Featured New
Releases for
February 5, 2021
A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 1
Loma Vista
Timed with the 2020 U.S. presidential election, this is another strong message-oriented LP from the MC and his rock-solid cohort.
The Highlights
XO
Practical anthology issued a couple days before the singer's halftime performance at Super Bowl LV.
Ignorance
Fat Possum Records
Tamara Lindeman's brilliant fifth album examines environmental and emotional crises with dazzling yet heartfelt words and music.
Good Woman
Atlantic / Nonesuch
The sister trio's John Congleton-produced third album examines the roles of women with poignant self-assurance and a soft rock sheen.
Not Your Muse
Polydor
Fine LP of vintage-current R&B from a subtly distinct artist who has been on the rise for over half a decade.
Songs of Love & Revolution
Tapete Records
The 12th studio album from the shoegaze pioneers upgrades production while continuing their 2020s fixation with hypnotic, feedback-dazzled drone rock.
Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Rendition Was In)
Daptone
Thirteen covers recorded by the late soul diva testify to her superb voice and phrasing, and her ability to make any song her own.
Shawn-Neeq
Real Gone Music
Issued by the venerable Black Jazz at the dawn of the 1970s, the guitarist's leader debut is an enduring classic of the jazz-funk era.
Riding on the Tide of Love
Ear / Ear Music
Recorded during the Covid lockdown, this eight-song set is a direct companion to 2020's chart-topping album The City of Love.
Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!
New West
A lush, idiosyncratic tour de force steeped in the golden age of Jeff Lynne.
Gnosis: The Inner Light
Tzadik Records
Eleven lush chamber pieces by the Gnostic Trio plus John Medeski, composed as a memorial homage to Zorn's mentor, Ennio Morricone.
Me and Ennui Are Friends Baby
Ba Da Bing Records / Rice Is Nice
After exploring ornate arrangements on her last album, the indie singer/songwriter returns to stripped-down instrumentation to highlight her emotionally raw, unrelentingly bleak songs.
The Absolute Universe: Forevermore
Inside Out Music / Sony Music
One of two simultaneously released and substantially different configurations of the same album, this sprawling 90-minute set is unabridged.
The Absolute Universe: The Breath of Life
Inside Out Music
One of two simultaneously released and substantially different configurations of the same album, this 64-minute set is abridged.
Merlynn Belle
Kill Rock Stars
The Austin psych-pop group recast themselves as a "medieval outsider country" duo on their alluring second album.
The Complete Recordings
Lemon
The British band known for covering "Wild Thing" salaciously knocked out two good mid-'70s albums; both are collected here along with B-sides and a live set.
Walkin' My Cat Named Dog
Real Gone Music
The teacher, painter, and experimental musician's 1966 debut album is a cult classic full of wonderfully idiosyncratic folk-pop.
Island of Lost Souls
Grapefruit
Dedicated to several departed influences, the first of Montgomery's four 2021 LPs is more a celebration of life than an outpouring of grievances.
Spring Rain
Real Gone Music
The former Jimmy McGriff saxophonist's earthy 1972 debut album showcases his funky, modal style.
In Praise of Shadows
Blue Flowers Music
The Londoner's hypnotic debut album of soulful, blissed-out indie rock and '90s-style downtempo grooves.
Detroit Blues
Third Man Records
Detroit mainstay approaches his second solo album of traditional and public domain folk and blues songs with inventive arrangements and an array of homemade instruments.
Beethoven and His French Piano: Sonatas Op. 53, Op. 54, and Op. 57; Adam: Sonata Op. 8 No. 2; Steibelt: Sonata Op. 64
EPR-Classic
A "radical rewrite" -- in the performer's words -- of some familiar Beethoven sonatas, in more ways than one.
Saint-Saëns: Sonates & Trio
Erato
Well-acquainted players bring out the sparkling melodies and fresh formal ideas of Saint-Saëns' chamber music.
I Wonder as I Wander
BIS
A promising debut recital in which the familiar theme of wandering is augmented by the presence of folk song arrangements.
Kaikhosru Sorabji: 100 Transcendental Studies, Nos. 84-100
BIS
The completion of a magisterial 14-year cycle of Sorabji's 100 Transcendental Studies.
Verklärte Nacht: Schoenberg, Fried, Lehár, Korngold
Chandos
A well-performed program places Schoenberg's Verklärte Nacht in its vocal context.
Plaisirs Illuminés: Veress, Ginastera, Coll
Alpha
Beautifully played and recorded works from the Bartók strain in 20th century music, with several real finds.