Mar 11, 2010 | If “Plastic Beach,” the newest album from the alternative-rock group Gorillaz, does one thing, it shows the band’s effort to work with other popular artists. But listeners should be advised before they click the “purchase” button on iTunes.
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Mar 11, 2010 |

“Have One on Me” is Joanna Newsom’s magnum opus. The idea of a triple album made up of 18 songs sounds daunting, but Newsom tackles the length masterfully with perfect pacing between the records and literary lyrics with a focus on storytelling.

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Mar 4, 2010 |

Local Natives, new to the punk scene, look to alter the sounds associated with Los Angeles by bringing influences such as the Beach Boys and Fleet Foxes into the mix.

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Mar 4, 2010 |

“Sigh No More,” the debut album by U.K. folk-rock band Mumford & Sons, focuses strictly on group harmony, making the sound more dynamic.

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Feb 25, 2010 |

Wu-Tang Clan’s newest album, “Return of the Wu & Friends,” mixed by DJ Mathematics, shows that while the group may not be officially together as each member explores a solo career, it still possesses the material necessary to turn out yet another album.

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Feb 25, 2010 |

Los Campesinos! show signs that punk isn’t dead yet. Working on two records in the same year, Los Campesinos! spent the end of 2009 crafting their latest release, “Romance is Boring.”

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Feb 18, 2010 | No one expected a band with sparse electronic instrumentation and songs about Kraft dinners and escapades to make it big. With each release, though, Hot Chip has expanded on its formula of quiet pop vocals and catchy dance music.
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Feb 18, 2010 | American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile released her amorous EP last week just in time for Valentine’s Day. Carlile’s alternative country style incorporates both speckled guitar lines and broad strumming as she croons over the mic in an attempt to swoon her listener.
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Feb 11, 2010 |

Two days after his show-stopping Grammy performance next to Eminem, Drake and Travis Barker, Lil Wayne released the most anticipated album of the past two years. Sadly, the album doesn’t live up to expectations.

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Feb 11, 2010 |

Since Animal Collective’s “Merriweather Post Pavilion” gained almost unanimous critical acclaim last year, the doors have been opened for albums like Yeasayer’s sophomore release, “Odd Blood.” With heavy tribal percussion paired with synthesizer sounds and strong vocals, Yeasayer is prepared for the national stage.

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