How we all love a surprise. Especially when the surprise arrives as the happy continuation of Wilco‘s remarkable run of albums which now stretches back over 20 years (and even further if we consider Jeff Tweedy’s earlier Uncle Tupelo output).

After a 25-year gap since 1990’s A Gilded Eternity, Array 1 is but the first of three releases planned by the U.K. band Loop over the next year.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is, arguably, more popular outside of its native U.S. The trio is known for capturing the dedication of its European fans live on DVD/CD combos, first with sold-out shows in Berlin, Dublin, and Glasgow in 2007, then in London in 2011, and now in Paris.

This Finnish-born, Berlin-based musician claims to have self-titled his first full-length so that people will learn how to properly spell his name.

The musical snob in all of us really wants to reject Diplo’s third Major Lazer album, Peace Is the Mission, as obvious, party fodder that panders to the lowest common denominator.

Girlpool‘s existential two-chord nursery rhymes make even the sparsest Breeders record look like Pink Floyd.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that Greg Kurstin, one half of The Bird and the Bee, has been blessed with the Midas touch for pop music; every singer the producer/songwriter comes in contact with (see: Sia, Kelly Clarkson, P!nk, Lily Allen, Tegan and Sara—the list is an embarrassment of riches) gets to witness his ability to craft hits for musicians across the spectrum.

I’ve only got 150 words/bullets and there are a lot of problems with this album/fish in this barrel. Let’s start with that artwork: look at it. Stare at it for 53 minutes.

No Joy‘s shoegaze album, More Faithful-the group’s third-is a soothing listen, perfect for a summer drive or a relaxing, lazy afternoon.