Albums

Ed. note: This is one part of The MUSE’s retrospective of the semester that was and look ahead to the summer that will be.

Beastie Boys—Hot Sauce Committee Part Two (May 3)

After releasing the Grammy-winning instrumental album The Mix-Up in 2007, there’s been some wary speculation about what direction Beastie Boys might be headed with their next record. Fear not. Hot Sauce Committee Part Two proves to be one of the trio’s strongest albums to date. The record was originally set for release in 2009 under the name Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 1, but was postponed due to Adam “MCA” Yauch’s cancer diagnosis (he should be alright!). The re-titled album brings the Boys’ rap-punk-funk styling back into full swing and features collaborations with Nas and Santigold. Standout tracks include “Make Some Noise” and “Too Many Rappers [New Reactionaries Version].” You can stream the album on their website hotsaucecommitte.com.

Fleet Foxes—Helplessness Blues (May 3)

Fleet Foxes’ self-titled 2008 debut sent a chill through the world of indie music, topping critics’ lists for best albums of the year and revitalizing folk music for those who didn’t realize bands were still making folk music. The Seattle beard enthusiasts espoused a longing for a simpler time, one where they were born in the idyllic Southern mountains and sweetly-sung harmonies rang through the air. The band keeps that feeling alive on their newest record, Helplessness Blues, which tackles melancholy topics that one might expect from an album with such a name. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album, preferably in the forest atop a great mountain. Standouts include “Montezuma,” “Battery Kinzie” and “Helplessness Blues.”

Raphael Saadiq—Stone Rollin’ (May 10)

While you might have picked up Raphael Saadiq’s Stone Rollin’ when it debuted abroad earlier this year, the ‘60s R&B revivalist has yet to release the album here at home. Stone Rollin’ is Saadiq’s follow-up to 2008’s The Way I See It and reignites many of the Motown soul inspirations that he has come to embody. Even Saadiq’s stage persona absorbs the flavor and feel of classic soul—donning ‘60s-era attire like tight yellow sweaters and thick black glasses to go along with his Motown moves. Stone Rollin’ features musical guests such as steel pedal guitarists Robert Randolph, Earth, Wind & Fire keyboardist Larry Dunn and Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon. The result is tight, funky and chalked full of soul from a bygone era. Pop a nickel in the jukebox and let this one fly.

My Morning Jacket—Circuital (May 31)

Ah, the second group of beard enthusiasts on this list—perhaps even more enthusiastic than Fleet Foxes. Scratch that, definitely more enthusiastic. My Morning Jacket has proven itself a force to be reckoned with in American rock. Don’t let the name fool you, these Kentucky boys are no eyeliner-wearing, absurdly-long-song-title-writing emo punks. Think more in the direction of Neil Young, the Allman Brothers and throw in some Prince for good measure. Front man Jim James is one of the most charismatically weird personalities in modern music. His yelps, screams and croons, are as integral to MMJ as his often undecipherable lyrics. So far, only the title track of Circuital has been released, and it features every element that you could possibly love about MMJ. Soft lyrics, acoustic plucking and a ripping guitar solo to seal the deal.

Arctic Monkeys—Suck It And See (June 6)

First off, what an album title! Sure, it’s the British equivalent of “give it a try,” so it’s less dirty than you might expect. But any time you can get away with a “suck it,” it’s a win. Suck It And See is the fourth album from Sheffield rockers Arctic Monkeys, who rose to international superstardom via Internet hype with their 2006 debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. The Monkeys’ latest effort bears influential marks from Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme—who produced their last album, Humbug—and current producer, Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford. The effect is heavy grunge mixed with American surf-rock and cut by front man Alex Turner’s unmistakable English snarl. Currently, you can preview the album with the previously released tracks “Brick By Brick” and “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair.” Confused? Well you’ll have to suck it and see.