Animal Collective Centipede Hz

Sept. 4

Following its widely-acclaimed 2009 release, Merriweather Post Pavilion, the four-piece experimental Animal Collective is back with an album filled with a notably significant jolt of energy and several unique sounds swirled throughout. The beauty of the album is recognizing the delight and catchiness of the songs amidst the chaotic and dense sounds that fill them. (4 1/2 stars)

[hr]

The Avett Brothers The Carpenter

Sept. 11

The brothers and company have returned with their seventh full-length album, and second album with notable producer Rick Rubin.  The album is filled with songs that exude a sense of poignancy and self-reflection.  With the seriousness that several of the songs bring to the album overall, there is a fair share of rambunctious folk that will be sure to get you going. (4 1/2 stars)

[hr]

Grizzly Bear Shields

Sept. 18

Hard to confine in one genre, the four-piece Brooklyn-based group is back with its fourth studio album.  Grizzly Bear’s previous album, 2009’s Veckatimest, was met with critical acclaim, and Shields captures the band’s continually progressing creativity and musicianship.  Rich vocal harmonies, hypnotizing guitar patterns, and sharp percussion are present throughout the album. (4 stars)

[hr]

GOOD Music Cruel Summer

Sept. 18

Popular rap artists such as Kanye West, Common, 2 Chainz, Pusha T and Big Sean have come together for a collaborative studio album from the GOOD Music record label.  Rappers on the label make prominent appearances on the album, alongside other guest appearances from the likes of Jay-Z, R. Kelly and others.  West is the head of GOOD Music and makes his presence known on this album through uniformly strong production and memorable verses. (3 1/2 stars)

[hr]

The Killers Battle Born

Sept. 18

After going on hiatus early in 2010, the popular rock band from Nevada is back with its fourth studio album.  Anticipation for this release was high for both the band and its fans. Lead singer Brandon Flowers feels this is the band’s strongest effort to date  Battle Born is a refinement of previous albums The Killers have released. This album is definitely an embracement of the band’s unique sound while making logical steps to progress themselves. (4 stars)