2 March 2015
Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.
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Austin indie rocker Ben Kweller releases his first album since 2009 and his first on his own label, Noise Company
6.6
Spirited, energetic and competent power-pop Read Review
Kweller is a disarming presence and an unpretentious sonic architect. Print edition only
Rich, well-crafted and darned fun Read Review
Like nothing else that is being produced right now Read Review
Intricate, solidly crafted pop-rock Read Review
Hooky, melodic, and sappy power pop Read Review
Straddling the border of alt-country and indie rock Read Review
He hones his best Cars, Harry Nilsson and Wilco moves into a personally revealing breakup record Read Review
He might be rightly questioned whether the relative safety of his style has been wise, but it's certainly kept his fan base happy Read Review
Retaining the sunshine vocals and buzzing guitars blueprint that's served him well thus far. Print edition only
Kweller’s talent as a pop-rock songwriter is plainly evident, but despite the consistent cheeriness that’s offered across Go Fly A Kite, it never manages to shake off the feeling of being merely an appetiser for a main course that never materialises Read Review
A likeable album, but it sounds like Jet at its worst times and like an American alt-rock band past their sell by date at its best Read Review
The most disappointing aspect of Go Fly a Kite is that it sounds so satisfied, almost smug, in its complacency Read Review
Resting on laurels may please some, but in a period where established artists need to make their most exciting and progressive music yet to stand out, just being oneself isn’t always good enough Read Review
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Ben Kweller: Go Fly A Kite
Ghostpoet Shedding Skin
One can only hope that an element of musical justice is meted out in the coming months and that Ghostpoet’s immense talent can truly be given the platform it deserves Drowned In Sound
Don't be surprised if Ghostpoet is on Mercury minds once more with this excellent effort Clash
Ghostpoet’s masterpiece DIY
The presence of a live band backing Ejimiwe’s drowsy drawl: it adds an interesting post-rock dimension to his meandering tales of slacker city life. The FT
A strong showing from an always intriguing figure The Irish Times
His conversational tales no longer have an aura of shadow to hide their occasional lack of development The Skinny
Beyond a few piano-led lulls, the new Radiohead-tinged direction sounds compelling and thoughtful The Guardian
Of Montreal Aureate Gloom
Barnes’ absolute refusal to rein in impulses or cut down on excess is what makes his best work exceptional Drowned In Sound
Like a hall of mirrors, it makes for a confusing, disorientating experience: initially exhilarating but ultimately exhausting The Skinny
His words give all the songs an added emotional punch, which helps make Aureate Gloom feel like a necessary addition to the Barnes catalog, even though it probably isn’t Consequence Of Sound
It’s thirteenth time lucky with this Technicolor epic DIY
There are some good ideas on this LP, but it’s nearly impossible to follow the threads that hold them all together Earbuddy
Venturing through various musical landscapes that span from '60s pop to doo-wop to progressive metal, the band stays tight, shifting tones and rhythms effortlessly Exclaim
Purity Ring Another Eternity
You almost wish vocalist Megan James and producer Corin Roddick would donate their productions to chart behemoths in need of an indie crossover single, rather than creating an average alt-pop hybrid themselves The Guardian
James's vocals are as ethereal as ever yet also expand beyond her saccharine-laced tendencies to sultry pop-star tones NOW
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past six years or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Deafheaven Sunbather
Sleater-Kinney No Cities To Love
PJ Harvey Let England Shake
My Bloody Valentine mbv
Ry Cooder Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down
St Vincent St Vincent