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  Surfer Blood – Tarot Classics

  For some reason I thought Tarot Classics was a full-length album, so when I learned it was just a 4-song EP I was slightly disappointed. This disappointment, however, quickly faded after I listened to it for the first time (stream it over at Spinner). The songs are insanely catchy. I can’t recommend Surfer Blood enough. Check them out now!

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  Deer Tick – Divine Providence

  Ever since their impressive debut War Elephant, each progressive Deer Tick album has been somewhat disappointing. Unfortunately Divine Providence doesn’t break this trend. A few of its tracks veer into what I can only describe as honky-tonk. Stream it over at Spinner, but proceed with caution.

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  Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto

  I feel compelled to mention Coldplay’s new album Mylo Xyloto on account of the school-girl-like crush I once had on the band. I saw them perform “Paradise” recently on The Colbert Report and was slightly underwhelmed. Also, the album title is kind of annoying. I may eventually give the album a listen (it’s only $5 over at 7digital) but won’t expect too much.

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  Real Estate – Days

  I’ve listened to Real Estate’s eponymous debut a dozen times but I still feel like I barely know it. I can’t quite put my finger on why this is – maybe it has something to do with the band’s hazy, lethargic sound. Despite this, or maybe because of this, I’m still intrigued by their sophomore album Days. Grab it for $5 over at 7digital.

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  M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

  Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is my first exposure to M83. I’ve only listened to it once, but the epic double album has a few great moments, especially “Wait” and “Outro”. The rest of the songs sound like they’re straight from the 80′s. I’ve yet to decide whether that’s a good thing or not.

Welcome to the new and improved Mike Went West! I’ve made a ton of changes in an effort to improve your browsing experience. One of the more noticeable changes is the top banner image, which now prominently displays my blog name. Another big change is the drop-down menu system under the banner. This should help in browsing the archives (which are all finally available now). I’ve also modified the popular articles section in the side bar to display the most viewed articles from the past day, week, month, and year.

I’ve made significant changes to individual article pages. First, I added Twitter and Facebook integration so you can more easily share my site with your friends (if you are so inclined). Second, I added a related articles section at the end of each post to make it easier to find similar articles. And third, I added threaded comments to facilitate dialogue on my site.

Some sections and pages may not display properly yet; however, most everything should be functional. I’ll be rolling out additional site improvements over the next few weeks, so check back regularly. Enjoy!

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  Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire

  Ryan Adams is one of the most prolific musicians out there. Unfortunately, he misses more than he hits. After listening to Ashes & Fire just once, I’m pretty confident it’s a hit. It hooked me from the beginning and refused to let go. Stream it at Spinner or buy it at 7digital for $5.

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  James Blake – Enough Thunder

  I wasn’t a fan of James Blake until I heard his beautiful collaboration with Bon Iver on “Fall Creek Boys Choir.” Listen to the song and the rest of Enough Thunder at his website. The EP serves as a good introduction to Blake’s distinct minimalist electronic sound.

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  Andrew Bird – Norman (Soundtrack)

  Andrew Bird’s music has always had a cinematic feel to it, so little wonder he was tapped to score the music for the indie film Norman. The soundtrack (streaming at Spinner) features several new instrumental songs by Bird, as well as amazing alternate version of Wolf Parade’s “You Are a Runner and I Am My Father’s Son.”

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  Yuck – Yuck (Deluxe)

  I don’t know why Yuck’s debut album is getting deluxe treatment already: it was released earlier this year. However, if you’ve never heard of the band this is the perfect excuse to check them out, especially if you like Built to Spill. Also, the six bonus songs on the deluxe version are pretty solid.

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  We Were Promised Jetpacks – In the Pit of the Stomach

  Last year, We Were Promised Jetpacks followed their thunderous debut album with a decidedly less-thunderous EP. It begged the question: which direction will the band take in their next album? After listening to a few tracks from In the Pit of the Stomach here, they’ve clearly chosen more thunder.

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  Loney, Dear – Hall Music

  It’s going to be tough for Loney, Dear to top his last album Dear John (which I reviewed here). I’ve listened to Hall Music a few times already but can’t say I’m particularly impressed. Which is okay because I’m pretty sure I felt the same way about Dear John initially. Stream “My Heart” at Myspace.

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  Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Wolfroy Goes To Town

  It seems like Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy releases a new album every few months. This might be a slight exaggeration, but the dude is pretty prolific. Yet through it all the quality of music hasn’t fallen off. It may take me a few months to actually listen to Wolfroy Goes To Town, but when I do, I know I’ll be happy.

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  Sóley – We Sink

  Sóley is a member of Seabear, which is one of my favorite Icelandic bands, so I had a feeling I’d like We Sink before I even listened to it. The album doesn’t disappoint. The music is delicate, gorgeous, and enchanting, much like the Icelandic countryside. Listen to “I’ll Drown” here.

