Although this is one of the most linear and easy-to-navigate Giant Sand records, some might be put off by the album's lapses in noisier and raucous dynamics.

A demented, twisted, and exuberant journey through a hip musical funhouse.

Hawley has made an exceptionally perfect album with Truelove’s Gutter: it’s endearing, uplifting and absolutely beautiful, what else could you ask for?

Props to McGuire for making an album exuding love, humbleness, and gratitude which didn't sacrifice any of his compositional complexity or overemphasize its conception. He should be proud of living with himself.

Each song sounds like a distinct ray of light and although it’s packed into something both concise and brief, it’s the strength of each song that makes the whole album stand out.

From track to track, there is a progression that not only befits their name but their musical endeavors.

The best treat in any kind of music following is when a band who’s been dabbling in greatness for a while finally comes to the plate and smashes a home run over the fences.

Ultimately, it ends up being a fine album. Nothing too spectacular or breakthrough but filled with enough great tunes to keep you coming back.

Wincing The Night Away has enough dreamy, jangly and melodic indie-pop that almost lives up to the hype and will leave swirling, seraphic sensations playing inside your head.

Gloss Drop is a definitely strong final outcome.

Whilst it might miss its prequel’s sublime rootedness, the album’s alluring and questing life-force confirms that Cécile Schott is a thoughtful artisan to keep closely watching over a long-haul creative journey.

It’s with his newest album, Years of Refusal, that Morrissey has delivered one of his finest albums to date.

Conatus continues her roll with more astounding music that sounds better with each listen and during this day and age, what more could you ask for in an album?

This is music to celebrate life with and to joyously fashion because it's certainly amazing.

Due to its extreme use of repetition and electronics, it forgoes much of the curious, daydream-esque dynamic which had dominated previous Collective releases, but what has been assembled here is an astute, entrancing deconstruction of pop music. Highly and happily recommended to all.

It’s a remarkable debut by a tremendous quartet. Not only does it have the raw emotion, but also the intense, glorious musicianship, absorbing hooks and grandiose arrangements to leave you utterly breathless, drained and wanting more.

There’s so much to love about Popular Songs and whether you think it’s the outstanding collection of music, the superb style choices, the fantastic lyrics or all of the above, it’s clear that Yo La Tengo is winningly superb.

He's been able to continue on his path without compromising his talents or ability and with Underneath the Pine, this is now two outstanding albums in the span of just as many years.

Minor niggles aside though, Silver Bullets is a solid and rewarding return to the fray for The Chills which patient followers will wrap their ears around gratefully.

This is definitely a solid album from a band that is surely to get better.

It requires headphones, or at least some form of solidarity, to enjoy the carefully composed post-rock that only a band like Apse can deliver. It can be a bleak listen at time but this is a beautiful album that should be experienced at least once.

Below the Branches is the kind of record true lovers of classic 60s and 70s pop can adore.

An Imaginary Country suffers nothing for these decisions [to ease back on the heavier, noisier aspects of his work] and in fact nearly stands as a perfect counterpoint to the acidic blasts of white noise on "Harmony in Ultraviolet."

There is cohesiveness here, there is a strong theme throughout, there is terrific musicianship and a gorgeous melting of voices all in between.

With the rocking tunes, energetic vocals and those smart lyrics, Accelerate is a true return to form for a band that really needed it.

Once the blissful excitement of 'Brain Burner' closes the album you will realize that with Nouns, No Age have not only delivered an intense blend of experimental/noise/ambient rock but they have very clearly delivered, arguably, the best album of the year.

Astro Coast succeeds admirably because it pulses with a fun, youthful, and invigorating feel, and obvious lack of arty pretenses, studio mediation, or self-importance. Not every band can be Radiohead, thankfully.

A strong early contender for Record of the Year.