Is there a better record label than Soul Jazz? You can nominate Salsoul or RPM, but a "yes" answer becomes more unlikely with the release of the exquisitely designed Tropicália, a primer beginning and ending with Gilberto Gil's and Os Mutantes' versions of "Bat Macumba." The comprehensive booklet honors the movement's political roots while exploring Brazil's history. (Johnny Ray Huston)

NETHERS
In Fields We Will Lie
(Box Theory)

"Hope the air is clear, the end is coming near!" the Nethers harmonize on In Fields We Will Lie's "O The Deed," as acoustic guitars jab and joust between major and minor and the rhythm section decides to take its own sprightly path. The tug between darkness and light, the rot of inertia and the migration of winged creatures – that's an age-old yet still compelling struggle, put to song on this winsomely grim indie-folk disc. (Kimberly Chun)