Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

“Magic”

Following a trio of serious selections (post 9/11 “The Rising,” “Devils and Dust” and “The Seeger Sessions”), the Boss is back in business with the E Street Band delivering rock for the working man with “Magic.” Unknown to many, “Magic” is only Springsteen’s second studio effort with his seminal backing support after “Born in the USA,” despite their fair share of stage time throughout the past few decades. Even in the group’s collective time providing background rock for the Blue-Collar Bandit, stronger material has surfaced. Remaining relevant isn’t a challenge to Springsteen – the rocker essentially lets his band do the talking while the songwriting suffers. The E Street Band can make anything sound majestic with its usual mash-up of strings, swagger and those classic twinkling bells that make listeners long for something better in life. “Magic” is heavily produced, but between standout horns from Clarence Clemons and the Boss’ affinity for Hammond organ and harmonica, something so comfortable rarely has felt so magical.

Verdict: Let the Boss have a little fun.

BEIRUT

“The Flying Club Cup”

In a world of indie oddities, we’ve seen some strange things emerge – among them, a 21-year-old from New Mexico with an affection for Balkan gypsy gyrations and the bells and whistles of the late 1800s. Zach Condon, the young and illustrious mind behind Beirut, returns with one of this year’s most intriguing records. “The Flying Club Cup” boasts a bevy of tracks that entrap the listener when they least expect it. From an attitude-laden lag-along outro on “La Banlien,” a surprisingly happy and spiritual sashay on “In The Mausoleum” and a turn at sound like Sufjan Stevens on “Un Denier Verre (Pour La Route),” Beirut’s gypsy march has made a smooth transition to a world in turn-of-the-century France where red balloons charm the Champs Elysees and mimes and Moulin Rouge are the M.O. Buy the ticket and take the ride to “fly” with Condon because you just might fall in love.

Verdict: Aurally stimulating and adorable.

-Sami Promisloff