Staff Picks for January 2022
January 31, 2022
At the time of release, this sophomore effort had the impossible task of living up to their mega-selling major label debut. Although it came nowhere near Fallen's heights, hindsight has revealed this moody goth-rock opus to be a strong and more mature and representative work for Amy Lee and company. Beyond the singles, "Snow White Queen," "Lacrymosa," and "Lose Control" are emotional standouts packed with riffs and Lee's soaring vocals.
January 30, 2022
Recently reissued on vinyl, the second album from the Pernice Brothers was a vast leap forward from their fine 1998 debut. 2001's The World Won't End is beautifully crafted pop music with soaring melodies, breathy lead vocals from Joe Pernice, flawless harmonies, and a dark heart obsessed with where love goes wrong. If you've ever wondered what the Association would sound like if they were seriously bummed out, this is in the ballpark.
January 29, 2022
Between the spring of 1965 and the fall of 1966, the Lovin’ Spoonful released three studio albums and a soundtrack. This is the last in the bunch but arguably the group’s finest long player. While Do You Believe In Magic contained their most ubiquitous song, this collection was far more consistent and boasted hit singles such as “Darlin Companion,” “Nashville Cats,” “Rain on the Roof” and “Summer In The City.” The remainder of the material, including opener “Lovin’ You,” stacked up equally.
January 28, 2022
A master class in sophisticated pop balladry, the U.K. duo's fourth album didn't chart in the States but became their third Top 20 album on its way to achieving gold status at home. Their first full-length without an outside producer, the elegant 12-song set closes on timeless compilation favorite "Apron Strings."
January 27, 2022
The second studio collaboration from Norwegian composer and producer John Erik Kaada and Faith No More/Mr. Bungle/Fantômas frontman Mike Patton, Bacteria Cult is a wordless, yet unceasingly evocative amalgam of dark, orphaned film music, lush chamber pop, and neo-classical-infused avant-garde.
January 26, 2022
Junglepussy's boisterous confidence is in abundance on JP4 where the heavy grittiness of the instrumentation anchors the weight of her raps. The perfect soundtrack for a girls night out.
January 25, 2022
A staple of the early K Records roster, singer/songwriter Lois Maffeo's spare and moody songs were at their sharpest on her 1993 album Strumpet. Existing in a similar realm as other Pacific Northwestern artists like early Elliott Smith band Heatmiser or Team Dresch, Lois explored a more nuanced form of indie rock, not quite gentle enough to be twee, but far from the fury of the basement punk scene she was adjacent to. Strumpet's thoughtful and understated songs silently set the scene for the sound that present day indie rock is just now catchy up with.
January 24, 2022
The lyrics in this album aren't super serious, but Isiah Rashad's musical talent, evident by his flow and experimentation with beat overlap, isn't to be ignored. The House is Burning will inject calm-and-collected confidence into listeners.
January 23, 2022
Spanning three decades and discs, this amazing set accurately summarizes Taj Mahal's widely varied career as America’s premiere roots music synthesist. While hardcore fans may find a couple of omissions, the 15 unreleased tracks--including two intended for his self-titled debut album—offer fine consolation. There are a number of rarities, including unheard live cuts, early material from the Rising Sons and his entire contribution to the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus. Indispensible.
January 22, 2022
A beguiling debut full of gossamer melodies and radiant poetry from the Portland dream pop duo of Sarah Versprille and Daniel Hindman, produced by the late Richard Swift.
January 21, 2022
There is a lot of experimentation, emotion, and trauma woven into the flow of the raps of Oxymoron. The pacing of the songs may be perfect for a fun night out, but because of the subject matter, it would be best to reserve this album for nights of private introspection.
January 20, 2022
Despite their poorly chosen name, this chipper debut is a surprisingly solid one-off from the underrated Scottish crew who never made it to a second LP. Showcasing their Big Country/XTC love, the set features a slew of fun, singalong anthems, but none surpass their one major hit, "I Love You Cause I Have To." Also check out the pining "Celebrity Sanctum" and "Modern Woman," as well as the hard-charging "Pastimes & Lifestyles."
January 19, 2022
As the name would suggest, Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayer is not for the faint of heart. Kid Cudi's lyrics and sound are intensely introspective and slightly depressing as if you're floating in space alone. This album is for those looking for music to drift to as they self-reflect.
January 18, 2022
After the breakup of The Zombies, lead singer Colin Blunstone turned the lights down a little bit lower and took the mood to a place of hazy bittersweetness on his 1971 solo debut One Year. A little less excitable than the baroque pop of his former band, the songs on One Year are no less powerful, with Blunstone's breathy vocals moving through moments of hushed, lovelorn balladry and animated blue-eyed soul.
