play at a funeral.”

– A companion piece to 2002’s Sea ChangeBeck Hansen’s Morning Phase sees the return of many of its predecessor’s musicians and adopts a similar vibe — though this one’s bathing in more Californian warmth than drowning in utter heartbreak.

Massive Attack producer and composer (Neil) Davidge follows his Halo 4 soundtrack with a true “solo” debut, featuring a bevy of beautiful voices to go with spare, thumping electronica.

– German indie-glitch group The Notwist takes listeners through a veritable forest of unfamiliar sounds.

Honorable mentions

Neneh Cherry: Blank Project (Smalltown Supersound)

D. Charles Speer & The Helix: Doubled Exposure (Thrill Jockey)

Dephosphorus: Ravenous Solemnity (Handshake Inc. / 7 Degrees)

The Souljazz Orchestra: Inner Fire (Strut)

Yellow Ostrich: Cosmos (Barsuk)