On his 2009 release Hombre Lobo, Eels mastermind Mark Oliver Everett, literally howled for fresh blood—the lone wolf in hot pursuit of some lowbrow companionship. The album, a fairly straightforward, fuzzed-out garage rock record, kicked off a trilogy of LPs followed by the stripped down and rather dour End Times. Today, the final installment reaches listeners and for longtime Eels fans it offers a welcome return to more upbeat material. Everett, a man who goes by the one-letter name, “E”, treats the record like one whole work (as opposed to tracks arranged as interchangeable, shuffle-ready singles), with orchestral interludes linking one chipper song to the next. “E” sat down to write a positive album that wasn’t too vapid or cheesy and he succeeds. That classic Eels flavor—a sly, dry wit—is all over sentimental ditties like “Things Are Looking Up” and “Spectacular Girl,” the video for which follows the subject as she transitions from boring office job to her night gig as a black-clad assassin for hire.

The Brooklyn-based band known as Chk Chk Chk came around before the advent of Google and probably didn’t figure on their name making it impossible to easily locate anything about them online. The actual name is three exclamation marks in a row and while difficult to search or pronounce, it definitely reflects the group’s high-energy sound. Strange Weather Isn’t It, their first album in three years, was recorded in Berlin and in interviews leading up to its release was rumored to deliver major doses of Berlin house music. Well, if this is what Berlin house sounds like, then mark us down as fans of the movement. To most listeners, the album will likely just sound like more of the same body-moving dance-punk with an undercurrent of seedy sexual innuendo that Chk Chk Chk has always done so well. Strange Weather is a bittersweet achievement, arriving in the wake of drummer Jerry Fuch’s untimely death last year.  While honoring his memory, the band moves forward with this irresistible record. Put it on and get ready to sweat.

For an up-and-coming band, greeting an onslaught of approval right out the gates is a mixed blessing. Ra Ra Riot’s 2008 debut full-length, The Rhumb Line, raised interest for both its stunning orchestral pop and tragic back story, arriving shortly after original drummer and songwriter John Pike’s sudden death. Two years later, the Syracuse, New York band vies to beat the dreaded sophomore slump with The Orchard, a record weighted with big expectations.  So, how is it? Well, there are moments that deliver the instant satisfaction of The Rhumb Line’s “Too Too Too Fast” and “Ghost Under Rocks,” most notably “Boy” and “Too Dramatic,” but of course the band is maturing and experimenting so this one might require a few listens before it’s your new favorite. Be sure to check out the song “You and I Know” which features cellist Alexandra Dawn’s debut on lead vocals.

Also in stores today: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan team up for their third full-length collaboration, Hawk; Grass Widow paves the way for the post-Riot Grrl generation with their Kill Rock Stars debut; JJ Grey and Mofro ride on with Georgia Warhorse.

Remember to buy local!