XLR8R

Creative appropriation or flat-out theft? It doesn't matter to Renee Scroggins, singer-guitarist for proto-punk-funk combo ESG–one of the most widely sampled bands in history–and unintentional advocate for artists' copyrights.

Andrew Pommier likes to draw bunnies, sparrows, and people wearing animal heads. And more often than not, they're smoking. Seems pretty weird for someone whose favorite saying is "never smoke," but this Canadian is a study in contradictions.

On the cover of Tacoma Mockingbird, a photo of Eliot Lipp is superimposed on a shot of an industrial Los Angeles skyline, his body bisected by a thick yellow line that busts a serious '80s graphic design move. While not my favorite album sleeve ever, it does a lot to suggest the influence that moving to LA has had on this 25-year-old producer's second album. G-funk keyboards mob all over this record, swinging through "Glasspipe," kicking back and squelching on "Check Weight." Meanwhile, the electro touches of "Last Night" and "Brand New" beg for an uprock or five, while the album's languid, liquid BPMs would be a great soundtrack to a smoke-filled lowrider slowly tippin' to the side.