With their relentless beats, electro noise-pop duo Derek Miller (laptop/guitar) and Alexis Krauss (vocals) manage to out-M.I.A. M.I.A. on her own label.

What the critics liked: Unapologetic, noisy, and raw, Treats' energy explodes through the stereo and on the dance floor, and is impossible not to notice.

What they didn't: While the band's signature sound is undoubtedly a rush, some critics warned that the sameness could bring stylistic fatigue.

Listen to "Rill Rill":

The performance artist extraordinaire comments on contemporary America on her first album in over a decade.

What the critics liked: Provocative and philosophical, Anderson tackles patriotism through inventive musical compositions and voice filters.

What they didn't: If you are uncomfortable with mixing music with political passions or with experimental music in general, this album is not for you.

Mod icon Paul Weller, formerly of The Jam and Style Council, returns on his latest solo album with a collection of short, aggressive tracks.

What the critics liked: The iconic Weller's two-minute rockers are audacious, imaginative, and as full of ideas as ever, if occasionally self-derivative.

What they didn't: A few critics felt that the album lacked cohesion and could have benefited from less indulgent production.

This L.A. band lets their freak folk flag fly with homages to pop styles of yore.

What the critics liked: The sweet psychedelia and good-natured revisionism are given more hi-fi treatment here than on past outings.

What they didn't: Some reviewers felt that the music is too derivative and lacks sustaining interest.

The Philadelphia hip-hop artists show their versatility in this smart, funky album that includes a number of indie rock guests.

What the critics liked: The slow-grooving record manages to be both intelligent and upbeat, with inspired guest turns from the likes of My Morning Jacket’s Jim James/Yim Yames and Joanna Newsom.

What they didn't: Slant called the album stylistically inert -- the most "offputtingly soft music they've possibly ever released."

This intriguing Congolese mixture of traditional music and inadvertent-distortion-inspired electronica features the electric likembé, or thumb piano.

What the critics liked: Konono No. 1's polyrhythmic African noise trance makes for an immersive, richly textured aural experience.

What they didn't: Pitchfork (who liked their previous album much better) pointed out that they do one thing extremely well, and don't diverge from it -- but perhaps they don't need to.

This Sacramento sludgecore outfit brings an aggressive exuberance to their brand of punk.

What the critics liked: This collection of brief, hardcore punk songs add up to what NME calls a "masterpiece of sonic violence." DIY FTW!

What they didn't: BBC says that "its longevity is appropriately limited," which does not necessarily preclude its appeal.

The Scottish sweethearts continue to turn out heartfelt, perfect pop songs with their ninth album in 20 years.

What the critics liked: The genius songwriting trio of Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, and Gerard Love spins bittersweet songs about longing, love, and even marriage with a mastery that younger bands should envy.

What they didn't: The album may be sedate at times, but as NME says, Teenage Fanclub is "always the same. But it's a lovely same."

Listen to "Baby Lee":

Swedish songstress Robyn returns after a five-year break from her last LP with this short eight-song album, the first in a trilogy expected out this year.

What the critics liked: Collaborations with Diplo and Röyksopp add to the impeccable production of this more personal record by the dance-pop phenomenon.

What they didn't: While some tracks earned raves, the same critics feared that the 30-minute album could ill afford filler.

This American pop/punk band is led by the New Jersey- and Springsteen-influenced Brian Fallon.

What the critics liked: With appropriately anthemic melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the Gaslight Anthem's latest album is less punky and more soulful than past efforts.

What they didn't: The Guardian says that Fallon "emerges from American Slang as a man who couldn't assemble an IKEA bookcase without getting the instructions tattooed on his heart while rememberin' the good times."