SHYE BEN TZUR, JONNY GREENWOOD AND THE RAJASTHAN EXPRESS

Junun

Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood has teamed up with Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur and Indian group the Rajasthan Express to meld music of Western, South Asian and Middle Eastern origins. The process was captured by Paul Thomas Anderson and featured in his film, also titled Junun. Produced by longtime Radiohead associate Nigel Godrich, the music has the clarity and melancholy characteristic of his other production work. The contemplative, hypnotizing “Ahuvi” finds the musicians exploring dissonance and a more minimalist approach; its strings, lonely guitar and vocals are strongly atmospheric. The looping “Hu,” revolving around the sound of the sarangi, builds into a melodically hopeful and triumphant number. “Junun Brass” is a full-sounding instrumental with a danceable, thumping beat, while “Kalandar” is full of tension and curiosity, driven by bounding synth and flute. With Junun, Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood and the Rajasthan Express create a textured and energetic collection that transcends genre and the generalizations used to describe non-Western music.(Nonesuch, nonesuch.com) ANNA ALGER off on last year’s magnificent Praise Break EP, continuing his wistful pursuit of self-actualization. Raised in Oshawa in a religious family and now based in Toronto, Caesar’s music is often atmospheric and reflective — contemplative lyrics, warm, electronic R&B and impressive production emphasize that Caesar is a hell of a songwriter. “Don’t forget you chose this life / Welcome to your paradise,” he croons on “Paradise,” featuring the sleek instrumentation of BADBADNOTGOOD. “Death and Taxes” is a cold tale of the unpredictability and moral ambiguity of modern life that finds Caesar soaring, while the gospel-influenced “Show No Regret” is calm and drifting. On Praise Break, the young IXXI collective artist was figuring out his strengths; on Pilgrim’s Paradise, he’s found them, and he’s letting them shine. (IXXI) EBYAN ABDIGIR