The Jealous Cactus I've been a fan of Nick since Time All Gone, and this might be my favorite album since then. His sound has evolved, but it still sounds distinctly like him. Favorite track: Late In The Garden.

Carsten Pieper His farewell album to L.A. where he lived for a long time. Also, a phase shift in his song-writing, the artist claims. Whatsoever, the music remains "retro", many things 50s and 60s are incorporated in this new, and again great, album are included. One thing I hear here, but don't read about, is a certain pet sound feeling in quite a number of these songs. Maybe due to the (again) mono mix and these rich arrangements...? Favorite track: (No) Commitment.