New Releases Tuesday - 5/2

Ellen Allien and Apparat - Orchestra of Bubbles (BPitch Control) Combine the smooth dance groove of BPitch Control founder Ellen Allien with the darker moodiness of Shitkatapult co-head Apparat and you get the best electronic record of the year so far. Of course, it helps to have a penchant for Berlin techno, but I'd still recommend this to anyone with a vague interest in DJ culture.

The Charlatans - Simpatico (Sanctuary)
It's been over 15 years since they first hit the charts with their Deep Purple-robbing single "The Only One I Know" and about 12 years since all their Madchester peers fizzled out, but amazingly the Charlatans are still at it.

Jon Auer - Songs From The Year of Our Demise (Pattern 25)
Another flashback from the early 90s, the co-founder of Seattle popsters The Posies returns with his first full-length solo effort.

Also this week...

Alejandro Escovedo - The Boxing Mirror (Backporch)
Baby Dayliner - Critics Pass Away (Brassland)
Black Keys - Chulahoma: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough [EP] (Fat Possum)
Brandtson - Hello, Control. (Militia Group)
Court and Spark - Hearts (Absolutely Kosher)
DeVotchka - Curse Your Little Heart EP (Ace Fu)
Gomez - How We Operate (ATO)
Human Television - Look At Who You're Talking To (Gigantic)
Love of Everything - Superior Mold and Die (Record Label)
Sunset Rubdown - S/T (Absolutely Kosher)
Wolfmother - S/T (Interscope)