RiYL

What's 40 or so years between mates? Released in June, Boxing the Compass marked Haircut 100's first album since 1984 -- longer than that, if you exclude the band's sophomore effort, which arrived after frontman Nick Heyward's departure (as many are wont to do). The new album album is focused, reinvigorated, and a lot more fun than it has any right to be, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cartoonist, songwriter, children's book author, twin-haver. There's little Leah Hayes can't do. The latter serves as real-life inspiration for her latest Fantagraphics book, Identical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 14 years, Alexander Hacke and Danielle de Picciotto are home. For now, at least. The couple's 10th album as hackedepicciotto arrives with the title Lichtung, the German word for a clearing in a forest. It's a celebration of a well-deserved rest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One thing you should know about Cedar Van Tassel is that he'll happily bend your ear about surprising depth and diversity of prairie grass species. Another thing you should know is that the artist lives on a farm, but isn't a farmer really -- at least not by trade -- instead earning a living amid the world of ecological restoration projects. A third -- and arguably most important -- thing is that his new book, Appleguy and Beefwood, is out now on Drawn & Quarterly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, Action Swingers, Lydia Lunch, Mick Collins -- Bob Bert has kept the beat for some of the best. This year, the drummer's own name finally graces the front of the album, with Beach Bongo Bloodbath. Mixing original with wildly original covers, the record puts the percussion's unique voice on full display. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.