Album of the Week: Arctic Monkeys, 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' December 21, 2020 Live at the Royal Albert Hall showcases many of Arctic Monkeys' most recent songs along with fan favorites and a presence from the audience that will deliver you back to the live music experience so many of us are craving. From the frenetic "Brianstorm" to the meandering "Arabella," you're left wishing you could have been in the crowd but grateful to have this album to consume as we are all socially distancing.
Album of the Week: The Postal Service, 'Everything Will Change' December 14, 2020 The new live album recording of that 2013 10th Anniversary show finds the band has grown into slick and practiced pros. The pop and grind of the synths, and the harmonies of Jenny Lewis and Gibbard - sweet and novel after going so long without.
Album of the Week: Margo Price, 'Perfectly Imperfect at the Ryman' December 7, 2020 It's been nine months since most of us have seen a live concert. Virtual concerts are all well and good, but there is nothing like the real thing. In 2018, Margo Price triumphed at her homecoming residency at country music's mother church, the Ryman Auditorium, in Nashville. I sure would have loved to have attended one of them. Thankfully the shows were documented.
Album of the Week: Low Cut Connie, 'Private Lives' November 30, 2020 'Private Lives' reminds us that the chain that is America is only as strong as its weakest link, that we're all in it together, and need to rise together, as hard as that seems at times.
Album of the Week: Adrianne Lenker, 'songs' November 23, 2020 The new album from Adrianne Lenker is a mix of folk songs, sound collages, and Lenker's distinct voice making the album stand apart from her work with Big Thief.
Album of the Week: Jeff Tweedy, 'Love is the King' November 16, 2020 While his fourth studio album doesn't stray too far from what you expect Jeff Tweedy, you can hear his use of the studio as an instrument with warm layers of voices and melodies backing his steady voice. Joined by his sons Spencer and Sam, the album is a reassurance that even though recorded in lockdown, we can all re-center ourselves around telling stories from the heart with help from those around us.
Album of the Week: Samia, 'The Baby' November 9, 2020 Samia's approach to writing and recording is refreshingly reminiscent of '90s college rock, but with the attitude you expect in 2020.
Album of the Week: Gorillaz, 'Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez' November 2, 2020 It makes sense that a concept band who was ahead of their time when releasing their debut in 2001 sounds of the moment in 2020. Gorillaz always filled the space between genres that countless acts try to master. Over two decades, you hear how Albarn and Hewlett's vision to form a virtual band no longer seems out of place as life and music has gone virtual.
Album of the Week: Bruce Springsteen, 'Letter To You' October 26, 2020 This album is a very personal story for Springsteen, who is now 71. He's been able to channel his past experiences into this album, but he is still able to make it sound like he's still in the present. Bruce has used his aging process to share wisdom and express gratitude for those who have helped him get to the place he is now.
Album of the Week: Dehd, 'Flower Of Devotion' October 19, 2020 On their new studio album, Flower of Devotion, DEHD took the foundation of their DIY approach to music into the studio to create a more sophisticated record that adds to their distinctive post punk sound.