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FOXY SHAZAM
FOXY SHAZAM [SIRE]

In an increasingly homogenized musical landscape, acts like Foxy Shazam are a rarity, which is what makes the band’s major-label debut, Foxy Shazam, all that more impressive. Combining elements of glam rock, classic rock, and soul, this 15-song collection effortlessly switches from huge pop anthems like “Count Me Out” to orchestrally driven show-tune-esque numbers like “Evil Thoughts” without a hint of irony. Climactic tracks like “Second Floor” may seem a little over the top at first (frontman Eric Nally is reportedly working with kindred spirit Meatloaf on his upcoming album), but Foxy Shazam is dripping with so much sincerity that it’s difficult not to get swept away.

RAJA SAHOTA

Heidi interviews the outdoors entrepreneur of Dharamsala, India, Raja Sahota.

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Q & A WITH STEVE-O

Hard at work on Jackass 3-D, the MTV star reflects on his time in jail, his many tattoos, and why he’s less of a jerk now that he’s finally sober.

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ROKY ERICKSON
TRUE LOVE CAST OUT ALL EVIL [ANTI-]

Roky Erickson is an American treasure, and his first album in 14 years is a not-so-subtle reminder that his relevance hasn’t waned. Produced by Will Sheff and featuring his band, Okkervil River, True Love Cast Out All Evil is a heady mix of psychedelia, pop, and ambient experimentation. On tracks such as Crazy Horse–inflected “Goodbye Sweet Dreams” it sounds like Erickson is baring his soul, but there is melody amid the catharsis, most notably on swirling sing-alongs like “Ain’t Blues Too Sad.” Thankfully, instead of slick production, these moments are recorded in lo-fi, making it sound as if you’re standing next to Erickson as he conquers his demons.

AVI BUFFALO
AVI BUFFALO [SUB POP]

With the Shins seemingly out of commission, it was only a matter of time before someone came to reclaim the band’s indie pop crown. And who better than Avi Buffalo? Featuring plenty of soaring harmonies and tasteful guitar flourishes, Avi Buffalo is an impressive debut full-length that Pitchfork aficionados will drool over. In addition to the album’s requisite pop hooks, there are also plenty of surprises, such as the Johnny Marr-aping guitar line on the seven-minute-long “Remember Last Time” and tasteful soloing on “What’s In It For?” This improvisation not only gives Avi Buffalo their own identity, but also keeps the band’s songs from falling back on indie rock’s sometimes formulaic constraints.

BERT WEISS

Heidi Minx interviews morning radio host, Bert Weiss, about his tattoos and his charity that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses to Disneyworld for an entire weekend.

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SUPA NOVA SLOM

Raised mostly in a vegan home, Supa Nova Slom uses health and meditation to unite gang-run neighborhoods. His book, which breaks down health and wellness simply, is out now.

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HOMEWARD BOUND

She’s been a TRL icon and a twangy country Wrecker. Now, sultry singer Michelle Branch returns to her roots and traces her journey through the tattoos she picked up along the way.

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