Dan Auerbach
Keep it Hid
Nonesuch Records

Dan Auerbach has always cited Junior Kimbrough, famed Mississippi bluesman, as his main musical influence and has channeled Kimbrough’s funky take on traditional blues in his work with The Black Keys. Fortunately, Auerbach’s dirty blues guitar shines through just enough to save his debut solo album, Keep it Hid, from being a failed venture into folky waters. Meandering organs and half-hearted blues lines undermine songs like “Real Desire,” which would have sounded much better were they given a treatment of heavy blues. A notable exception is “When the Night Comes,” with Jessica Lea Mayfield complementing her mentor’s charmingly strained vocals on the wispiest track of the album. For the most part, Keep It Hid is a good listen, especially on his punk-blues cut “Heartbroken, In Disrepair,” which is reminiscent of R.L. Burnside. As good as the album is, Auerbach is better suited cranking out the jams with Patrick Carney than being a crooner.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs
It’s Blitz
Interscope

Finally, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ album I’ve been waiting for. To be fair, they’ve built an impressive following with their art rock punk ethos but this album blows everything they’ve done before out of the water. Take what they’ve done in the past, minus the abrasive guitar and Riot Grrrl energy, pump it with powerful melodies and soothing harmonies, bake for two hours and you have It’s Blitz. The new album shows an incredible musical development on their part and provides an atmosphere where Karen O’s unique voice can really shine. Songs such as “Heads Will Roll” are invitingly danceable, while others such as “Runaway” deliver a level of emotion on par with their early single “Maps.” It’s Blitz secures the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as one of the best indie rock bands out there.

Morrissey
Years of Refusal
Attack/Lost Highway

Just months away from his 50th birthday, Morrissey is at it again with his latest release, Years of Refusal. The new album has a grittier feel because it was recorded live and features harder-hitting guitar work than in previous offerings. It seems as though like the Mozzer has gotten more angry than depressed during the years and lashes out at the people who have wronged him. He delivers soaring vocals, singing, “It’s not your birthday anymore/ There’s no need to be kind to you anymore/ and the will to see you smile and belong has gone.” You get the feeling that he’s really giving this album his all, stretching his talents beyond the limits of what we’ve seen in the past. To use a bad cliché, Morrissey is like good wine8212;he just gets better with time.