Polly Scattergood: s/t (Mute)
style: tragic indie songwriter pop
similar: Portishead, Dot Allison, Bright Eyes
[rating: ****] Scattergood was intent on having her vocals upfront in the mix for her debut album, so it's unavoidable to notice her tragic revealings of low self-esteem and heartbreakings. The young, British Scattergood therefore commands our attention. Some examples come with "Other Too Endless" and "Unforgiving Arms," both of which demonstrate serious potential. Though her voice gets a little peculiar in parts of "Poem Song," Scattergood's otherwise girlish whispery words stand strong among the piano, percussive electro beats and pillowy synth. Joy. -Kenyon

Panda Bear: Person Pitch (Paw Tracks)
release: March 20, 2007
style: contemporary psychedelia
rating: ****

Animal Collective's Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) may have just won the honor of best replicating Brian Wilson's vocals. What makes it more admirable is that the tracks on Person Pitch are far from the symphonic rock of Pet Sounds, from which a million other artists get inspiration. Panda Bear's methods are soothingly experimental and feature all kinds of wonderous sounds, unusual percussion and vocal manipulation. Heavenly. I guess this is what happens when you move to Portugal. -Kenyon