I know we have the year-end Best Of lists coming up, and "A Deeper Understanding" will be there, but this might give you a few more days to purchase this recording as a gift for the Music Fiend in your circle. Philly's The War and Drugs — as piloted by resident genius Adam Granduciel — has been described in many ways over the years, from Springsteenian to Impressionist synth to '80s-flavored melancholia, and there are elements of all of this in "A Deeper Understanding." But so much more. Underpinned by rain-cloud synths, a propulsive groove and hypnotically lovely/weary melodies, this album without question deserves the rare but spot-on Grammy nomination for this year's Best Rock Album.