While the NBA is rolling out their immortal “40 Games in 40 Nights” promo, the music world is doing its own. “16 Potential Classics in 30 Nights” may not be as catchy, but it’s just as ri-goddamn-diculous. I can’t remember a month where this many (SIXTEEN!) exciting, possible top-10 albums have all dropped in a month. It’s especially impressive, considering it succeeded an epic first quarter.
So, here is low-down on the 16 albums out this month that demand your attention — in 16(ish) words or less.
And awayyyy we go!
Dean Blunt, The Redeemer (Hippos in Tanks)
When: May 1
Where: London
What: The first true official LP from the Hype Williams-frontman
Why You Care: It’s the most coherent statement from the esoteric, genre-bending genius to date. An utterly fascinating LP.
For Fans of: Everything but the kitchen sink.
TP’s Excitement Scale: 9.8/10
Ghostpoet: Some Say I So, I Say Light, (Brownswood)
When: May 6
Where: London
What: The sophomore LP from the moody, progressive spoken word poet/MC
Why You Care: Because his debut, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, was an engulfing, original masterclass of post-Skinner sad-o grime.
For fans of: Late night bus rides home, poetic hip-hop.
TP’s Excitement Level: 8.8/10
Savages: Silence Yourself (Matador)
When: May 7
Where: London
What: The rollicking debut LP from the hotly-tipped riot grrrrl quartet
Why You Care: The young post-punkers are threatening to lift off with a classic. Angry, uncompromising, utterly brilliant.
For Fans of: The Shape of Punk to Come
TP’s Excitement Level: 10/10
Kisses: Kids in LA (Cascine)
When: May 14
Where: Los Angeles
What: The follow-up to their splendid, massively underrated debut, The Heart of the Nightlife
Why You Care: As an early investor on this synthy, Balearic-leaning bf-gf duo, it’s hard to be objective, but KILA is a dark step forward from their excellent debut.
For Fans of: Rolling the windows down. The 80’s.
TP’s Excitement Level: 10/10
Pure X, Crawling Up the Stairs (Acephale)
When: May 14
Where: Austin, TX
What: The follow-up to the slowcore trio’s excellent debut, Pleasure (2011)
Why You Care: Early singles have foreshadowed a less foggy, more melodic second effort.
For Fans Of: Expressive, heady guitar music. Downers.
TP’s Excitement Scale: 8.5/10
Colleen, The Weighing of the Heart (Second Language)
When: May 14
Where: Paris
What: The French Joanna Newsom’s ornate, orchestral fifth LP
Why You Care: The mercurial, hyper-talented composer/producer crafts beautiful tracks that pair delicate, orchestral arraignments with her breathy, mellifluous vocals.
For Fans of: Midday naps, orchestral pop.
TP’s Excitement Scale: 8.8/10
Listen to “Push the Boat Onto the Sand,” at FACT.
Classixx, Hanging Gardens (Innovative Leisure)
When: May 14
Where: LA
What: The long-awaited debut full-length from the breezy disco duo
Why You Care: Because every summer needs a soundtrack, and nobody is currently making better sunshine jams.
For Fans Of: Good vibes, day-drinking, DFA.
TP’s Excitement Scale: 8.7/10
Dirty Beaches, Drifters/Love Is The Devil (Zoo)
When: May 14
Where: Montreal via Taipei
What: The shadowy, experimental 2xLP follow-up to 2011’s lo-fi masterclass, Badlands
Why You Care: Alex Zhang Hungtai is famously unpredictable, and these albums promise to be harrowing, engulfing rides.
For Fans Of: Challenging, uncompromising, occasionally brutal journeys deep into the human psyche.
TP’s Excitement Scale: 9.1/10
