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 Change, Beck 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)