UK duo Big Deal play rock music stripped down to its underwear: guitars and harmonies, like a grunge take on the Softies. The result is something touching and urgent, especially as the distortion builds up around the one-line mantra, “All I wanna do is talk.” The band’s excellent debut is full of similarly bare efforts, riding on amplifier sound waves and rockier feelings. Stream it on Spotify; buy it from Mute.

Previously: Big Deal – “Chair”

Yo La Tengo / photo by David Greenwald from Matador at 21

Here’s Yo La Tengo in their ever-charming cocktail jazz mode, covering a Todd Rundgren classic. (Via the New Yorker, which informs us that you can score the song and a full album of brand-new covers from various artists for a WFMU donation. Everyone’s a winner!)

Considering selections from Beyonce’s 4, and Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy before it, it’s becoming undeniably clear that the artists in the best position to make ambitious music are no longer operating in underground rock. Usher’s “Climax” is another staggering effort in the mainstream R&B and hip-hop world’s improving bid for artistic relevance, a Diplo-produced slow-burn that might be both musicians’ best track yet. Usher, miles removed from his past club/love comfort zone, unleashes an impassioned falsetto that exudes vulnerability with total confidence. The beat’s an equal star — its minimalist, percussion-driven electro recalls SBTRKT’s excellent collaborations with Sampha, one of my 2011 favorites.

The beat teases dubstep inclinations without succumbing to them, its intensity rising in waves only to go weightless before an expected drop. Then it hits the high of the Nico Muhly-orchestrated bridge and you start wondering how many times you can buy it on iTunes to return the favor. This is the best of what 2012 can sound like: veteran talents taking chances and laying both their talents and their guts on the line with the total focus that superstardom allows. Like it or not, this is the next “Paranoid Android” — but I think you’re going to like it. The “Climax” single is due Feb. 28.

Judging by “Pennies Found,” the Holiday Crowd are St. Morrissey’s latest acolytes. Also judging by “Pennies Found,” the Toronto band’s taking their religious obligations seriously: it’s excellent while sounding thoroughly like the Smiths, a tall order for anyone not named Johnny or Steven. The band’s debut album is out now on Shelflife and New Romantic. (Via Eardrums)

Photo by _FXR

I wrote about Nada Surf’s The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy for the A.V. Club:

Since 2003 comeback record Let Go, Nada Surf’s quietly built one of indie rock’s most consistent discographies. The Stars is a reliably crisp, tuneful addition, all racing snare hits, taut power chords, and Caws’ emotive tenor… New tricks, however, might be off the menu.

And First Aid Kit’s The Lion’s Roar for eMusic:

Stockholm’s a long way from Folsom Prison, a fact that hasn’t escaped First Aid Kit. The Lion’s Roar, the Swedish duo’s sharp, sepia-toned sophomore album, bridges that gap with “Emmylou,” an homage to Ms. Harris that makes the ultimate offer for lovers of Woodstock-era country.

Both fine records. First Aid Kit’s is stronger, if you have to pick. Click through for my full reviews.

Nada Surf – “When I Was Young”: mp3

For my money, the mega-jams on Hospitality’s near-perfect self-titled debut are the gentle “Eighth Avenue” and “Liberal Arts,” two twee tracks that give Fred Thomas a run for his King of Indie-Pop crown. But singles “Friends of Friends” and “Betty Wang” come pretty close, offering singer Amber Papini’s coyly post-Chrissie Hynde melodic acrobatics and the band’s thoughtful, full-bodied arrangements. (“Betty Wang” closes with a downright Nels Cline-y guitar spasm.) Related: would anyone complain if I just posted indie-pop all year? Is there any reason not to?

Hospitality – Friends of Friends by MergeRecords

Hospitality – Betty Wang by MergeRecords

Hospitality is out 1/31 on Merge Records, who love us and want us to be happy.

This is totally just British Jason Mraz BUT I LOVE IT. Stick around for the synth breakdown at the end. One concern: no Robert Pattinson/water/elephants cameo? Hear more from the band on Rdio or your cloud player of choice and look for a proper debut later this year.

A lovely, Joshua Tree-set video for First Aid Kit’s sparkling country homage. Play it as loud as your heartstrings will bear.