What makes Expo 86 different from Wolf Parade’s other work is that it has a little bit more of a riff focus, and it feels a bit more digestible. There are also moments of maturity that are highly memorable. The album shows signs of maturity for the band.

If Modest Mouse and Led Zeppelin had a weird, rebellious baby, it might sound like Wolf Parade. They are unto their own, and hard to define, but I think this is their best output.

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I’m not actually familiar with the Pipettes (so that could be a recommendation next week), but I really like this record. As far as indie synth pop goes, it’s full of haunting atmosphere and delicious bass noodling. Despite its unfamiliar language, it feels intimate and welcoming. This is great music to work to, or to absorb slowly and carefully — like you might do with an Enya record.

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Art of Translation is no doubt their best record. You might recognize them from their song Ooh Ahh, their biggest hit, but this album is chock full of good tracks from start to end. If you’re looking for some really tight rap, this is up there.

The album also feels pretty cohesive from beginning to end. But if southern hip hop isn’t your thing, this album isn’t going to convert you.

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There isn’t a single song on this album that feels like a pick-me-upper, so I don’t recommend it if you’re looking for a party album for the weekend. But for moments of introspection, it’s a fantastic listen.

There’s a moment in the film While You Were Sleeping, where the grandmother notes that Catholic church services were better when they were in Latin and she couldn’t understand them. In that sense, I think part of Limoilou’s all our is that it’s in French and I don’t understand a word Nolin is singing. It allows me to attach my own emotion to the album, to feel the music itself instead of the draw of the words. If that sounds attractive to you, Limoilou might be the week’s perfect record for you.

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This EP is reportedly approved by Justin Timberlake, who seems to think Francesco is the new king of R&B. I don’t doubt it, actually. His voice is great, full of power, and his song material feels much older than he is. If Yates never puts out another record, that’d be sad, but this is enough to say he’s a rare talent.

Others have noticed his voice as well: the record was produced in part by Pharrell, and he’s already signed to Atlantic. The stars seem bright for this kid, and his debut EP is full of promise and innocence. I’m looking forward to what’s next from him.

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