na: au, liquid liquid

Finally, the long awaited Au album arrives!

Au, Verbs: I can’t gush about this album enough. Here it is on eMusic, a full three weeks early, and you would be silly not to pick it up. In the vein of Panda Bear and Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective, a loose, harmonic cavalcade of sounds found and created, shifts in tone and feel more than actual songs. What still fascinates me about the album is how the whole thing is really one big piece, the first three tracks almost preludes to “RR vs. D,” and the tracks after decrescendos out of it. But none of it is in excess, it’s just an extremely patient, well-plotted album that feels improvised, cuff-like. The amount of care that went into this record is really quite something, and my hope is that this is an album that just gains more and more momentum, until before you know it it’s just accepted as a real classic, a rare breed. That’s certainly how I feel about it.

Liquid Liquid, Liquid Liquid: I’m gonna guess that the bulk of you have heard of Liquid Liquid, but maybe haven’t heard all that much. Absolutely take advantage of this essential overview, then, as the early ’80s NYCers’ no-wave dance stuff slays. The key tracks — the big ones — are “Optimo,” “Cavern” and (to a lesser extent) “Bellhead,” a longtime personal favorite. You need this.

Ladytron, Velocifero: I am not the person to weigh in on this one (have never cared for them), but our own Anna is quite smitten by it, and I know this was well anticipated.

Nico Muhly, Mothertongue: Really, all I know about Nico Muhly is what Todd put together in his awesome Jukebox Jury piece with him. I’ve listened to it a bit, and have enjoyed it. Todd keeps raving about it, and we all know how hard he is to please.

Be Your Own Pet, Get Damaged: Three songs left off of their big new record because they were deemed too controversial.

Original Broadway Cast Recording, In the Heights: Soundtrack to incredibly popular Broadway play.

Jaguar Love, Jaguar Love EP: New Blood Brothers band.