Welcome to Mali
by Amadou & Mariam
From Lucija (U.I. designer): Welcome to Mali, the latest from Amadou & Mariam, brings the duo back from the land of Manu Chao into a realm familiar to longtime fans. Like Sou Ni Tilé, the latest starts pretty but picks up the pace on track 3, "Magossa." Other stand-outs include the 70s Afro-funk "Batoman," the K'naan collaboration "Africa," and the Franco-brass-band groove of "Compagnon De La Vie."

The Warning
by Hot Chip
From Tim (Client Services Training and Support Specialist): Incorporating a wide range of influences and an even wider array of unusual instrumentation, Hot Chip has created a unique electronic pop album. At times melancholy, at other times nervous and manic, The Warning is always undeniably well crafted and catchy.

The Violin Player
by Vanessa Mae
From Michael (Senior Operations Engineer): Vanessa Mae's pop style violin solos make a great way to wind down from an intensive day at work. Her very upbeat albums make a great way to experience classical musical. She is an artist that comes off like a rock star that plays classical. I highly recommend her albums for anyone looking to experience a very uplifting classical experience.

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
by Sinead O'Connor
Moving and intensely introspective, this remarkable work was O'Connor's breakthrough album. Filled with the Irish singer's startlingly confessional songwriting, it's a collection of songs that our office manager Cara says is "powerfully emotional throughout. It's an incredible showcase of Sinead's unique artistry and her fierce independence."

You Were Here
by Sarah Harmer
Mixing pensive melodies with deeply personal lyrics, Sarah Harmer is reminiscent of a young Joni Mitchell. Filled with the evocative sounds of acoustic guitar, drum loops, and cello and clarinet solos, this folk songstress's solo debut is what our IT guru Josh calls "a poetic and emotional musical journey with a unique, almost homemade quality."

City Morning Song
by Sarah Shannon
Former Velocity Girl singer Sarah Shannon showcases her maturing sound on this, her second full-length solo album filled with richly textured arrangements ranging from sweet ballads to crisp pop. With earthy warmth, Shannon explores subject matter that Dan, our customer service manager, says is "sometimes dark, sometimes urgent, and always moving."

Andorra
by Caribou
The fertile electronic laboratory of singer/composer Don Snaith (using the nom de plume, Caribou) produced this dense and captivating album, merging robotic bass and multi-tracked drums with a gentle, yet confident vocal style. U.I. designer Lucija recommends this disc, whose kaleidoscopic production is sweetly reminiscent of the best of '60s psychedelic pop.

Boxer
by The National
The moody, smart songwriting on this indie rock album offers what product manager Matt calls "an always engaging, often breathtaking mix of nervous tension and delighted release." Richly supported by arrangements that feature piano, horns, and strings, this Brooklyn band's lyrics range from the subtle and brooding to the knowing and downright funny.

Action Packed: the Best of Jonathan Richman
by Jonathan Richman
With a twangy electric style and a stripped-down honesty, singer/guitarist Richman's work—showcased on this best-of collection from his past three decades—is deceptively straightforward. "Richman makes music that's totally infectious and endearing, whether the song's about a cup of cappuccino or digging ranches," says our libraries expert, Bill.