Dr. Dog
We All Belong(Park the Van)
4 Stars

Dr. Dog won’t be in the dog pen for this album. The group’s third album is just what they needed to take off. Chock full of Beach Boys style harmonies, sweet and simple guitar melodies and voices that sound more like little boys than men from Philly, the album is pure pleasure to the ears from beginning to end.

D?_lek
Abandoned Language(Ipecac)
4Stars

MC D?_lek’s immediate flow varies little, but what he lacks as an MC he makes up for with his lyrics mostly concerning race relations and language’s purposes and limitations. ktopus’ production shines with organic beats under arrhythmic sound scapes built with processed strings and synths reminiscent of El-P’s “Fantastic Damage.” For those who like their hip-hop dark and angry.

Otis Taylor
Definition of a Circle(Telarc)
2Stars

Otis Taylor’s latest effort is inspired, soulful, even funky at times, but ultimately it is too scattered and slow to do justice to American roots music. Though a valiant effort, this release is destined to fall through the cracks of American popular music, not unduly.

Do Make SayThink
You You’re a Historyin Rust(Constellation)
3 Stars

In their typical fashion, the new Do Make Say Think album boasts jazz style drumming, spacey electronic effects and the matchless soaring sounds of guitar and percussion. The first song on the album is quintessential DMST, and though usually considered a lyricless band, the track “A With Living” contains a verse-chorus-verse structure that may rustle up some bad vibes among loyal listeners not ready for change.

Dean and Britta
Back Numbers(Rounder/UMGD)
3.5 Stars

These two former Luna members have teamed up to create a duo combining the dreamy vocals of Isobel Campbell and the enchanting harmonies and transforming tracks of My Bloody Valentine. The album features covers of Donovan, The Troggs and Claudine Longet