Playground magazine

Like every month, we have organised the material reviewed over the last few weeks to classify the albums released in May in order of preference. So in the opinion of the PlayGround team, these are the ten LPs that stand out from the rest.

10. Sistema: “Possible Sounds Of Möbius” (Natura Sonoris)

In his debut album, experienced Barcelona producer Sistema takes us on a tour of his panoramic musical vision in what has turned out to be one of the most absorbing, inspired works of Spanish electronic music.

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9. Sigur Rós: “Valtari” (XL Recordings)

The pop songs have disappeared and the euphoria has dissipated; in their new album, Sigur Rós have returned (in part) to their original essence and written an album with more content, ambient and melancholic. A reflection on the outcome of Europe’s decadence? Maybe so, or maybe it’s much more than that.

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8. Laurel Halo: “Quarantine” (Hyperdub)

Having detached herself from most of the dreamy pop and dance beats that characterised her first EPs, Laurel Halo has put out an asphyxiating debut album that reflects on the lack of communication and loneliness in the contemporary world.

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7. Killer Mike: “R.A.P. Music” (Williams Street)

Atlanta rapper Killer Mike hasn’t put out a political album, but it is a highly emotional, conceptual social commentary. An album about the family, the state, and life in the United States, with production by El-P. Solid as a rock.

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6. Saint Etienne: “Words & Music By Saint Etienne” (Heavenly-Universal)

Saint Etienne have come back through the front door, with their best album since the far-off “Tiger Bay”. Their secret? They love pop as a way of life, adore a variety of music, have fun and choose intelligence; putting together an adorable collection of songs that will stay with us forever.

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