TOP PICK
Skyfall
(MGM)
The latest James Bond film might suffer a bit from its protracted ending, but that's a minor point of contention. This is a heady, smart movie that takes on a socially relevant theme about fighting terrorism and espionage in the complex postmodern world.
Matt Costa
Matt Costa
(Brushfire/Universal)
Recorded in Scotland and produced by Belle & Sebastian/Mogwai collaborator Tony Doogan at his Castle of Doom studio, Matt Costa’s self-titled album has the sound and feel of a ‘70s singer-songwriter album (think Jackson Browne). It’s an accomplished set of songs that take Costa to a new level.
The Photo Atlas
Stuck in a Honeytrap
(The Photo Atlas)>
This Colorado-based band channels the Gang of Four on this album’s jittery first track, “The Glass Crased,” and then never lets up, delivering snotty vocals and lacerating guitar licks with joyful energy.
