First Listen : NPR

Melody's Echo Chamber's self-titled debut album comes out Sept. 25.

Read First Listen: Melody's Echo Chamber, 'Melody's Echo Chamber'

First Listen: Melody's Echo Chamber, 'Melody's Echo Chamber'

September 16, 2012 – The debut album by Paris-based Melody Prochet nods to many traditions without ever adhering to one.

Dependent and Happy, the latest full-length album from electronic producer Ricardo Villalobos, comes out Sept. 25.

Listen First Listen: Ricardo Villalobos, 'Dependent And Happy'

First Listen: Ricardo Villalobos, 'Dependent And Happy'

September 16, 2012 – Constructed to be absorbed in one sitting, the album picks up depth as it unfurls toward oblivion.

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Grizzly Bear's new album, Shields, comes out Sept. 18.

Read First Listen: Grizzly Bear, 'Shields'

First Listen: Grizzly Bear, 'Shields'

September 9, 2012 – The band's fourth album rewards listeners with strange surprises and a few hooky, expansive ringers.

Aimee Mann's new album, Charmer, comes out Sept. 18.

Read First Listen: Aimee Mann, 'Charmer'

First Listen: Aimee Mann, 'Charmer'

September 9, 2012 – Charmer is the work of a sharp, confident veteran who's never strayed far from the top of her game.

Dinosaur Jr.'s new album, I Bet On Sky, comes out Sept. 18.

Read First Listen: Dinosaur Jr., 'I Bet On Sky'

First Listen: Dinosaur Jr., 'I Bet On Sky'

September 9, 2012 – Dinosaur Jr.'s 10th studio album knows where its strengths lie: namely, in guitars and volume.

David Byrne and St. Vincent's new album, Love This Giant, comes out Sept. 11.

Read First Listen: David Byrne & St. Vincent, 'Love This Giant'

First Listen: David Byrne & St. Vincent, 'Love This Giant'

September 2, 2012 – The pair's collaboration features a funky horn section and an overarching sense of brainy boldness.

The xx's new album, Coexist, comes out Sept. 11.

Read First Listen: The xx, 'Coexist'

First Listen: The xx, 'Coexist'

September 2, 2012 – The xx's songs billow out softly and quietly, with only pretty guitar lines to lessen the tension.

Astro's self-titled debut album is out now.

Read First Listen: Astro, 'Astro'

First Listen: Astro, 'Astro'

September 2, 2012 – The Chilean band's electro-pop debut is infectiously cheery, lighthearted and danceable.

The Avett Brothers' new album, The Carpenter, will be released on Sept. 11.

Read First Listen: The Avett Brothers, 'The Carpenter'

First Listen: The Avett Brothers, 'The Carpenter'

August 29, 2012 – The Carpenter dispenses hook-filled anthems amid introspective looks at mortality and devotion.

Cat Power's new album, Sun, comes out Sept. 4.

Read First Listen: Cat Power, 'Sun'

First Listen: Cat Power, 'Sun'

August 26, 2012 – With the long-awaited Sun, Chan Marshall crafts her most joyful, sonically adventurous album yet.

Deerhoof's new album, Breakup Song, comes out Sept. 4.

Read First Listen: Deerhoof, 'Breakup Song'

First Listen: Deerhoof, 'Breakup Song'

August 26, 2012 – Deerhoof mixes adorability and eccentricity, with a bit of menace to hold the cuteness in check.

Animal Collective's new album, Centipede Hz, comes out Sept. 4.

Read First Listen: Animal Collective, 'Centipede Hz'

First Listen: Animal Collective, 'Centipede Hz'

August 26, 2012 – Centipede Hz is jagged and assertive; it snarls and heaves, supported by electric musculature.

Stars new album, The North, comes out Sept. 4.

Read First Listen: Stars, 'The North'

First Listen: Stars, 'The North'

August 26, 2012 – The North rewards exploration with moments that alternately swoon, seethe, swing and paralyze.

Read First Listen: Dan Deacon, 'America'

First Listen: Dan Deacon, 'America'

August 19, 2012 – The new album America is melodic and noisy, minimalist and excessive, harsh and beautiful.

Swans' new album The Seer comes out Aug. 28.

Read First Listen: Swans, 'The Seer'

First Listen: Swans, 'The Seer'

August 19, 2012 – The noise-rock band's 12th album is a cacophonous vault into the sublime.

First Listen archive

First Listen: Melody's Echo Chamber, 'Melody's Echo Chamber'

First Listen: Ricardo Villalobos, 'Dependent And Happy'

First Listen: Grizzly Bear, 'Shields'

First Listen: Aimee Mann, 'Charmer'

First Listen: Dinosaur Jr., 'I Bet On Sky'

First Listen: David Byrne & St. Vincent, 'Love This Giant'

First Listen: The xx, 'Coexist'

First Listen: Astro, 'Astro'

First Listen: The Avett Brothers, 'The Carpenter'

First Listen: Cat Power, 'Sun'

First Listen: Deerhoof, 'Breakup Song'

First Listen: Animal Collective, 'Centipede Hz'

First Listen: Stars, 'The North'

First Listen: Dan Deacon, 'America'

First Listen: Swans, 'The Seer'

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