18 May 2013
Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 publications 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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Second album from the Nottingham-based chamber pop act, now a trio with drummer Neil Turpin joining Lucinda Chu and Chris Summerlin
6.7
It’s difficult not to feel terribly possessive over the renowned Kranky label’s sole British signatories, and it’s with a certain relief that their songcraft proves singularly remarkable once more Read Review
A record to really fall in love with Read Review
The record grabs ahold of your skin and refuses to let go Read Review
Unsettlingly intimate Read Review
Oh Holy Molar probably isn’t going to be any major publications record of the year but I wouldn’t be surprised if more than a few people end up holding it up as theirs Read Review
Creating an intimate vibe with an expansive landscape – Felix have returned with a worthy successor to their delightful debut. Get lost in their world at your earliest opportunity Read Review
UK duo-turned-trio add a touch of watery weight and seductive, intuitive groove to sparse-pop piano confessionals Read Review
An utterly intriguing and unsettling album Read Review
A dull record when played as a whole piece, the repetitiveness of the tracks and the formula killing any joy to be found in the playful and sweet tunes Read Review
Felix: Oh Holy Molar
Pistol Annies Annie Up
If Annie Up doesn't quite break the country genre's familiar format, it's a hell of a lot of fun Slant Magazine
A pretty tasty serving of grits and sass Spin
A record that feels in every sense like a thoroughly integrated effort; the work of a group, not three individuals All Music
Their hearts are in every line and note Paste Magazine
The lyrics are carefully written and thoughtfully sung; the arrangements share similar qualities, with settings that suit the songs and brief solos that come in and echo the song’s emotions in a way that feels perfect Pop Matters
Country's new generation of strong female voices is on a roll in 2013 – and Pistol Annies remain at its forefront The Guardian
There may be better bands than Pistol Annies, but what band is more of a hoot? Rolling Stone
Wampire Curiosity
Their songs have a sharpness to them that makes them sparkle through the lysergic fug. Print edition only Q
Laura Marling Once I Was An Eagle
Once I was An Eagle is entirely Laura Marling's trip - beautiful, heartfelt, searching, sublime - and thrillingly open-ended. Print edition only Q
Var No One Dances Quite Like My Brothers
Something serene, tender even. Print edition only Uncut
Recalls Joni Mitchell's landmark Blue in the way she ruthlessly dissects her love life, hunting for emotional satisfaction. Print edition only Uncut
Sarcastic, ironic - and occasionally infuriating. Print edition only Mojo
It's the sweet sound of this unique talent evolving and it's utterly captivating. Print edition only Mojo
Yet another crowning achievement in this young woman's remarkable career to date The Digital Fix
Whether she is softly crooning over a plucked guitar or dabbling with organs and percussion for quietly cacophonous climaxes, Marling is never less than captivating The Irish Times
The early reviews are generally positive for the follow up to the widely-acclaimed High Violet. "This set of tracks will stand with their most masterful" says Clash while The Skinny think it is "a marvellous listen"
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past four years or so
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
PJ Harvey Let England Shake
My Bloody Valentine mbv
Ry Cooder Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down
Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d city
Arcade Fire The Suburbs
Tom Waits Bad As Me
Janelle Monáe The ArchAndroid