Blonde Redhead, Penny Sparkle (4AD, Sept. 14) The band returns, with help from Fever Ray producers Van Rivers and the Subliminal Kid.
Brian Eno, Small Craft on a Milk Sea (Warp, Nov. 2) Eno records for the electronic label, and the material world versions include a vinyl set with lithograph.
Corin Tucker Band, 1000 Years (Kill Rock Stars, Oct. 5) The Sleater-Kinney singer-guitarist strikes forth solo in a manner of speaking, with contributions from Unwound’s Sara Lund and Golden Bears’ Seth Lorinczi.
El Guincho, Pop Negro (Young Turks, Sept. 14) Barcelona’s pride issues his second album, with a gorgeous octopus cover art and a track called “FM Tan Sexy.”
Frankie Rose and the Outs, Frankie Rose and the Outs (Slumberland, Sept. 21) The Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, and Vivian Girls drummer fronts her own band, and covers Arthur Russell.
Fresh & Onlys, Play It Strange (In the Red, Oct. 12) The local foursome teams up with Tim Green for a new album that includes creepy fireside cover art and a song titled “Be My Hooker.”
Kelley Stoltz, To Dreamers (Sub Pop, Oct. 12) The San Francisco songsmith does it all (or most of it) himself this go-round, covering Peter Miller’s “Baby I Got News For You.”
Laetitia Sadier, The Trip (Drag City, Sept. 21) The Stereolab member goes solo, and covers Les Rita Matsouko.
Liza Minnelli, Confessions (Decca, Sept. 21) Liza’s back, after back surgery and a Snickers ad with Aretha Franklin, with her take on “At Last.”
Neil Young, Le Noise (Reprise) Shaky isn’t recording an album of chansons — the title is probably a nod to producer Daniel Lanois.
OMD, History of Modern (Bright Antenna/ILG, Sept. 28) The synth duo that all chill wave acts should bow down to issues its first album in 14 years, with a lead single featuring (wait for it) Aretha Franklin.
Swans, My Father Will Lead Me to the Sky (Young God, Sept. 21) Another group returns after a 14-year absence — Devendra Banhart lends a hand (or voice), but Jarboe doesn’t.
Tamaryn, The Waves (Mexican Summer, Sept. 14) The new wave of San Francisco shoegaze steps out into the world with this widescreen effort.
Weekend, Sports (Slumberland, Nov. 9) San Francisco shoegaze, step two: a double-album debut.