R.E.M. “Man-Sized Wreath”
In a raw rock opus that evokes R.E.M.’s early days, Michael Stipe rages against the nation’s leaders and followers alike.
[Review]

Panic at the Disco “Northern Downpour”
If the Beatles lived to wear guyliner, they might have written a gorgeous, harmony-laden ballad like this.
[Review]

Moby “Disco Lies”
Moby wisely returns to his clubland roots on this track, celebrating the classic Nineties house sound, complete with diva hollers.
[Review]

Van Morrison “Don’t Go to Nightclubs Anymore”
Over an old-school blues riff, an ex-barfly bids farewell to all the drinks he’s loved before.
[Review]

Bon Iver “Flume”
An acoustic-guitar lullaby with Neil Young-ish falsetto and enough sadness to fill an orphanage — in short, breakup-song gold.
[Listen]-[Review]