January 17, 2022
Caroline Polachek outdoes herself in this album by pushing the boundaries of experimental electronic sounds mixed with pop-y and angsty lyrics. Pang is neither a happy nor upbeat album, but it does not present heartbreak with the same mellow sound you're used to.
January 16, 2022
Purveyors of refreshingly idiosyncratic pop music, the band's second album for Carpark Records has a sunny, tropical air and a dreamy quality that pervades the record in exchange for the more abrasive edges of their previous efforts. "Composite" may open with a freaky guitar line, but it's paired with a delightful Beach Boys-esque melody, and "Theme from Rock Island" is a lapping, watery instrumental fit for any seaside jaunt.
January 15, 2022
With a range of sounds and content in each track, An Evening With Silk Sonic is a smooth, groovy ride from start to finish. It's clear Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars made this album a labor of love and fun.
January 14, 2022
On their near perfect debut, the Bay Area band stick to the basics; utilizing pounding C-86 drumbeats, alternately fuzzed and reverb-soaked guitars, and song structures that reach back to the best '60s Brill Building pop as filtered through the head-long rush of power pop> Played and sung with a joyous energy, the record proves impossible to resist.
January 12, 2022
The pioneering extreme metallers first release in over a decade, Surgical Steel is an 11-track tour de force that's as visceral, inventive, and grotesque as their early work, yet infused with the dense, machine-shop precision and chrome veneer of 21st century metalcore.
January 11, 2022
Half of the songs are upbeat and the other half heart-breakingly sad, Fine Line gives us the two parts of Harry Styles that exist when he's in love. It is recommended to listen to the tracks in order for those recently dumped and looking to experience a chronology of feelings that start engrossed in love, heartbroken, then over it.
January 10, 2022
The veteran Chicago-based guitarist opted to play instrumentals on this-self produced 2010 effort. He favors an exciting blend of electric Chicago blues, jazz, and soul. Specter, in fine form throughout, allows his jazz influences -- Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, and Wes Mongomery – a strong place in his original compositions, though his readings of blues standards including Freddie King's "Wash Out" and Ma Rainey's "See See Rider" are equally inspired.
January 9, 2022
A turn from her stripped-down debut album, Sometimes I Might be Introvert showcases Little Simz' ability to meld contrasting sounds into something beautiful. With the 90s R&B, classical, and theatrical influence on its tracks, this album is a treat for music lovers.
January 8, 2022
Not merely another album of impeccably made ambient thump-and-drone, It All Falls Apart improves upon the Sight Below's exceptional debut in that it is more evocative and less insular, with a sense of openness that is far more comforting than alienating. Only two songs carry that muffled Gas-eous pulse-rhythm heard on Glider, and even those are elegantly downcast, graced with layers of contrasting drones.
January 6, 2022
McLean had previously experimented with Coltrane's angular modes and scales and Ornette's concept of chordal freedom, but Let Freedom Ring was the landmark masterpiece where he put everything together and ushered in the era of the modernists at Blue Note. A number of saxophonists were beginning to explore the ability of the instrument to mimic human cries of passion, and here McLean perfected a long, piercing squeal capable of expressing joy, anguish, fury, and more.
January 5, 2022
Yeule is still relatively unknown by the mainstream music scene, but her experimentation with hyperpop is something to behold. Saturation II is as haunting as it is melodic, and will leave you feeling like you'd just ascended to an alien planet where you were serenaded for 41 minutes.
January 4, 2022
The sadly now-defunct band's second album is a hyper-focused blast of armor piercing pop and dynamic noise, a thrilling juxtaposition of riot grrl anger, shoegaze fuzz, and C86-style hooks.
January 3, 2022
With the instrumentals on every track somewhat stripped down, the focus of the album was on Lana Del Rey's soul-crushing lyrics and evocative vocals. Like her previous work, Blue Banisters is meant to be cried to in solitude.
January 2, 2022
On this dark and heady alternative/trip-hop merger typical of the late '90s (courtesy of Tim Simenon), a wounded band resurfaced after the chaotic Songs of Faith & Devotion period. A tumultuous time in the band's history, they were reduced to a trio, having survived addiction and near-implosion. With "Barrel of a Gun," "Home," and "It's No Good," Ultra remains an underrated peak in their catalog with quality unmatched until 2005's Playing the Angel.
January 1, 2022
It may not be her most recent work, but Extraordinary Machine shows that Fiona Apple has always been a master of storytelling and self-reflection. A treat for those who enjoy indie rock with accomplished vocals and a lot of emotion.