Back-to-School Music Picks
1/6The Antlers
Mixing dream-like ditties with folksy fringes, Brooklyn boys The Antlers' concept album is sure to draw comparisons to everything from Spiritualized to Neutral Milk Hotel. Twenty-two-year-old singer Peter Silberman treads through some heavy subject matter, creating a collection of songs that wavers between heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Full of brilliant lyricism and shimmering choruses, standouts like "Bear" and "Two" are simply stunning.
FOR FANS OF: Jeff Buckley.
2/6Vivian Girls
This punk trio Vivian Girls isn't afraid to plug in and let loose: Their sophomore effort hits a perfect balance between garage-rock din and girl-pop sugar. Multi-part harmonies bleed into breathlessly delivered vocals, while fuzzy distortion brings to mind early Ramones. The songs don't overstay their welcome though: Lo-fi tracks like "Can't Get Over You" and "Walking Alone at Night" are so short and sweet they're bound to leave the listener wanting more.
FOR FANS OF: The Pipettes.
3/6Amerie
It's been a few years since Amerie ruled the charts with sensation "1 Thing," but this R&B firebomb is back in full force. Her sure-to-be-a-hit new single "Why R U?" is an all-attitude power jam, packed with nineties break beats and funky hooks. But the album isn't just hip-hop—she transcends genres by adding in some good old rock 'n' roll riffs ("Pretty Brown Eyes") and even a few classic slow songs ("That's What You Are").
FOR FANS OF: J.lo, Beyoncé.
4/6God Help the Girl
Last year, Belle and Sebastian front man Stuart Murdoch placed an ad in a local Glasgow paper seeking Ronettes-like singers. ("Celine Dion wannabes need not apply," he specified.) The result is a side project that features wistful melodies, story-based ditties, and sixties-esque girl-group vocals. Standouts include "Perfection as a Hipster" and the sultry psychedelic jam "Musician, Please Take Heed."
FOR FANS OF: Camera Obscura.
5/6Generationalists
The New Orleans–based duo Generationalists' breakout album features happy-go-lucky gems like "When They Fight, They Fight" and "Nobody Could Change Your Mind." Blissful poppy harmonies weave into synthed-out sequences, while shakers, hand claps, and trumpets add some quirky instrumentation to the mix. The blend of good vibrations is downright euphoric.
FOR FANS OF: MGMT.
6/6Kid Cudi
When Kid Cudi released an underground mix tape in 2007, it eventually caught Kanye's attention. Soon the young MC was lending singing and song writing expertise on Mr. West's 808s & Heartbreak. Now, as his single "Day 'N' Nite" climbs the Billboard charts, Cudi releases a debut album full of catchy beats, clever rhymes, and guest appearances, ranging from Ratatat to Band of Horses.
FOR FANS OF: Santigold.
