Picks of the Week: “Medal of Honor” and “Laughing Hieroglyphic”

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“Medal of Honor” (PS3, X360, PC)

As the first “Medal of Honor” title since 2007, the latest installment in the series departs from the franchise’s traditional World War II-era gameplay and puts players in the boots of a modern “Tier One Operator” in Afghanistan.

“Medal of Honor” presents an exciting first-person single-player experience in addition to a competitive multiplayer mode. One of the most noticeable aspects of the game is its impressively realistic-sounding weapons.

However, time will tell if it can distinguish itself from other modern shooters.

- Ryan Taljonick

“Laughing Hieroglyphic” by Avey Tare

The stunning opening track from the solo debut of Animal Collective’s Avey Tare is a psychedelic trip through haunted swamp grounds, propelled by a skipping beat and mossy accordion chords, Avey’s subtly processed and highly personal lyrics floating ghostly on top of the mix.

“Hold me, I’ve been sad for days,” Avey pleads in the song’s chorus, sounding more desperate than he has in much of Animal Collective’s work.

All this, and it’s just the beginning of the journey that is Avey’s solo debut, “Down There,” coming later this month.

- Ben Weissenborn