Ariel Pink

Ariel Rosenberg (better known as Ariel Pink) has found modest success and acclaim in obscure, eight-track bedroom recordings. That hardly makes him an anomaly in today’s music landscape. Critics and tastemakers have an unfortunate habit of prematurely ejaculating over the perceived “authenticity” of those practicing the lo-fi, DIY aesthetic, confusing unsophisticated production with righteous artistry. But Pink is truly a great artist, and what makes him special is his songwriting, which is heavily influenced by ’60s psychedelic pop, smooth ’70s funk and mainstream ’80s radio jams. This year’s outstanding Before Today, released on major indie label 4AD, is Pink’s first “official” album. On previous efforts, he often buried his melodies under a wall of hiss and noise. This latest work places the songs front and center in a slick, shiny mix. (Bonus points for verses and choruses, too.) Pink has been known to be a little more chaotic live, but Before Today is polished — and all the better for it.