UnCultured

Manatee Commune - WAKE

First Listen: Lykke Li - 'I Never Learn'

Lykke Li is a pop star looking to change the pop conversation. The Swedish singer's new third album, I Never Learn, forms the final installment in a conceptual trilogy — and it's extraordinary as both a collection of songs and a tactical re-wiring of her genre's circuit board.

Here, as on any Lykke Li record, the presentation of Li's vocals is the first major site of status quo agitation. The music backing her is often as loud as, if not louder than, her singing, and when vocals take precedent, they're dripping with reverb and echoes that keep them from demanding full attention. Close listening is encouraged and will be rewarded — Li is a poetic, insightful songwriter — but it's a striking first impression of a singer not striving for the spotlight.

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Stream Tame Impala's New Album Lonerism

Tame Impala’s Lonerism has been one of our most anticipated records of 2012 thanks to its incredible singles “Apocalypse Dreams” and “Elephant,” and now that NPR’s streaming the record in its entirety, we can safely say these guys exceeded our (high) expectations – it’s a brilliant record that counts among our favorites of the year.

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The xx New Album Coexist Available To Listen In Full

London band, The xx, follow the trend of the early listen by making their new album, Coexist, available as a full preview over at NPR, with its official release on XL Recordings September 10 and 11. Fans may be interested in this weekend’s Observer interview, the usually tight-lipped band giving an insight into life on tour and dealing with success. Available from Amazon.