The group manages to rise above many of their stereotypical, unoriginal contemporaries by featuring plenty of surprises and innovation (although there is still a very recognizable grounding throughout).

An unquestionable oblique listen by mainstream standards, but compared to Of Montreal's previous offerings, Paralytic Stalks demonstrates an intimacy and immediacy which Barnes would do well to repeat.

While it may lack the dense orchestrations and insular connotations of previous efforts, Animal Joy packs a powerful punch all of its own, typified by an artfully sequenced set of songs that capture the human condition with panache.

The songs here seldom rise above the level of being really cute.

This album makes the case they deserve our attention and our own hospitality.

Feel the Sound is such a consistent, and consistently smooth, pop album, that it might put you to sleep, or at least a musically-induced coma.

As reunion records go this is certainly no lazy phoned-in companion to more lucrative live shows, as it captures promising movements forward as opposed to just fumbled nostalgic flashbacks.

New Album is the culmination of the band's ongoing experimentation that catapults its ferocious sound headlong into new territory.

Gloss Drop is a definitely strong final outcome.

All in all, El Camino sticks to a tried and true template of brazen impulsivity that's been explored by generations of rock bands.

Bon Iver sounds distinctively matured and alive on Bon Iver: an album that even still, in the late winter, months after its release sounds magical.

If diversity is key, this album certainly has it in abundant strength and as more is revealed, the range of the band takes over.

This small grievance aside, Getting Paid is sure to delight not only the Mars Volta fans out there, but also anyone with a passing fancy for artists ranging from Geddy Lee to Jack White.

Although a little flawed, taken overall this repackage of Tago Mago is a strong reminder of an inspirational band that – like sometime peers Kraftwerk – can still be enjoyed directly in the present, due to a combination timelessness and foresight that sustains a remarkably intense freshness.

On Metals Feist combines the sublime magic of her voice with songs that feature equally strong compositions to render an album that is easily one of the best of the year.

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?

Through its eleven songs Komba is exactly what we all need from time to time: a hopeful rejoicing in life itself.

It was a captivating listen then, and remains so now.

Biophilia is an excellent addition to her glorious discography.

The intelligent songcraft on Days is remarkably strong and with enough luster to continue, here's to hoping the desire never runs dry for Real Estate.

The Vision stands far above many of the other products of its genre, and hints at the ability of McClean to eventually gain massive crossover appeal and subvert the trappings and constrictions of his genre.

Fortunately III is an aptly titled, continued sign of excellence from one of electronic techno music's prominent leaders.

It'd be a daunting feat for anyone to furnish a respectable sophomore LP after the hype of a debut like Psychic Chasms, but Alan Palomo succeeds here, blessed with an innate ability to temper previous charms with present provocations.

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

As stirring as it is absorbing, Talkdemonic's music is an engaging set of blended fusion that is a solid step forward.

The songs are dense and cleverly-constructed, and given a bit of attention, their wit and melodies will worm their way into your awareness until you don't feel like listening to very much else.

Das Racist takes the strengths off their mixtapes and simply take them on a new adventure with Relax.

Though there were hints of branching out before, none were ever as intrepid as the songs presented on Starry Mind, making Gubler's music something to surely take note of.