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  Feist – Metals

  Initially I didn’t think Feist’s latest album would make this list. I wasn’t particularly impressed by The Reminder: it was a little too poppy for my tastes. Yet for some reason I still decided to give Metals a listen. Boy am I glad I did! I especially like “Get It Wrong, Get It Right.” Grab the album for $5 at 7digital.

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  Youth Lagoon – The Year of Hibernation

  The first time I heard “Cannon” I was floored by the depth of emotion that flowed from such a simple song. I knew I’d found something special, and couldn’t wait to hear more tracks. After three months of anticipation Youth Lagoon’s debut is finally here. Needless to say, I’m quite excited to listen to it.

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  Gem Club – Breakers

  I had a very similar experience with Gem Club. I remember listening to “Breakers” a few months ago and being captivated by its beautiful, melancholic sound. With winter just around the corner, Breakers could easily become the official soundtrack to my favorite season.

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  Wilco – The Whole Love

  I used to be obsessed with Wilco. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was a defining experience for me, opening my ears to new genres of music, most importantly Americana. The Whole Love may not be as groundbreaking but it just might rekindle my love for the band. Grab it for only $5 at 7digital.

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  Dum Dum Girls – Only In Dreams

  Not only did my fiancé go to high school with Dee Dee, the lead singer of Dum Dum Girls, they also played on the same soccer team. I think that’s pretty cool. None of my high school friends are rock stars. Check out Dum Dum Girls’ sophomore album Only In Dreams over at Spinner.

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  Megafaun – Megafaun

  I should love Megafaun: they used to record music with Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) under the moniker DeYarmond Edison. I love both those bands, but for some reason I can’t get into Megafaun. Their latest album (which is streaming over at Spinner) has a few good songs, but it also has some weird ones.

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  Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Hysterical

  Back in 2005 I got swept up in the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah tidal wave (who didn’t?). Since then I kinda forgot about the band. When I first listened to Hysterical I didn’t quite know what to expect. It’s a little too early to judge but so far I’m pleasantly surprised. Stream the entire album at Spinner.

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  Blind Pilot – We Are the Tide

  Blind Pilot quietly follow up their impressive debut 3 Rounds and a Sound (which I reviewed here) with We Are the Tide. I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to it yet but I have no doubt it will be enjoyable. Grab it for only $5.49 at Amazon after discount (see the top of the page for details).

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  Girls – Father, Son, Holy Ghost

  When Girls’ debut album first came out in 2009, I didn’t understand all the hype it received. Since then I’ve warmed to it a little thanks largely to “Vomit,” the first single from Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Download the track here, stream the entire album over at The Guardian, or buy it at 7digital for $5.

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  Mogwai – Earth Division EP

  Earlier this year Mogwai released their seventh studio album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. Now they’ve got a new 4-song EP entitled Earth Division. Pitchfork says it’s one of their quietest, most subdued releases to date. I definitely respect a band that refuses to stagnate.

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  The Drums – Portamento

  Technically, I think Portamento came out last week, but since I was traveling and didn’t get a chance to write about it, I’m including it in this week’s list. I’ve listened to the album once and it’s a pretty solid follow-up to The Drums’ self-titled debut.

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  Lil Wayne – Tha Carter IV

  I haven’t listened to Tha Carter IV yet, but from what I’ve read so far, it doesn’t sound good. However, the album is only $5 on 7digital so I’ll probably still pick it up. There’s bound to be at least a few good tracks. After all, the album’s first single “6 foot 7 foot” is pretty epic.

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  Cymbals Eat Guitars – Lenses Alien

  Despite the critical acclaim, I never really warmed to Cymbals Eat Guitars’ debut Why There Are Mountains. For some reason, the melodies never fully hooked me. It’s a little too early to judge Lenses Alien, but the first few listens sound pretty similar. Preview the entire album over at Spinner.

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  Male Bonding – Endless Now

  Everything (and I mean everything) I wrote above about Cymbals Eat Guitars also holds for British noise-pop band Male Bonding. Just switch out the band names and replace Lenses Alien with Endless Now, which, coincidentally, can also be streamed over at Spinner.

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  Active Child – You Are All I See

  Recently I’ve warmed to a genre of music I never thought I would: R&B. I’m not talking about Boyz II Men, but instead newer genre-bending artists like How to Dress Well and The Weeknd. I might soon add Active Child to this list. Stream his ethereal, ghostly debut album over at Spinner.

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  I Break Horses – Hearts

  If I didn’t know any better, I might’ve confused I Break Horses for Beach House. Despite the similar sound, Hearts is an impressive debut. I feel like it’s only a matter of time before Pitchfork slaps their Best New Music tag on it. Stream the album here or on Spotify (if you have it).