Welcome to TuneWarp, the column for the music of today and way before yesterday. In this article, we’re covering all the great albums that may have slipped through your busy schedule this summer, and we take a look back in time to see what the teenagers of the 80’s, 70’s and even 60’s were listening to during summer. Please enjoy as we introduce you to our top three picks of the summer, and be sure to stay away from the fourth entry on our respective lists — the worst album of the summer.

(Sandy) Alex G / Rocket

Released May 19, 2017

The fourth full-length album from DIY artist (Sandy) Alex G marks a distinct departure from his signature lo-fi sound.  Rocket comes as a surprising and astounding masterpiece, seamlessly taking the listener from alt-country to dream pop to noise punk and back again. With something for every crowd, Rocket should be a staple on every study session playlist.

Brand New / Science Fiction

Released August 17, 2017

Brand New’s fifth (and supposedly final) studio album cuts deeper than any of their previous releases. Science Fiction delivers all the one liners and angst that Brand New’s cult following seeks, and from a mature perspective. Jesse Lacey’s writing is a lamentation from the far side of 30, a eulogy for every dream that has dried up. Far from being a dying band’s surrender, Science Fiction does not go gentle into that good night. A must listen.

Yes Yes A Thousand Times Yes/Fits – Split

Released June 30, 2017

If the Pittsburgh math rock scene isn’t exactly your jam, here’s a killer reason to give it a try.  Yes Yes a Thousand Times Yes relaxes the math ethics displayed on their LP, Not Now, Not Never, blending nicely with Brooklyn indie poppers, Fits. Euphoric and catchy, Split provides a tantalizing preview of Yes Yes a Thousand Times Yes’s upcoming LP.

The War On Drugs / A Deeper Understanding

Released August 25, 2017

Longtime fans of The War on Drugs will declare A Deeper Understanding a gem because it sounds exactly like the rest of their discography. The War On Drugs once again proves its dedication to the environment by recycling the same monotone song structures ad nauseum. A Deeper Understanding blazes a mediocre and worn-out path through the woods of indie rock. Listen at your own risk.

WARNING: You are now entering the past. Prepare for TuneWarp!

Metallica / Ride the Lightning

Released July 27, 1984

When someone says “Metallica,” your mind probably digs up the beginning riff of “Enter Sandman” or “Master of Puppets”. Consider for a moment, however, the second studio album of these thrash metal titans. This album is a great listen for newly anointed metalheads, with songs such as “Creeping Death,” “Fade to Black,” “Trapped Under Ice,” and the infamous “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. There is also a fantastic instrumental, “Call of Kthulu,” to finish off the perfect listening experience for Metal 101 headbangers.

Blind Faith / Blind Faith

Released August 1, 1969

Everyone has heard of Eric Clapton and his popular groups Cream and Derek and the Dominos, but few know the true gem that is Blind Faith. One of the first supergroups, Blind Faith was formed by Clapton and Ginger Baker from Cream, in addition to Steve Winwood and Rick Grech. They released only this one self-titled studio album, but it was so immensely popular that the album went platinum in the first month of its release. “Had to Cry Today” and “Can’t Find My Way Home” are classics that are sure to please any rock lover, and the album as a whole is a very enjoyable listen.

The Beatles / Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Released May 26, 1967

Do you love The Beatles? If you answered “no” to this question, you are either physically ill or you have not been immersed in the beauty of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Holding the record for the busiest album cover in music history, Sgt. Pepper’s is a true masterpiece that is loved by critics and fans alike. The self-titled song is a classic and entertaining piece, and fan favorites “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “When I’m Sixty-four,” and “A Little Help From My Friends” appear on this timeless album. 

Lou Reed / Metal Machine Music

Regrettably Released July 7, 1975

Even those who don’t listen to Lou Reed know “Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” which came off of his incredible album Transformer, and others may have heard of his previous group, The Velvet Underground. However, even avid fans have probably never heard of this monstrosity, and if they have, they certainly have not listened to it from start to finish. If you are into the avant-garde or noise music genre, this album is still not for you! It consists of four tracks, each delivering 16:01 minutes of static and white noise. If you dare to listen, have a bucket within reach to collect half your weight in tears and the other half in the blood that will pour out of your ears.