Deborah's Picks - Reviewed by Deborah Singer

Unlike our editor, Deborah Singer has been writing about rock-n-roll for only three years, but she knows what she likes and wants people to know! She writes for HearSay and DJs for WTBU in Boston, MA. Her very first concert was Raffi, which got her hooked on concerts at an early age. Her most recent show was Dan Auerbach, which she described as awesome!

Band of Skulls - Sweet and Sour (Electric Blues Recordings)

Band of Skulls, a hairy bluesy rock band from Southampton, England, is clearly influenced by classic rock from the ‘70s like Led Zeppelin and the Doors. Standout songs are “The Devil Takes Care of His Own,” “Bruises,” and “Lies.”

Of Montreal - Paralytic Stalks (Polyvinyl)

This is the band’s eleventh full-length album, and it has received all-around good reviews. It’s frantic, yet catchy, and is considerably funkier than their past albums.

Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It (Matador)

The highly anticipated follow-up to Mike Hadreas’ first album, Learning expands its focus to include more universal topics, rather than just his past self-destructive tendencies. The sound quality is much clearer, but just as haunting, and his lyrics are better than ever.

Ben Kweller - Go Fly A Kite (Noise Co.)

Ben Kweller’s first full-length solo album, Sha Sha, was released in 2002 by ATO Records when he was 20 years old. Now, with his very own record label, Noise Co., Kweller has released his fifth solo album, and it is definitely some of his best work to date. His sound has matured considerably, as can be heard in the tracks “Free,” “Gossip” and “Jealous Girl.”