To say that Anna von Hausswolff is a daring, inventive organ player with vocal technique to match is an understatement. She casts spells with both organ and vox, culminating in an emotional torrent that gushes over the listener and takes them deep into the dark heart of the forest beyond the imagination.

New albums from the real deal of Willis Earl Beal and The Excitements have Jason Motz stoked almost beyond measure.

Here’s a passionate take on some of the best and some of the very worst emanating from the music scene today. We’re talking M.I.A. and Lady Gaga, and yes, you’ve probably guessed which is which.

Late in the year come two remarkable albums from surprising quarters, one from a band that finally lives up to its promise, the other from a band with plenty of promise.

Mutual Benefit plays with the intimacy of a friend whispering in your ear right next you; their debut album Love’s Crushing Diamond is one of the most beautiful, lush albums you’ll hear in all of 2013.

A garage rock import from Australia? Do tell.