Neu - Neu 75buy this
Another reissue I’m stoked about this year is Neu 75, the third and final release from the Dusseldorf-based Krautrock legends, recorded in 1975. Thought it’s sorely overlooked by the previous two releases, Neu and Neu 2, some, like me, believe it’s their best yet. Ambient piano, what many Germans at the time (including Moebius/Roedelius) were focusing on, shows it’s color more vividly than past Neu efforts, Klaus Dinger’s motorik drumming assaults the senses with groove, and the vocals of Michael Rother, when they’re used, are as lively, big, and indecipherable as the music it mixes with. Their legacy has been mined and Xeroxed countless times in contemporary underground music, so buy this now, before it goes out of print (again) and you’re forced to listen to 120 Days and Fujiya + Miyagi instead. Ugh. - TRAVIS RITTER

Atlas Sound - Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel buy this
Bradford Cox, the genius guitarist/vocalist of Deerhunter is the man behind Atlas Sound. And finally, nearly six months after the CD was released, the debut Atlas Sound LP is finally out, with six bonus tracks included (making the wait well worth it). This album is one dreamy, narcotic-induced set of broken down, soul searching love songs that mingle with the sublime and really feel at peace. Best for hazy, nappy-headed mornings with your baby, or late at night all alone with a bottle of booze (or pills, if that's your chosen depressant.) Anyone who enjoyed Deerhunter's brilliant washes of sound will undoubtedly find themselves in love here. Highly recommended! - Travis Ritter