A few gems hit this week that make up for the complete lack of releases last week. Without further ado.

My pick of the week goes to:

Field Music - Tones of Town

Easily one of the smartest albums I've heard all year. Tones of Town is a pop record with brains. Complex and simple at the same time, Field Music comes off as a pop version of post-punk pioneer Wire.  The album is quick, tight and, at first, a bit challenging. Everything feels so precise and angular that it's almost harsh. Yet the sweet dual vocals and chords pack plenty of passionate hooks. Due to it's complexity, Tones of Town almost demands repeat listens, and with a 30 minute run time it won't be too taxing. The writing and production are at the same perfection level, not one note is out of place or wasted. I found the album to be absolutely refreshing. Just when you think you've heard everything the genre has to offer,  Field Music's Tones of Town comes out as an indie pop breakthrough.

8.8/10.0

 
Also this week:

Explosions in the Sky - All of the Sudden I Miss Everyone.

Personally, I'm not really into minimalist post rock, but co-writer Raul Duke is, so I'll let him tell you about it...

Explosions in the Sky should solidify their stance as one of the best "Post
Rock" bands putting out music with a nearly perfect release. All of a Sudden
I Miss Everyone is packed with eerie minimalistic lulls that transform into
dizzying crescendos before crashing back down.  Listening to this album is
like emerging from a bunker after the apocalypse and wandering around
searching for signs of life.  The third track alone (It's Natural to be
Afraid) is worth the price of admission. This is easily my favorite album of
the year and is certain to remain in my top 3 of 2007.

9.5/10

Raul Duke 

Sauer: Wow, strong words in deed. I'll have to give this one a little more of my time.