Dan Deacon: America

-- By Bob Boilen, NPR Music

America is an album packed with melody and noise, minimalism and excess, harshness and beauty — sometimes all the same time. Dan Deacon's music is steeped in pop, electronics and classical music, making this record an absolute adventure.

America is the pop side, and here Deacon has played with his singing style somewhat. In the past, it's fair to say, it was more chant and repetition; on America it can be more word driven. And even when the music is dense, there's more space. The sounds are more clearly defined and the total is experience less exhausting and more exhilarating. It's still intense, but it's friendlier.

America. It's devoid of politics and celebrates the land.

America is not a one-listen record. You have the whole week to sink your teeth into this, so take the time and do it. If the sounds feel brash, let them wash over you. This album is worth the ride.

America will be available to stream on demand from Monday August 20 through August 27, 2012.