New Model Army - Today Is A Good Day (2009)

Any day that brings a new NMA album "is a good day." Not only because Justin Sullivan's Bradford, England band has released only 11 proper albums in 29 years (four '80s, three '90s, four 2000s), but because his/their quality control is so ludicrously high. Since 1983's debut "Bittersweet" single, every disc has merited deep appreciation. Never pinned down song to song, let alone album to album or decade to decade, they explore a cornucopia of historic rock influence, yet their albums don't feel like shuffle play. Indeed, wiry, taut, post-punk juggernauts full of slow-burning intensity such as "States Radio," "Arm Yourselves and Run," "Disappeared," and "Bad Harvest" rumble astride darkly beautiful, poignant mood-folk, such as the rollicking "Autumn," bluesy "God Save Me," somber closing "North Star," and Sullivan's 2003 solo Navigating by the Stars masterpiece, "Ocean Rising." Meanwhile, Sullivan spills his philosophical, intelligent veins in a way rarely experienced. Like 2007’s sensational High, Today is extraordinary -- again.