Susie Arioli Swing Band Pennies From Heaven (Justin Time/Fusion III) Susie and Jordan Officer in a fine program made more valuable by pianist Ralph Sutton’s last recorded appearances. Foot-tapping music! 9.5 (LD)

Raphael Saadiq feat. D’Angelo “Be Here” 12” (Universal) Two of our favourite Soulquarians drop a tune they probably wrote in their sleep. Butter. 9 (Scott C)

Damien Jurado I Break Chairs (Sub Pop) A twangy voice that will hold you prisoner to this syrupy pop. 8 (JC)

Hot Hot Heat Knock Knock Knock (Sub Pop) Frenetic whining, out-there rhythms and party guitars put this EP somewhere between Pere Ubu and XTC. What? 8 (LC)

Place of Skulls Nailed (Southern Lord) Ex-Pentagram guy gets some jailhouse religion but lets the doom ring out. 8 (JC)

Julie Doiron Heart and Crime (Endearing) The queen of quiet gives it another acoustic go on this downbeat long-player. 7 (LC)