Animal Collective, “Merriweather Post Pavilion” (Domino) Not everybody understands the appeal of these lovers of noise, but those who do are fiercely loyal and dedicated. This record, their ninth full-length, is calmer and quieter than most.
The Gourds, “Haymaker!,” (Yep Roc) These Austin boys have quietly created an empire. Their music — a twangy assault on soul-infused alt-country — has many fans. And while they’re fun live, they’re a total hoot on record.
Various artists, “Undone: A MusicFest Tribute to Robert Earl Keen” (Thirty Tigers) Each January, Texas takes over Steamboat Springs for a week. The skiing is enticing, sure. But the real draw is MusicFest, an annual celebration of Texas music. (It’s happening right now. See themusicfest for more.) A year ago, a large gathering of musicians took the MusicFest stage to celebrate the music of Robert Earl Keen — and the result is this live tribute album, which includes artists Jason Boland, Cody Canada, Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers, Cory Morrow, Roger Creager and Keen himself. Ricardo Baca
