New Reviews for October 11, 2024

Cosmic American Music: Motel California
Various Artists
Numero / Numero Group
The second volume of a compilation series focused on obscure country-rock and psychedelic Americana artists from the late '60s and early '70s.
- Fred Thomas
The Lucky One
Western Vinyl Records
Memories and absences engulf the present on Caroline Sallee's tender, dreamy third album, which was entirely self-recorded.
- Marcy Donelson
Bleed
Northern Spy
On its 23rd album, the Australian piano trio offer a single 42-minute composition centered on the theme of stillness.
- Thom Jurek
Doggerland
New West
A more ruminative and atmospheric version of the already moody New Zealand trio emerges on an EP named for the submerged land mass.
- Marcy Donelson
Mozart: Concertos pour flûte; Concerto pour flûte et harpe
Alpha
Historical instruments reveal new sounds in these familiar flute works.
- James Manheim
Bach: Preludes; Inventions; Sinfonias
Hyperion
Bach's teaching pieces reveal depths in the hands of a highly distinctive interpreter.
- James Manheim
Dvorák: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"; American Suite
Erato / Warner Classics
An exciting Dvořák recording bodes well for a great American orchestra and its new conductor.
- James Manheim
Joy & Asymmetry: Rautavaara, Aho
BIS
Related but contrasting choral works from two leading Finnish composers, teacher and student.
- James Manheim
Shock Tactics
AllMusic Staff Pick - October 11, 2024
1981
Samson's best album, 1981's Shock Tactics, was the last to feature singer Bruce Dickinson (then known simply as Bruce Bruce). The band's songwriting had improved and was comparable to other up-and-coming British heavy metal bands at the time, such as Saxon, Diamond Head, and Iron Maiden.
- Greg Prato