Chicagoan audiophile Barry Judd has heard everything and rated most of it. Notwithstanding a soft spot for Marvin Gaye, he despises the mainstream and prefers to dig deep into the vaults for hidden treasure. From his independent record shop Championship Vinyl, he'll even sell it to you if you're cool enough. You wouldn't be familiar with his immediate influences, which are mostly German.
This one came highly recommended, which is often the kiss of death. This Indian alt-rock band is fronted by a crooner who would have been at home in the 1950s…
The first time I played this album, I greatly enjoyed the sound of its muted beats, acoustic guitars, and carefully programmed synths -- the lush and grungy tones alike are…