50 Song Memoir

The Magnetic Fields

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★ ★ ★ ★

In 1999 The Magnetic Fields released their epic album 69 Love Songs, now they’ve got another multi-disc album that is equally as impressive. Featuring five discs and one song for each year of songwriter Stephin Merrit’s life. It begins in 1968 and works it’s way through to 2015. The songs range from quirky to heartbreaking and span a wide variety of musical styles, but all feature Merrits unique point of view and delightful ways of turning a phrase. A delightful collection. – Graeme Watson

So Good

Zara Larsson

★ ★ ★

Zara Larsson is one of the newcomers to watch out for. I find the album has tropical house vibes, which I find tiresome in this current trend of pop music. It is a good album because it shows her vocal prowess with some of her songs such as So Good and Symphony. Even if this album is accessible, it left me wanting her to branch out more than the trendy music we all have been hearing. It felt generic but I am optimistic of her future as a pop princess. – Mango Adonis

Spirit

Depeche Mode

★ ★ ★ ★

Delivering music since the early 80s, Spirit is DM’s 14th studio album continuing their journey from pop, towards rock, blues and industrial sounds since the early 90s. Spirit explores everything wrong with the world right now, with hints of soulful, tender and bittersweet moments offsetting the darkness. Mixing techno-leaning keyboards, slithering synths and bluesy guitar, Spirit will make people think about the path we are travelling and how society as a whole seems to have lost its way. – Guy Gomeze

Arca

Arca

★ ★ ½

Considering Arca’s pedigree and contributions to other artists works, such as Björk, FKA Twigs, Kanye West and Frank Ocean – I was expecting a greater listening experience. There are a couple of tracks that impart a level of brilliance and gravitas to what we could expect. Desafio is one – hauntingly engaging arrangement, fragile and delicate production with a meshing of the vocals into the whole arrangement which allows for a flavour of lamenting sorrow. So if you are a fan of the fragile, electronic and soft pop or indie rock genres, it is worth a listen.  – Paul Baines

Paradise

ANOHNI

★ ★ ★ ★

Fuelled by rage and disappointment with the state of the world, this is absolutely the soundtrack of our time. After the haunting opening track In My Dreams, each song is as intense as the last, showcasing her angelic voice protesting over pulsing beats and complex soundscapes. Paradise is undoubtedly catchy, but the final track She Doesn’t Mourn Her Loss is the unassuming winner. It ends poignantly with a spoken word reflection, delivered by what sounds like an indigenous woman, on working together to improve our world. – Misty Farquhar

Sodastream

Little By Little

★ ★ ★ ★

Former Perth band Sodastream released four albums before disbanding in 2007, now they’re back with a new collection of superb folk tunes. The album kicks off with Colouring Iris, a laid back intro, but things get energetic with Habits. Three Sins sounds bold and epic, Gey Waves is filled with cascading vocals, while On the Stage is fresh and catchy. It’s great to be back listening to the unmistakable voice of Karl Smith (Thermos Cardy, Lee Memorial). Give this a few spins and you’ll be singing along. – Graeme Watson

Fleetwood Mac

Tango in the Night (Deluxe)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Released in 1987 Tango in the Night was the last Fleetwood Mac album (so far) to feature the band’s most successful line up. Now a deluxe version is out to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Featuring alternative versions, dance mixes and unreleased tracks, its an impressive package.The classic album features the bombastic Big Love, alongside the pop hits Family Man, Seven Wonders, Everywhere and Little Lies. The remixes are sensational (so very ‘80s) including production from Arthur Baker and Jellybean. Dive in the deep end and soak it all up. – Graeme Watson