M. Ward
Hold Time (MERGE)
Lusher, cleaner and more orchestrated than any of his previous works, Ward’s latest album seems the next logical step in his progression from croaky-voiced wandering troubadour to croaky-voiced NPR god. That’s not an indictment – with the exception of a HORRIBLE collaboration with Lucinda Williams midway through, Hold Time stands up with the best of M.’s Americana catalogue.
-Alexander Abnos
Matt and Kim
Grand (FADER LABEL)
Pop meets grunge rock with an indie infusion. Two Brooklyn hipsters clash on a drum, a keyboard and a minisynth with vocals reminiscent of a prepubescent Freddie Mercury. Lacking musicality and originality.
-Jessica Gray
Confessions of a Shopaholic
(TOUCHSTONE PICTURES)
Set in a world where you will land your dream job, he is just that into you and you can make $16,000 (in pennies) to pay off a debt collector by selling your old clothing. Plus, mannequins that talk!
-Ani Mamourian
Various Artists
War Child Presents: Heros (ASTRALWERKS)
The cause album of covers champions the mantra of dads, classic rock dudes and marginally overweight disc jockeys everywhere: Music saves the world! That is, the mere act of Karen O covering a Ramones track has the incendiary power to melt enemy faces, turn AK-47s into daisies and transform conflict into a beach blanket bingo!
-Amanda Pacitti