Editors' Choice for January 2021

Album cover for Two Saviors

Two Saviors

Keeled Scales

Recorded live to tape, a second album of distinctively warm, timeless, evocative alt-country by the Big Thief guitarist.

— Marcy Donelson

Album cover for Ritual Divination

Ritual Divination

Riding Easy Records

Sabbath-sized riffs, Afrobeat rhythms, and fever dream production all contribute to the most inspired album to date from this Afro-metal quartet.

— Fred Thomas

Album cover for Cooler Returns

Cooler Returns

Sub Pop

The second album from this jangly yet surreal Canadian indie rock quartet matures ever so slightly with more intentional pacing and understated arrangements.

— Fred Thomas

Album cover for Drunk Tank Pink

Drunk Tank Pink

Dead Oceans

Influenced by dance-punk and the highs and lows of post-fame life, Shame's second album is a portrait of a band constantly in motion.

— Heather Phares

Album cover for Spare Ribs

Spare Ribs

Rough Trade

Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn confront life in the time of COVID-19 with darkly witty songs that add more melody to their signature style.

— Heather Phares

Album cover for Vertigo Days

Vertigo Days

Morr Music

The indie electronic pioneers return from a long break with a suite-like set of adventurous, heartfelt songs.

— Heather Phares

Album cover for OK Human

OK Human

Atlantic

A moody, sweetly melancholy, string-drenched departure from Weezer.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine