This Week's New Releases

After being subjected to several slow weeks of new releases, we are rewarded greatly. This week is absolutely loaded.

Possibly the biggest release this week is by The New Pornographers. Their new CD Challengers is the band's forth full length release, but a slightly different sound than all the others. Instead of being crazy and fun, this release tries to be a bit more serious with its sound. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is up to the listener. You can check out the full review over on Pitchfork and they will be playing 9:30 Club on October 27.

My personal personal pick of the week is by Minus the Bear. Planet of Ice is a great mix of their different sounds from the previous albums, but with an intensity that has yet to be found. It is my favorite release from them so far and cannot be missed. The release is supported by a countrywide tour and finds them in DC on October 10 at Black Cat.

Rilo Kiley has finally released their newest, Under The Blacklight. They are supporting the new release with a country wide tour that includes two stops in DC at the 9:30 Club on September 26 and 27 .

Another great release comes from Architecture in Helsinki who are dropping their new album Places Like This. Already out in Europe and Japan, this Austrialian band has released another good album that keeps in tune with the sound of their previous releases. This synth, electronic, experimental band always has a unique sound to everything thing they put out and may not appeal to most listeners, but are a real treat for the rest of us.

A few weeks ago, we told you about M.I.A.'s previous single for her new album. Now you need to wait no longer, as the full length has finally been released. This rapper from Sri Lanka has taken the world by storm and now you can listen to what everyone has been talking about. She is currently hosting the album on her MySpace page and Pitchfork has a review of the album so be sure to head over there to check it out.

Josh Ritter has a new highly recommended album out for everyone to listen to. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter has hints of Bob Dylan with a little southern tilt to it. The full band that helps out on the album, greatly increases the sound and helps with the listening experience. Be sure to check him out October 9 at 9:30 Club.

Jeremy Enigk's The Missing Link is probably the mellowest release on this list, but has a beautiful subtly to it. That said, this is only recommended for his biggest fans. Many of these songs are alternate versions of tracks off of last year's excellent World Waits. Whole good, there are only 4 new ones on here.

Two other releases this week are the indie glam pop of Imperial Teen's the hair the tv the baby & the band and the indie psychedelic rock of Caribou's Andorra. You can catch Caribou October 9 at Rock and Roll Hotel.

The New Pornographers - My Rights Versus Yours
Minus the Bear - Knights
Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining
Architecture in Helsinki - Hold Music
M.I.A. - Boyz (Kimono Kops Remix)
Josh Ritter - To the Dogs or Whoever
Jeremy Enigk - Oh John
Imperial Teen - Shim Sham
Caribou - Melody Day