Album of the Week: Sturgill Simpson, 'A Sailor's Guide to Earth' May 30, 2016 Sturgill Simpson's excellent new album weaves a nautical theme to engage a listener's emotions, present thoughtful challenges and make one appreciate the art of album sequencing.
Album of the Week: The Jayhawks, 'Paging Mr. Proust' May 23, 2016 The Jayhawks' new album features the band's signature sunny melodies and their trademark harmonies, but it also breaks new ground by adventuring into new sounds. With 'Paging Mr. Proust,' the Jayhawks look to the future without forgetting their past.
Album of the Week: Radiohead, 'A Moon Shaped Pool' May 16, 2016 With 'A Moon Shaped Pool', Radiohead tap into analog human emotions and join them with the increased use of acoustic instrumentation to achieve a new depth for themselves.
Album of the Week: M83, 'Junk' May 9, 2016 M83's Anthony Gonzalez has spoken about attempting to resurrect bits of pop culture thought to be forgotten; his band's latest 'Junk', veers frenetically across a range of influences, giving the effect of an anthology of postcards from the past.
Album of the Week: Weezer, 'Weezer (The White Album)' May 2, 2016 Weezer fans have longed for the combination of the band's grunge-pop debut with the emo masterpiece, 'Pinkerton.' That combination isn't present on the 'White Album' as Cuomo leans more towards rock cliches than the brashness of his youth.
Album of the Week: The Lumineers, 'Cleopatra' April 25, 2016 The Lumineers faced a steep climb after experiencing an enormous hit straight out of the gate. Their follow-up, 'Cleopatra', is a mixed bag; it contains some of the best music the trio has ever produced alongside less captivating work.
Album of the Week: Bob Mould, 'Patch the Sky' April 18, 2016 'Patch the Sky' is one of the most upbeat albums of Bob Mould's career, but it's also an album dominated by reflection and the haunting nature of the past. Despite that, 'Patch the Sky' is anything but a downer -- and it's anything but nostalgia.
Album of the Week: Ray LaMontagne, 'Ouroboros' April 11, 2016 From its very first song, Ray LaMontagne lets us know 'Ouroboros' is a different sort of outing. Stepping away from the easy-breezy folk music he's been known for, LaMontagne gives us a dreamy psychedelic album.
Album of the Week: Jack Garratt, 'Phase' April 4, 2016 Jack Garratt's debut album stands out for its use of dynamics and tempo; quiet moments contrast with bombastic cacophony. The result is a collection of electro-pop gems that create an immersive musical experience.
Album of the Week: Mavis Staples, 'Livin' on a High Note' March 28, 2016 With 'Livin' on a High Note,' Mavis Staples wanted to make a record that would uplift people. In another singer's hands, this may have come across as corny or preachy, but in this case, the beauty lies in the simplicity and the understanding of just who is delivering these words of hope.