5 new releases we love: Lil Wayne has a ball, Nicolas Jaar reaches new heights, and more

Matt Pond PA, A Collection Of Bees Part 1

[Self-released, February 7]

Matt Pond PA split in 2017, leaving behind 12 LPs, just as many EPs, and a slew of splits and standalone singles, the likes of which soundtracked many tender teenage make-outs in the 2000s. B-sides and demo compilations like A Collection Of Bees tend to be “fans only” affairs, but the breadth and scope of Pond’s work—his songwriting explored nearly every corner of what we call “indie folk”—demands reflection, if only because there’s so much of it. It’s an impeccably curated set in this sense, pairing some achingly lovely alternate versions of “Starlet” and “Love To Get Used” with the psych-folk madness of “Round And Round,” a pair of melancholy instrumentals, and even a rousing Stevie Nicks cover. But Pond’s gifts went beyond his prolificacy—his wool blanket of a voice and hooky, sepia-toned melodies remain distinctive to this day, a pile of crisp autumn leaves to jump into again and again. [Randall Colburn]

Birds Of Prey: The Album

[Atlantic, February 7]

It takes one hell of an assemblage to mimic the disorder and confidence of Harley Quinn and friends. Fortunately, DC’s slice of mayhem Birds Of Prey is largely bolstered by a soundtrack that leans into the candy-coated chaos with a mix of hip-hop party gems, relentless rock, and warped, emotional pop ballads. More than a complement to a fun film, Birds Of Prey: The Album is a thumping microcosm of today’s most promising female talent. Alongside pop heavy hitters like Normani, Megan Thee Stallion, and Halsey are head-turning newcomers like Doja Cat, whose anthemic, bass-heavy house track “Boss B*tch” is as brassy as the mallet-swinging villainess herself. While this may be, first and foremost, a soundtrack, it’s also Harley Quinn’s ideal breakup album, carrying the listener through moments of despair, rage, metamorphosis, and finally, blissful badassery. [Shannon Miller]